The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, has announced the appointment of Justin Swart as General Manager, effective 3 April 2025. With nearly 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality across South Africa, Thailand, and the Maldives, Swart brings a wealth of operational expertise and a strong commitment to delivering innovative, guest-centric experiences.
Justin grew up in Worcester, a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. From a young age, he saw the positive impact hospitality had on people visiting his family home. “They left with incredible memories, and I realized how meaningful authentic engagement could be,” he recalls. “Seeing how shared experiences could bring joy inspired me to pursue a lifelong career in hospitality. I wanted to create more of those unforgettable moments for people from all over the world.”
Swart began his career as a personal trainer and fitness supervisor at the Arabella Sheraton Grand Hotel in Cape Town (now The Westin Cape Town). He later moved to Thailand, where he expanded his skills in guest experience, public relations, and resort operations, eventually progressing into senior leadership roles across boutique resorts and city hotels in Phuket.
In 2016, Swart assumed his first General Manager role, overseeing multiple properties in Bangkok. In 2021, he was appointed General Manager at Cora Cora Maldives, further deepening his understanding of the Maldivian luxury hospitality landscape.
In his new role at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, Swart aims to push boundaries and deliver immersive experiences that resonate with today’s global traveller. “I plan to foster an environment where our team feels free to explore and experiment,” says Justin of his new role. “Experimentation will be at the heart of our strategy—keeping people interested, informed, involved, and most importantly, inspired. Along the way, we’ll challenge norms, break some boundaries, and rewrite the playbook—always in true Standard style”.
With his forward-thinking approach and deep-rooted passion for hospitality, Justin Swart is poised to lead The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives into an exciting new chapter.
