Ahmed Naseem (Beyya)

With nearly three decades in Maldivian hospitality, Ahmed Naseem, known as Beyya, leads Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort with experience shaped from frontline service to executive leadership.

Today, he focuses on operational excellence, team empowerment and delivering culturally grounded guest experiences as Resort Manager at Avani+ Fares Maldives. In this interview, Beyya shares his perspective on leadership, service evolution and building meaningful island journeys that resonate with the modern traveller.

You have spent over two decades in Maldivian hospitality, with leadership roles at iconic properties. What key turning points shaped your path to becoming Resort Manager here?

My journey began in 1996 when I was just 16 years old. My first role was as a waiter at Kurumba Maldives, which sparked my passion for the industry.

Over the years, I gained experience at respected resorts including Huvafen Fushi Maldives, W Maldives, Soneva Fushi, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Vakkaru Maldives and many more. Internationally, I strengthened my operational perspective at Six Senses Zighy Bay and later contributed to the pre-opening of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort.

Key moments in my journey include learning from experienced leaders, taking on various roles, and always prioritizing guest happiness. These experiences helped me grow and ultimately led to my current role as Resort Manager, where I am dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for our guests and leading the team with passion.

Leadership often evolves with experience. How would you describe your leadership philosophy today compared to when you first started?

I started at the very front line of guest service and worked my way up through various roles, gaining first-hand experience and a deep understanding of each level within the team. This journey has given me a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and feelings of every team member, regardless of their position. Initially, my focus was primarily on doing things the right way following procedures and ensuring standards were met.

However, as I gained more experience and moved into leadership roles, my approach has evolved significantly. Today, I believe in leading by example, actively listening to my team, and creating an environment where every guest feels truly special. I am passionate about interacting with both guests and team members, understanding their needs and concerns better.

My leadership philosophy now centers around teamwork, empathy, and mutual respect. Having experienced the industry from the ground up, I understand the importance of recognizing and valuing each individual’s contributions. I see leadership as a collaborative effort working together as a team to deliver exceptional service and foster a positive, supportive workplace When team members feel valued and inspired, they naturally deliver exceptional service to our guests.

Avani+ Fares is one of the newer properties in Baa Atoll. From an operational perspective, what excites you most about its current stage of growth?

What excites me most is the opportunity to build something distinctive from the beginning. Avani+ Fares already offers unique experiences such as the HAHARA welcome ritual and An’baa, which reflect our personality and direction.

At this stage, we are shaping the identity of the resort while enhancing guest journeys. My focus is on creating meaningful moments that tell a story and leave lasting memories. I want guests to depart feeling emotionally connected to their stay.

Many travellers today seek a strong sense of place. How do you incorporate Maldivian cultural elements into the guest journey?

We intentionally integrate Maldivian culture into the guest experience through local art, music and traditional décor. Our culinary offerings include local flavours, allowing guests to discover authentic island cuisine.

We also host storytelling sessions about the history, traditions and attractions of the Maldives to help guests better understand our heritage. Additionally, we are implementing locally inspired turn down amenities such as Addu Bondi and Lhaviyani Atoll Athujehi, which create subtle yet meaningful cultural connections during the stay.

The leadership team describes you as someone who elevates guest experiences. Where do you see the biggest opportunities to strengthen service delivery?

The biggest opportunity to enhance service delivery at Avani+ Fares Maldives lies attention to details that concern guest experience and ensuring that our team members are consistently well-trained, motivated, and up-to-date with the latest service standards.

To achieve consistency, ongoing training is essential. We focus on strengthening both technical skills and soft skills such as empathy and communication. Regular feedback sessions, recognition for excellent service, and opportunities for personal development will motivate to deliver their best consistently.

You have overseen guest experiences at ultra luxury resorts. How do you tailor those standards to a brand like Avani+, which blends style, family appeal and lifestyle focus?

Luxury standards can be adapted to suit Avani+ Fares Maldives by combining refinement with a relaxed atmosphere. We aim to create a stylish yet comfortable environment that appeals to families and lifestyle travellers.

In the Maldives, this means combining modern design with local touches, giving personalized service, and helping guests feel comfortable and connected to the beautiful surroundings. By mixing luxury with a laid-back vibe, we can give guests a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Looking ahead, how do you plan to build operational excellence and team culture while supporting the resort’s positioning in a competitive market?

Moving forward, my focus remains on operational excellence and cultivating a positive team culture to strengthen the resort’s competitive position. This includes investing in training, encouraging collaboration and embracing innovation and streamlining operations for greater efficiency.

By aligning our daily operations with the brand’s values and staying responsive to guest expectations, we aim to stay ahead of industry trends and maintain a strong, cohesive team dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement.