Alia’s professional journey in hospitality began with a short-term role in the Maldives, which quickly turned into a career-defining experience. Now serving as the Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, Alia has consistently contributed to the resort’s success since its pre-opening. With a deep passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences, she continues to play a key role in shaping the resort’s excellence.
In this exclusive interview with us, Alia shares insights into her professional journey, the challenges she’s faced, and the lessons learned along the way. She also discusses the evolving trends in luxury hospitality, her vision for the future, and how The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, continues to redefine excellence in the industry.
I never imagined the Maldives would become my second home. What started as a six-month role as a seasonal hostess turned into a life-changing journey. I fell in love with the destination, the people, and the energy of the hospitality industry. What was meant to be a short stay quickly became something more, and I wanted to explore different facets of the business.
I spent the next few years working as a butler, an experience that completely transformed my understanding of luxury hospitality. I learned what true personalisation meant—not just in service but in creating unforgettable moments for guests. But something kept pulling me toward the bigger picture. I watched the Sales & Marketing team in action—how they built relationships, crafted stories, and shaped the resort’s presence in the global market. I knew I wanted to be part of that world.
When the opportunity arose to transition into a Sales Executive role, it felt like stepping into the unknown. Sales & Marketing was completely new to me, and I had a lot of doubts—Could I do this? Did I belong here? There were days when I felt completely out of place—where a failed deal or a mistake made me question if I had what it takes. I remember one moment in my first year when I almost gave up. Instead, I reminded myself that every challenge is a lesson, and every setback is an opportunity. And that mindset changed everything. I took the leap, embraced the learning curve, and kept pushing forward.
I was fortunate to have an incredible leader, Nabeel Abdulla, who mentored me and taught me that success isn’t just about numbers —it’s about relationships, trust, and having the confidence to own your place at the table.
A defining moment in my career came when I was selected to be part of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands pre-opening team. Building something from the ground up is an experience like no other—demanding, intense, and at times overwhelming. But nothing compared to the feeling of welcoming our first guests, knowing I had been part of creating something extraordinary. This feeling of pride—for the incredible people I’ve worked with and for myself—is something I will never forget.
This period taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of vision. Five years later, my passion for this extraordinary resort is stronger than ever. This place isn’t just where I work—it has shaped who I am.
Positioning an ultra-luxury resort in a market filled with some of the world’s most renowned brands was an exciting challenge. However, with a strong strategy, great partners, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we successfully established The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, as a standout destination.
The key to success always comes down to people. Having a strong internal team and trusted external partners is what drives results. Our greatest opportunity lies in continuously redefining luxury while staying true to The Ritz-Carlton’s legacy. Today’s guests crave personalisation, sustainability, and authentic storytelling, and we are constantly innovating to elevate these elements in our guest experience.
What truly sets us apart is our ability to anticipate guest needs before they even arrive. Many hotels focus on recovery—fixing issues after they arise—but true luxury is proactive, not reactive. Our goal is to craft seamless, unforgettable moments where every detail feels effortless. The true magic of this destination is how it brings people together through meaningful experiences, and that’s what we strive to deliver every day.
Luxury travel is shifting beyond indulgence—it’s about emotional connections, authentic experiences, and a deeper sense of purpose. Today’s discerning travellers seek more than just a stunning destination; they want personalisation, cultural immersion, and experiences that enrich their lives.
At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, we are shaping this future by creating journeys that go beyond expectations. Whether it’s an intimate dinner with a Michelin-starred chef, a wellness retreat inspired by natural elements, or an up-close marine conservation experience, our guests are not just visitors—they become part of a story.
Sustainability is another key driver of luxury travel. Today’s travellers expect more than eco-friendly initiatives; they seek transparency and real impact. At our resort, sustainability isn’t just a commitment—it’s woven into everything we do, from conservation programs to thoughtful guest experiences that balance luxury with responsibility.
The future of luxury hospitality is about how a place makes you feel. At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, we don’t just welcome guests; we create moments that inspire, transform, and linger long after they leave.
The most rewarding part of my journey has been growing alongside the resort. Being part of the pre-opening team, I witnessed every stage of development, and with each milestone, I evolved as well.
What makes The Ritz-Carlton unique is its culture of empowerment. From day one, I was encouraged to take ownership, make decisions, and be part of something bigger. The brand’s motto—“We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen”—is not just a philosophy but a way of life. It’s shaped the way I lead, build relationships, and even how I approach life beyond work.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the continued growth of The Ritz-Carlton brand in the region, the evolving landscape of luxury travel, and the limitless opportunities to create unforgettable guest experiences. The best part? The journey is just getting started.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of learning from exceptional women who embody resilience, ambition, and excellence. Two stand out as defining inspirations.
Mafalda Tavares, our former Director of Sales & Marketing and now the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi, showed me the power of leadership with heart. She balanced strategic vision with genuine empathy, proving that strong leadership is about people first. Her journey from sales to the highest executive role is a testament to the limitless potential of women in hospitality.
Aminath Hameed’s story is equally inspiring. From being a pastry chef at our resort to launching her own business in Malé, she exemplifies boldness, courage, and an entrepreneurial spirit. She followed her passion, took a risk, and built something of her own—proving that success is not just about reaching the top but about forging your own path.
At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, I am surrounded by brilliant women leading in key executive roles, each bringing their own strengths to the table. To thrive in this industry, three qualities are essential: resilience, navigating challenges with confidence, self-belief, owning your expertise and speaking up, and the ability to connect because luxury hospitality is built on relationships and storytelling.
Women in luxury hospitality are not just shaping the industry; we are defining its future. And as I look at the strong, talented women around me, I know that the future is bright.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is this: if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Confidence is your greatest asset, and the moment you recognise your worth, opportunities begin to open.
Success in sales and marketing doesn’t happen overnight. Growth is uncomfortable, and challenges are inevitable, but resilience is what sets leaders apart. Be proactive—don’t wait for doors to open, knock on them. Share your ambitions, seek advice from leaders, and trust that great leaders will invest in your potential.
Luxury hospitality is built on relationships. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, stay curious, and never stop learning. Passion and dedication will always be noticed—when you show up with excellence, leadership follows.
Most importantly, own your journey—because no one else will do it for you. Your ambition is valid, your voice is powerful, and your future is in your hands. Keep pushing forward, be patient, and don’t let setbacks shake your belief in yourself. Success isn’t instant, and growth isn’t comfortable—but the strongest leaders are the ones who rise every time they fall. Stay hungry to learn, embrace challenges as stepping stones, and never let fear or doubt silence your potential. You can, and you will get there. And one day, when you look back, you won’t just see how far you’ve come—you’ll see the incredible person you’ve become.
