In this exclusive interview with Mr. Christopher Baker, we delve into the strategic leadership strategies, sustainability initiatives, and culinary innovations driving success at COLOURS OF OBLU's award-winning resorts, OBLU Xperience Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili.

How do you ensure that each property maintains its unique identity while still aligning with the overall brand values of the COLORS OF OBLU brand?

Every resort within COLOURS OF OBLU brand is individually unique to its own with OBLU SELECT Lobigili being an adults-exclusive private island, that was recently crowned as the No.1 Luxury Hotel globally AND No.2 Hotel in the coveted Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024, outshining its own remarkable achievement last year as the world’s ‘Hottest New Hotel.’

OBLU Xperience Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili share access to Only BLU, the largest under-ocean restaurant in the Maldives. OBLU Xperience Ailafushi is a colourful resort that caters to all kinds of travelers with a plethora of activities for everyone to explore. In the Maldivian language of Dhivehi, ‘Aila’ means family, and ‘Fushi’ means Island while the Fushi Plan is designed in such a way that it creates a free-spirited Maldivian holiday experience for the modern travellers - be it family, friends, or couples.

OBLU SELECT Lobigili leans towards a serene, romantic escape. From colourful sunsets to exotic under-ocean dining at Only BLU, from snorkelling at the marine-rich house reef to relaxing in the garden spa, you really have it all here. However, both properties uphold the COLOURS OF OBLU'S core values of being Vibrantly Colourful, Genuinely Authentic, and Refreshingly Friendly. OBLU SELECT Lobigili is an adult-only island that caters to only adults for an ultimate serene and private setting, where one can sink into unmatched comfort in your haven of elegant luxury.

With both properties being located within proximity to Malé International Airport, how do you manage logistics and transportation to ensure a seamless arrival and departure experience for guests?

To ensure a seamless arrival and departure experience for the guests we have dedicated team members from airport representatives to the transportation team to guide the guests throughout the journey and for any assistance they may require till they arrive at the resort. Also, to enhance their experience we offer contactless app-based check-in by using the resort QR code, therefore guests can complete the arrival formalities prior to their arrival.  We also believe that clear communication channels and efficient logistics planning between teams, it help us to streamline the process without any hassle.

As the General Manager of two distinct properties, how do you prioritize resources and initiatives to address the specific needs and challenges of each resort?

As the General Manager responsible for managing two distinct properties, my primary goal is to ensure that our guests have an exceptional experience during their stay. To achieve this goal, I work closely with my experienced cluster team to evaluate the specific needs and challenges of each resort. 

The cluster team analyses guest feedback, satisfaction rates, market trends, and competition to gain a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges of each property. Based on this analysis, we develop detailed plans that are designed to optimize guest satisfaction and ensure that each resort is operating at peak efficiency. 

Our plans include a range of initiatives, such as staffing and training programs, marketing strategies, and capital investments. We prioritize these initiatives based on the specific needs of each resort, which allows us to allocate our resources effectively and efficiently. 

One of the keys to our success is our proactive planning approach. We plan up to guests ahead, which allows us to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate potential issues or challenges. This allows us to take corrective action before any problems arise, minimizing disruptions and ensuring that our guests receive the highest level of service possible.

Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that each and every guest has an unforgettable experience that exceeds their expectations. By prioritising our resources and initiatives based on the specific needs of each resort, we are able to achieve this goal and maintain our reputation as a leading destination for travelers.

With OBLU SELECT Lobigili having a significant majority of women employees, could you elaborate on the initiatives in place to empower and support women in the workforce, particularly within the context of the Maldivian hospitality industry?

COLOURS OF OBLU is a strong advocate for women's empowerment in the Maldivian hospitality industry. It's reflected right at the leadership level, with four out of eight General Managers being women. We actively support female employees through mentorship programs, leadership training, and flexible work arrangements. Additionally, OBLU SELECT Lobigili Resort has taken conscious steps to have women in its workforce. 

Sustainability is increasingly important in the hospitality industry. Can you share some initiatives implemented at both resorts to minimize environmental impact and promote responsible tourism practices?

We implement sustainable practices across the CORE pillars of Community, Operations, Resources, and Environment. For instance, we organize under-ocean marine tours for school students from nearby local islands. Held at Only BLU Under Ocean restaurant, the sessions are conducted by an In-house Marine Biologist. Kids identify fish and corals, connecting with the country’s fragile ecosystem. 

We also invest in renewable energy, with the two resorts currently operating a renewable energy system boasting a capacity of 1222.59 kWp, comprising 712 panels across 16 roofs. Since transitioning to solar power (as of 2023), the resorts have generated 2,664,613 KWh of energy. This translates to 725,628 liters of diesel saved due to solar power. 

We've implemented several initiatives, such as repurposing plastic food racks into shoe racks and transforming Styrofoam boxes into planters. We also actively seek local suppliers to reduce our carbon footprint and support the Maldivian economy.

Given the tropical island setting, fresh seafood is often a highlight for guests visiting the Maldives. How does each resort incorporate locally sourced seafood into their menus?

We recognise that offering locally sourced seafood is essential for providing our guests with an authentic dining experience that celebrates the natural flavours and culture of the Maldives. To achieve this, while designing the menus, we prioritise dishes showcasing local fish and seafood and conduct rigorous quality control checks to ensure that only the highest quality seafood is selected for our menu. 

By working with local fishermen, we also support the local fishing community and promote sustainable fishing practices. Our talented chefs then use their culinary expertise to create innovative and flavourful dishes that showcase the natural flavours and textures of each seafood variety. We take great pride in presenting our guests with a diverse range of seafood options, including local favourites such as tuna, mahi-mahi, and red snapper. 

In addition to offering exceptional culinary experiences, we also recognise our responsibility to promote sustainability and minimize our environmental impact. As such, we are committed to reducing food waste and implementing eco-friendly practices in our kitchen. 

Overall, our goal is to provide guests with the highest quality seafood available while also supporting the local community and promoting sustainable practices.

Both resorts likely cater to international guests with diverse cultural backgrounds. How do you ensure that the hospitality and service standards at each property accommodate the cultural preferences and expectations of your global clientele?

We analyse the guest mix ahead of their arrival to determine their cultural background and preferences, including dietary restrictions and food allergies. Based on this analysis, our expert chefs tweak the menu to cater to the varying tastes of our international guests. Our menu features an extensive selection of dishes from the Indian Ocean, Asia, and International Cuisine, guaranteeing that we provide a comprehensive culinary experience that meets our guests' cultural expectations.

Moreover, we provide extensive cultural and language training to our teams, which helps them to communicate effectively and respectfully with our guests from diverse cultural backgrounds. This training helps to foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding, which contributes to enhancing the overall guest experience.

Could you share your vision for the future of both OBLU Xperience Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili, and how you plan to continue delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving success for these properties?

We have established a comprehensive feedback system, where we routinely collect and analyse feedback from our guests. We understand that the key to success lies in our ability to actively listen and respond to the needs and expectations of our guests. 

We also have weekly “Think Tank” sessions to identify areas where we can improve guest experience, and we work closely with our team to develop and implement improvement strategies.

This Interview is Published Exclusively on hospitalitynews.in.