20 Mar Interview with Monica Coppetta, General Manager, Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, Maldives
The OZEN Reserve Bolifushi is a 5-star luxury getaway that won TripAdvisor’s number 1 world’s best all-inclusive hotel. It provides guests with everything from fine dining with 92 choices of wine to spa treatments and beyond. To begin the interview, can you give our readers an overview of the resort’s capacities, features, and services? How does the resort capture the spirit of the Maldives while standing out from the high amount of 5-star competition in the country?
At OZEN Reserve Bolifushi, our endeavour is to curate enriched experiences for our esteemed guests. Nestled within the confines of a 5-star luxury setting, our resort boasts 90 exquisite villas, each enveloped in an aura of seclusion and tranquility. Guests indulge in an array of exceptional dining appointments featuring diverse culinary journeys from around the globe. Guests embark on a transformative journey at our Spa and Wellness Centre, ELE|NA Spa, where ‘Wellness Your Way’ stands as a testament to our innovative approach. Drawing inspiration from Ayurvedic principles and the elemental forces of nature – earth, water, wood, metal, and fire – our wellness programs offer a profound rejuvenating experience.
At Best Dives Bolifushi, a distinguished PADI 5-star Dive Centre, guests can book numerous exhilarating watersport activities, guided by our team of certified and experienced professionals.
Continually enhancing our offerings, our resort exudes a distinctive ambiance characterised by genuine care and ‘Joy of Giving’ – the cornerstone of our company’s philosophy. Beyond merely a haven of luxury, it is a cherished sanctuary where guests feel compelled to return time and again, as evidenced by our notable rate of repeat clientele. Guests are enamored not only by the allure of nature but also by the heartfelt hospitality extended by our dedicated team. Renowned for our bespoke service, we rise above mere anticipation to deliver genuine care, elevating each guest’s experience to unparalleled heights.
Central to our commitment is the notion of savouring the luxury of time, a rarity in today’s fast-paced world. Amidst the hectic race of urban life and looming deadlines, guests sometimes arrive with a semblance of disorientation. However, through the warmth of Maldivian hospitality and the attentiveness of our team, they abandon their worries and embrace a newfound sense of contentment. This overwhelming atmosphere, characteristic of OZEN Reserve Bolifushi and its parent brand ‘THE OZEN COLLECTION’, epitomises our commitment to infusing each encounter with a personalised human touch.
What major milestones have the properties recently passed regarding new infrastructure and services offered to its guests? What kind of modern transformations have occurred that visitors can take advantage of in 2024?
When visitors grace the shores of the Maldives, their time is predominantly spent immersed in the azure waters or basking in the serenity of their villas, where the allure of waterslides adds to their delight. Dining experiences too, play a significant role, as guests indulge in delectable offerings at our restaurants and bars.
Recent enhancements to our culinary offerings have been met with great enthusiasm. Among these additions is ‘SOYI’, a charming new eatery renowned for its tantalising Pan-Asian cuisine, which has quickly garnered popularity among our discerning guests. Despite its modest size, SOYI’s appeal remains undeniable, a testament to the discerning tastes of our patrons. Another recent addition, the ‘Hot Pot’ table, though seemingly simple in concept, has captivated our guests with its interactive dining experience. Set around a simmering soup stock, this communal dish invites diners to savour a medley of vegetables, meats, and fish, elevating simplicity to a sublime culinary experience.
In our pursuit of guest satisfaction, ELE|NA Spa stands as a testament to personalised care and attention. Focused on fulfilling guest preferences, our spa team diligently considers feedback and suggestions, tailoring treatments to individual needs. This year, we’ve unveiled a refreshed menu featuring innovative therapies, complemented by our ‘Wellness Your Way’ program. Our culinary offerings extend beyond the plate, with our chef crafting bespoke nutritional plans to complement the wellness journey at ELE|NA Spa.
The introduction of visiting practitioners, such as sound healing sessions, has further enriched the guest experience, reflecting our commitment to offering novel experiences. Anticipating evolving preferences, we are poised to introduce new offerings rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, catering to the growing demand for natural wellness practices.
OZEN Reserve Bolifushi is part of Atmosphere Core’s collection. The company is currently looking to expand its selection of resorts to 25 by 2025 and is currently in the process of opening another OZEN resort in Kolkata. What kind of synergies exist within the Atmosphere Core group of resorts in the Maldives, and what new strengths will come from its international expansion?
Upon joining the company recently, what truly resonated with me was the profound philosophy of generosity that permeates every aspect of our ethos. Within our community, we proudly identify as both OZENERS and ACERS, embodying the principles of anticipation, craftsmanship, and elevation.
Exciting developments lie on the horizon, with the imminent opening of OZEN Mansion Kolkata and the forthcoming addition of another esteemed resort under the ‘by Atmosphere’ brand in the Maldives. Within THE OZEN COLLECTION, we encapsulate the essence of the Maldives through a blend of refined elegance, heartfelt generousity, and the curation of levitated moments. Every guest’s experience is meticulously curated to the highest standards, yet imbued with authenticity and warmth, ensuring a genuine connection with everyone.
