With over 25 years of experience in hospitality, Siraj Ali Waseem has built a career defined by dedication, adaptability, and a people-first philosophy. From his early start at Makunudu Island Resort to gaining international exposure in New Zealand and advancing through leadership roles across the Maldives, his journey reflects both resilience and a deep passion for Maldivian hospitality. Today, as General Manager of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, he combines this wealth of experience with a strong commitment to sustainability and guest-centred service.
Under his leadership, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has reinforced its reputation as a pioneer of eco-conscious luxury, earning multiple international accolades while staying true to its barefoot philosophy. He has also overseen customised villa renovations designed to enhance the guest journey, blending Maldivian craftsmanship with modern comforts while maintaining the resort’s connection to nature. In this interview, Siraj shares his path in hospitality, his leadership style, and his vision for the future of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
My enthusiasm for guests and service was the foundation of my hospitality career. I have always been driven by the idea of giving guests memorable experiences, whether by ensuring a smooth stay, or through small gestures that become treasured memories and personalising what we do based on the guest preferences. I’ve had the chance to work in several areas of resort operations over the years, including guest relations, front office operations, and ultimately in leadership positions.
Through this journey I learnt the value of empathy, the effectiveness of listening, timeliness in service delivery and the need for consistency at every stage. I’ve personally witnessed how a sincere smile or a focused discussion can completely change the guest’s opinion.
My leadership style is based on the lessons that I have learnt over the years and is guided by a people-first mentality, encouraging open communication, empowering teams, and establishing clear expectations. My approach involves developing talent, praising hard work, and fostering an atmosphere at work where people feel encouraged and challenged to advance. Great service ultimately starts behind the scenes with an inspired and driven staff, which I work to develop every day.
For me, it begins with having a true grasp of individuals, understanding their potential, motivations, and strengths. I firmly think that trust, clarity, and purpose are the foundation of high-performing teams. I believe team members naturally contribute their best work when they feel appreciated and noticed, I make it a point to listen, watch, and be present when needed.
I believe that fostering a culture where support and accountability go hand in hand is important. I establish clear expectations, but also empower them with the autonomy and confidence to take ownership of their roles. I see setbacks as chances to grow rather than something to be afraid of, as they are an essential part of the process.
Open communication is another important component. I set an example by being open, personable, and consistent, and I welcome input at all levels. This eventually establishes an atmosphere where teamwork thrives and creativity flourishes, becoming an integral part of the work culture.
Lastly, I never underestimate the power of knowledge. Celebrating victories, no matter how minor, creates momentum and strengthens a feeling of collective accomplishment. People don’t just perform; they thrive when they feel inspired, trusted, and empowered.
Many resorts have beautiful beaches and villas over the ocean, but Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is different because it combines barefoot elegance with conscious living, guest empowerment, and immersive sustainability. It’s not the dazzling modernism that makes it appealing; it’s the emotional connection to the environment, culture, and local community.
We planned the upgrades to our villas at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu with one goal in mind: to make the guest experience better while staying true to the natural, barefoot luxury that distinguishes our brand.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, we focused on customisation based on guest input, sustainability, and how well the island’s surroundings fit with the design. Each renovation blends traditional Maldivian craftsmanship with modern conveniences to create a room that feels both truly local and comfortable.
To make people feel more connected to nature, we made small changes to the design, such as adding more wood finishes, gentle lighting, handcrafted details, and open-air bathrooms. For example, our Sunset Beach Villas now have better views of the beach, more seclusion, and bigger open-air lounging spaces that invite guests to relax in harmony.
We intentionally did not do any changes to the technology for a reason. We made sure not to digitise too much so that the island would be calm and unplugged. Instead, we chose to enhance comfort and functionality using eco-friendly materials that align with our sustainability goals. This includes upgraded bedding, improved ventilation, and adjustments to the layout to create a more thoughtful and relaxing space.
The guest journey has been greatly enhanced. Guests often say that the villas feel quiet, natural, and personal, which makes them feel like “home in nature.” These changes not only make the place look better and feel better, but they also fit with our larger idea of purposeful, conscious travel.
In the end, every choice we made about the renovations was meant to make guests feel more connected to nature, and that’s something we’re very proud of.
Our dedication to sustainability is ingrained in Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s very DNA. It takes a comprehensive, long-term strategy that affects every phase of the guest experience and our philosophy to maintain the status of Maldives’ Leading Green Resort and win numerous sustainability awards.
Among all the other projects we run, the Turtle Rescue Centre, created in collaboration with the Olive Ridley Project, is one of our most significant initiatives. It offers injured sea turtles medical attention and rehabilitation, making it the first of its kind in the Maldives. Through interactive encounters, visitors can become more knowledgeable about marine conservation by visiting the centre, learning about the turtles, and even adopting one.
We also have a resident Marine Educator on the island who is dedicated and committed to run programmes for Coral Restoration with full support of our team members and guests alike. In these programmes, we plant coral frames in our lagoon and share the updates with the guests as their coral grows. This initiative develops a strong, intimate bond with Coco Palm and the surrounding ocean health in general.
One project we’re especially proud of is our on-site organic gardens. We supply fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even coconut oil for the spa and kitchen. It not only helps reduce our carbon footprint but also ensures a genuine farm-to-table experience for both guests and team members. We’ve also started making our own organic jams here at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, which adds a homemade touch our guests really appreciate.
We are proud to highlight that Coco Palm will be among the very first resorts who stopped throwing organic waste to the sea and instead started managing this waste on the island successfully. We have also made investments and efforts in waste reduction systems, water desalination, and introducing energy-efficient lighting. Our use of plastic has been completely stopped since 2018 and we have strong recycling procedures in place. For our gardens, we also prioritise composting organic waste.
It is also our aim to run awareness programmes for the surrounding local communities through outreach initiatives, educational tours, and assistance for regional craftspeople. We maintain a close relationship with the island residents.
In short, our sustainability journey is successful because it is a culture rather than a trend. Every member of the team participates, every visitor is encouraged to do so, and every choice is made with the long-term wellbeing of our environment and surroundings in mind and I believe consistency is the key.
Over the next five years, I want Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu to stay true to what makes us unique while also evolving in ways that allow us to have a greater impact on our guests, the environment, and the communities surrounding us.
We also aim to remain proudly tropical, embracing our rustic charm and signature barefoot philosophy, while continuing to develop thoughtfully and sustainably. Our goal is to keep being a shining example of genuine, eco-friendly Maldivian hospitality, where luxury isn’t about excess, but about meaningful experiences and protecting the natural environment.
Remain curious, humble, and never lose sight of the guest experience. Concentrate on both your team and your guests, and most importantly lead by example. Hard work, sensitivity, and consistency will get you further than titles ever would.
