For Sana, the story of Villa Resorts is far more than a professional pursuit, it’s a personal legacy woven into her childhood, her identity, and her leadership approach. Her journey with the brand began long before her professional career, as a child immersed in the culture and community of the islands, surrounded by pioneers of Maldivian tourism. Those early impressions have fueled her drive to preserve Villa’s essence while elevating it for modern travellers.
Now, as Director of PR & Marketing, Sana channels that understanding into her work, shaping how the world experiences Villa Resorts. With a deep respect for culture and an eye for modern storytelling, she has helped lead the brand into a new era, most notably through the transformation of Paradise Island into Villa Nautica. In this exclusive interview, she reflects on her journey, her inspirations, and how she hopes to leave her own mark while carrying forward the values she grew up with.
Some of my favourite childhood memories are from Fridays at the resort. Fridays were always Maldivian Nights, where the whole island came alive with music, culture, and food. For us, it also meant Friday Biriyani at the staff canteen, a meal everyone looked forward to all week. I remember the sound of bodu beru drums echoing through the night, local bands playing under the stars, and golden sunsets that I’d watch with my sister from the jetty. Experiencing the duality of those providing and receiving service was deeply impactful. The salty breeze would drift through the coconut palms as the kitchens buzzed with energy, yet out front, everything felt calm and effortless for our guests.
Even as a child, I noticed how naturally our team welcomed people. They spoke half a dozen languages without hesitation and made visitors feel like old friends. It left me fascinated by what true hospitality looked like – not scripted, but sincere.
Later on, when I joined Villa Hotels’ marketing team in 2010, my uncle Ali Rasheed, or Alibe as we call him, inspired me deeply. He is hardworking, innovative, and has this rare ability to tell stories that connect people. Watching him and the generation before us who pioneered Maldivian tourism taught me that building hospitality here was never just business. It was about imagination, resilience, and daring to think differently. Those lessons shaped how I see the brand today and the responsibility I feel to carry that spirit forward.
I still remember being around eight when someone told me my father was building too many “Moodhu Kotari”, the water bungalows, and that no one would come to the Maldives to stay in them or fill them up. But my imagination went wild. In my mind’s eye, I could see those wooden villas stretching out across the lagoon, waves lapping underneath, and guests waking up completely surrounded by the ocean.
Years later, I watched those very bungalows rise from the sea, turning that vision into something real. Then, in 2004, much of it was washed away by the tsunami. What stayed with me was not just the devastation but how everyone came together to rebuild stronger, larger, and even more beautiful than before. That spirit of resilience has stayed with me ever since.
I often think of my father during those years. He had this rare mix of daring vision and quiet stewardship. He was bold enough to dream big but deeply protective of our islands, so much so that he numbered each coconut palm during development to make sure as few trees as possible were cut down. That mindset of balancing progress with preservation still lives on across all our properties today.
Personally, that’s what Villa Nautica represents to me. It’s a symbol of resilience, vision, and care for our home. When I walk through the resort today and see how far it has come, how it has evolved from Paradise Island into something even more remarkable, I feel proud. It reminds me of the lessons my father taught us and of what’s possible when we stay rooted in those values while daring to push boundaries.
The vision was simple yet deeply personal. We wanted to tell the Maldivian story to the world in a way that truly reflected who we are. Rebranding was never about changing names or logos. It was about honouring where we started while shaping what modern Maldivian hospitality could become.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside passionate, talented people and to have been guided by Piers Schmidt during this journey. Together, we focused on celebrating each island for its own beauty and character. These resorts are not just places of business. They are homes. They are where I grew up, where memories were made, and where generations of our team have poured their hearts into creating something special.
Seeing these islands, including the transformation of Paradise Island into Villa Nautica, has been one of my proudest experiences. It feels like we’ve been able to share the warmth and authenticity of our beginnings while creating something fresh and inspiring for the future. Through the rebrand, we were able to introduce these homes to the world in a way that honours our roots, with authenticity and heart.
Villa Nautica has a distinct rhythm. Its closeness to Malé makes it incredibly accessible, but what makes it stand out is its energy; you feel it the moment you step off the boat. Mornings here are drenched in sunlight, with the scent of fresh coffee drifting from Press & Pot near the infinity pool. There’s a buzz of activity, yet plenty of quiet corners to slow down and breathe.
