Nasrulla & Priya: The Exclusive 'Island Couple' of OBLU SELECT Lobigili

The hospitality power couple at the adult-only OBLU SELECT Lobigili, the Island of Love, resort is Nasrulla Mohamed and Priya Dubey, also known as the Island Couple. The Island Chief, who only represents OBLU SELECT Lobigili, is Nasrulla Mohamed. Priya Dubey, his wife, is in charge of the front desk. They were already married before they joined the resort's pre-opening crew, and they go above and beyond to make sure that every last detail is attended to so that visitors have an unforgettable experience.

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Nasrulla Mohamed

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into the hotel industry.

I was raised at the HA Atoll Education Center and was born in Ha Dhidhoo, the Maldives' northernmost atoll. My formative years were distinct from those of today's youth because we were a cohesive community with additional strong cultural influences. That was like being with family.

After completing my studies in 2000 and earning my London GCE O Levels, I worked for prominent global hospitality brands, where I obtained invaluable experience. I received butler service-specific training at the South African Butler Academy in 2004. To further hone my abilities, I also took a course in 2007 at the Australian Butler School. I worked hard, and by 2015, I had advanced from Junior Butler to Executive Head Butler.

I started working with AH&R in 2015 when I joined the OBLU NATURE Helengeli pre-opening team as an Assistant F&B Manager. Since then, I have worked for OBLU SELECT Lobigili, OZEN LIFE MADHOO, and OBLU SELECT Sangeli. I have also held the position of "Island Chief" at OBLU SELECT Lobigili for more than a year.

What does becoming an Island Chief mean to you?

It's really quite simple for me: this island is my home, and I treat my visitors like members of my family. As the Island Couple and Chief, it is important to me that they enjoy their stay as much as possible. Not just visitors are involved. My staff works incredibly hard to create the magic, and I'm here to help them along the way. Because we can do anything when we work as a family.

If so, how is the idea of a "Island Chief" related to Maldives culture?

Absolutely, I agree. Our ancestors' legacy of hospitality goes deep in our culture. In Maldives culture, the Island Chief is in charge of each island, and there is also a women's committee to welcome important guests like international representatives and government officials. Well planned cordial welcomes, dinner out, lodging, and parting rituals are provided.

What does your typical workday entail?

Nasrulla: I go around the island in the morning to make sure everything is ready for visitors. After that, I attend the operations meeting to discuss suggestions, issues, and remedies. We go over the key events, arrivals, and significant movements from the day. I engage with guests at breakfast to determine how satisfied they are. I randomly check villas to make sure they're ready for visitors, greet them personally, and provide support as needed throughout their stay. I support colleagues in operational areas throughout the day. I check in with visitors at the bar and eateries in the evening. I then check the follow-up lists to make sure all concerns have been resolved and get ready for the next day.

Could you name a Maldives cultural aspect that you would most like to share with visitors?

Nasrulla: The Maldives are a beautiful paradise with pure waters, immaculate beaches, and blue skies. Personally, I frequently enjoy telling visitors about the stories and history of my nation.

Priya Dubey

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into the hotel industry.

In India's Bhopal, I was raised. Upon graduation from high school, I enrolled in Frankfinn Training Institute for a course in aviation, hospitality, and travel management. I obtained my first job as a Guest Service Associate at Radisson Blu while pursuing my hospitality courses. Prior to relocating to the Maldives for work, I had worked for ITC Hotels in Chennai in addition to Radisson.

What has your experience been like so far since you joined the AH&R family?

I worked at many F&B Outlets like Tradition IndoCeylon and M6m, the underwater restaurant, before I joined the OZEN LIFE MAADHOO pre-opening team in 2016 as a F&B Attendant. I was given the chance to join the pre-opening team for OBLU SELECT Sangeli in a leadership position as the F&B Captain at Simply Veg.

After a year, I was eager to work in the front office and was offered a position as a Guest Service Agent in the OZEN LIFE MAADHOO Front Office. Working in the food and beverage industry greatly aided me in managing guest relations, and I discovered that I have a natural talent for making people happy.

Once more, I was fortunate to join the pre-opening team for OBLU SELECT Lobigili as the Front Office Supervisor. I took pleasure in accepting the task of forming a new team.

What does your typical workday entail?

Charting all of the day's motions is the first thing to accomplish in the morning. Team briefing, attendance at all arrivals and departures, and assistance to my team wherever they need it come next. Together with my husband, I greet all of our visitors as the island couple to make sure they have a wonderful stay. I make a plan for the next day's operations before I clock off.

What has been the pinnacle of your professional life thus far?

The best part of my employment with AH&R has been getting to participate in three pre-openings, which have strengthened me both personally and professionally and taught me a lot.

What inspires you most?

We are like a big family here at AH&R, and we all look out for one another.

How does the island couple at OBLU SELECT Lobigili like it there?

OBLU SELECT We host lots of couples because Lobigili is a private island for adults only. It is a very wonderful sensation when we present ourselves to the guests as The Island Couple. Our visitors frequently become curious, fascinated, and appreciative of Lobigili Island's carefully selected amenities for couples.

What guidance would you provide young people seeking employment in the sector, particularly women?

Ten years ago, it would have been unusual to see a woman in a prominent position, but today, women are in charge of five-star hotels. Being a woman, I must admit that the Maldives' hospitality sector provides many of chances for female employees. At OBLU SELECT Lobigili, the majority of our staff members are female, and they successfully manage all parts of operations.