Meet Vittoriano Ummarino. The Resort Manager at the beautiful Reethi Faru Resort in Raa Atoll. Our team at Travel Trade Maldives got to gain some insight into his inspiring story.
How did you get started?
My journey in the world of hospitality began over 30 years ago in Africa, where I spent my adolescence and where, as a passionate naturalist, I founded a successful eco-tourism project on the coast of Kenya, getting in touch with the world of Tourism and Tour Operating. I later arrived in the Maldives, always driven by the passion for the sea and interest in marine biology. I completed my studies in Hotel Management and Marine Science, eventually combining my great passions with work. After many years traveling around the world, many of which spent in the Maldives, I am still full of enthusiasm and love for this unique and special country.
Can you tell us a bit more about Reethi Faru resort?
Reethi Faru Resort is a truly eco-sensitive luxury resort, which bases its principles on the concept of sustainability and environmental protection. We are proudly at the forefront of everything related to energy saving, environmental impact reduction and waste management. Just a quick highlight about our sustainability initiative: 4000 solar panels installed on the roofs of our staff accommodation for a total capacity of over 1MW. 4 RO plants for water desalination with a capacity of over 200 cubic/meter per day, for regular consumption and drinking water. A state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant (STP). The wastewater is treated organically, and all treated water is reused for gardening and irrigation (using drip irrigation system). All food waste generated in our Resort is segregated and directed to our in-house biogas plant, which generates biogas from food waste, which is in-turn used for cooking- thereby reducing the need for traditional, non-renewable cooking gas. And again, a mushroom farm, a hydroponic and aquaponic garden for our own organic vegetable production. We have received numerous awards, and this is a great incentive for us to continue along this path. Our guests identify themselves with our philosophy and appreciate coming back year after year.
Moving forward with the new normal, what would you say is the biggest challenge for you?
The period we are living in is unprecedented, and the tourism sector is probably the one that has suffered the most devastating impact. Fortunately, I have to say that we have been continuously assisted and supported by the property, which with great effort but also with a great dose of daily enthusiasm has helped us to reopen the Resort in full efficiency, and even with many improvements and enhanced services.
What are the safety and hygiene procedures at the property?
At Reethi Faru we have developed a Safety Protocol in full compliance with HPA guideline, Ministry of Tourism and Local Authorities. We have implemented safety and hygienic measures from check in to check out, including wearing personal protection equipment for the Team Members, social distancing while interacting with guests, new technologies for the sanitation of rooms and common areas (ozone generators, electrostatic sprayers, UV decontamination tool kit etc.)
Moreover, I would like to point out that the Maldivian Tourist Resorts, for their natural position in the middle of the ocean are already synonymous of social distancing and privacy. In addition, all outlets are naturally ventilated by the ocean breeze, and all activities take place outdoors, which virtually reduce at a minimum the risk of infection.
What makes Reethi Faru so unique?
48 acres of lush vegetation, very tidy in its main paths but deliberately left natural and wild in its innermost. White beaches are all around and a fantastic house reef just a few meters from the shore for a snorkeling accessible to all.
Our services are also excellent: several themed Restaurants, including the new vegetarian and vegan one, Diving Center, Water Sports and Spa among the best of all the Maldives and a Marine Center for inshore and offshore reef restoration projects.
What are some of your successes?
My success is the success of our whole team, which in such a complicated moment has proved to be united and cohesive. Everyone understood that only through work and commitment we could get out of this situation. Today the resort is open, it is beautiful, and we are looking forward to welcome guests from all over the world.
What is your advice for young adults who wish to pursue a career in this industry?
A career in the world of hospitality is an exciting adventure, especially if it takes place in the Maldives. I hope that many young women and men, especially locals, will achieve prestigious goals soon. My advice is only one: Commitment.
Only through a daily engagement, sometimes postponing one’s personal life they will be able to achieve results that will bear fruit later.