It’s a resort built on freedom of choice. Some guests spend their days unwinding at the spa, others are out diving, surfing, or learning a new water sport. Everything feels effortless, not overly curated, but always thoughtful.
Strategically, Villa Nautica allows us to explore a more expressive side of hospitality. It speaks to travellers looking for style, energy, and character while still feeling true to the Maldives. It shows how modern Maldivian hospitality can be confident, warm, and full of life. That makes it a cornerstone of our future growth.
Storytelling has always been a part of who we are. Each of our properties has its own personality, rhythm, and promise, and we try to bring that to life in the way we share our story with the world. With Villa Nautica, the approach is dynamic and intentional. The resort is not about spectacle. It is about balance. The nautical-inspired design, the curated experiences, and the quiet sophistication speak to travellers who want depth rather than distraction.
Through our digital channels, we try to set the tone before guests even arrive. Every piece of content is a way of helping them imagine their own journey here. We also focus on education. We want people to see the fragility of the Maldives, to understand its flora and fauna, and to experience what is not conventionally perceived as Maldivian life. It is more than just sun, sea, and sand.
Our campaigns highlight the details that are often overlooked, encouraging guests to connect with the real Maldives. In a market that can feel noisy, we do not try to be louder. We focus on being clearer and more authentic. That clarity builds trust and sets Villa Nautica apart, giving guests a sense of connection before they even step onto the island.
The future of Villa Nautica is not about becoming bigger or louder. It is about becoming more thoughtful, more personal, and more connected to who we truly are. I want every part of the experience, from the way we design our spaces to the way we welcome guests at dinner, to feel intentional and memorable.
We are exploring ways to create moments that surprise and stay with people long after they leave. I see Villa Nautica evolving in a way that reflects the spirit of the island even more closely, where every detail feels alive with meaning and purpose.
For me, the next chapter is about holding on to the Maldivian soul and those intangibles that have always set us apart. Our heritage, our warmth, and our relationship with nature are at the heart of what makes this place special. My role is to guide Villa Nautica into its next era with creativity and clarity while keeping those roots strong. That is how I hope to leave my mark, a refined and modern expression of Maldivian hospitality that feels timeless and genuine.
The future of hospitality will belong to leaders who are present, authentic and truly connected to the people around them. This industry has always been about people. If we want to create experiences that feel meaningful to guests, we must first build cultures where our teams feel valued, supported, and inspired.
At Villa Resorts, we are shaping that culture through openness and collaboration. I believe leadership is not about hierarchy but about trust and creating an environment where every idea is heard. When people feel they can take ownership and express themselves, that is when real innovation happens.
Creativity is also at the heart of where we are heading. Hospitality is no longer just about offering comfort. Guests want to be surprised, inspired, and moved. To deliver that, our teams need the freedom to think differently, to take risks, and to bring bold ideas to life. Villa has always embraced that pioneering spirit, taking on challenges others might avoid, setting new milestones, and shaping the future of tourism in the Maldives.
I want to carry that spirit forward. I want every future hotelier who works with us to feel that no idea is too ambitious, no dream too bold. Because it is that spirit of imagination, and the courage to act on it, that will define the next chapter of hospitality, and it is exactly that mindset that we are nurturing at Villa Resorts.
Every day, I think about the role model I want to be for my daughter. She has always been a driving force in my life to do better. When I ask her what she wants to be when she grows up, she tells me, “I want to be just like you.” That alone inspires me to set a standard worth looking up to.
But I did not get here alone. I learned by watching the incredible women who came before me and stand beside me today. We may come from different companies and backgrounds, but in many ways, our stories are the same. There is a nurturing strength that runs through Maldivian women in hospitality, a resilience that holds teams together, tells our country’s story with pride, and quietly shapes the future of this industry.
These women inspire me daily; they are the unsung heroes of Maldivian tourism. Leading with pride, strength and grace, they are among the strongest leaders I know. My hope is that young Maldivian girls can see themselves reflected in that legacy, that they know that they belong here. That they have the right to dream boldly, lead fearlessly, and carry our nation’s story forward for the world to see.