You were appointed as General Manager of OZEN Reserve Bolifushi after a long career in hospitality, including upper management positions in Cyprus and the Bahamas. What are your current top priorities in your new role, and what future projects are you most excited about?
Foremost among my priorities is the cultivation and dissemination of a culture deeply rooted in conservation and environmental stewardship. It is my modest desire that this focus become embedded within our collective identity, with a steadfast commitment to nurturing and preserving our island refuge. While our endeavours may not boast extensive projects, it is the meticulous attention to detail and the conscientious care for our surroundings that truly matter. Here at OZEN Reserve Bolifushi, we fervently embrace green initiatives, recognising that even the smallest actions contribute significantly to our collective efforts.
Additionally, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of elevating the service experience, a goal embraced not only by myself but by all General Managers within our organisation. Central to this aspiration is the imperative to instill an understanding of the paramount importance of conservation among our stakeholders.
To this end, we have initiated a collaboration with the Maldives National University to explore innovative possibilities for environmental preservation. One such endeavour involves the cultivation of bamboo, a remarkable plant renowned for its rapid carbon dioxide absorption and multifaceted utility. While this initiative may seem unconventional, its potential to significantly mitigate our carbon footprint cannot be overstated, representing a crucial component of our broader conservation strategy.
Furthermore, our commitment to sustainability is exemplified by our adoption of hydroponic agriculture. While our hydroponic plantation may be modest in scale compared to the exemplary facility at our sister island OZEN Life Maadhoo, we are steadfast in our resolve to follow their lead and emulate their success. This initiative underscores our dedication to sourcing locally and minimising our environmental impact, while simultaneously enhancing the quality and freshness of our culinary offerings.
Ecotourism is becoming a critical market for tourism sectors worldwide, with estimates putting the value of the industry at around 175 billion dollars in 2022. What efforts has the OZEN Reserve Bolifushi made to position itself as a top sustainable luxury resort destination in the Maldives? What is the company doing to cut its carbon footprint and introduce more circular activities?
Considerable efforts have been invested across the company to implement these initiatives and at OZEN Reserve Bolifushi, we have adopted innovative practices to reduce our environmental impact. Specifically, we have avoided conventional water heaters in favour of electrical generators, eliminating the need for additional equipment and reducing our carbon footprint by an impressive 275 tons of CO2 emissions.
Reflecting on the evolution of the tourism industry in the Maldives, it’s evident that modern luxury resorts like ours necessitate amenities such as air conditioning and televisions. Despite our best efforts to minimise energy consumption, the demand for essential comforts remains, including lighting, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
Recognising the preciousness of water, particularly in the Maldives, we have implemented sustainable practices to address this vital resource. Our in-house water bottling plant produces exquisite still and sparkling water, elegantly packaged in reusable glass bottles. This initiative not only enhances water conservation, but also contributes significantly to reducing plastic waste, an issue of paramount concern in the Maldives. While the government’s efforts to combat plastic pollution are commendable, there remains much progress to be made by stakeholders in the archipelago.
Additionally, our commitment to sustainability extends to our laundry services, where we exclusively utilise biodegradable detergent. This eco-friendly solution swiftly dissolves in water without posing harm to plant life or human health. Moreover, our sewage treatment plant plays a pivotal role in irrigating our lush island gardens, ensuring that recycled water nurtures the verdant landscape. These initiatives collectively exemplify our unwavering dedication to responsible tourism practices.
The government has recognized the country’s need to rapidly digitize, with digital development being a main part of its recent strategic action plan. In 2022, the World Bank granted 34 million dollars to improve social protections and advance digital development on the islands. How would you assess the level of digitization at the Maldives’ luxury resorts and its greater tourism industry? What kind of specific disruptive technologies is OZEN Reserve Bolifushi utilizing for its guests and in its own internal operations?
We continually assess these practices and explore the potential integration of new technologies in our resorts, with a particular focus on OZEN Reserve Bolifushi. This encompasses cutting-edge amenities, digital concierge services, integration TV information systems in our villas, and guest applications, among other innovations.
Nevertheless, we remain committed to preserving the personal touch and human connection. To me, luxury encompasses the opportunity for genuine conversation with another person, a rarity in today’s world dominated by mobile devices. While technology undoubtedly enhances our operations, we are committed to upholding the value of human interaction.
Our ‘Hiyani’ team of butlers, aptly named after the Maldivian word for “shadow,” exemplify this ethos by discreetly attending to guests’ needs while maintaining a warm and engaging presence. Our guests appreciate the personalised touch, preferring human interaction over impersonal digital interfaces.
While technology plays a pivotal role in supporting our daily operations, we prioritise the preservation of human interaction wherever feasible. This delicate balance ensures that our guests receive the best of both worlds: the convenience of modern technology paired with the warmth of genuine human connection.
Regarding our readers of USA Today, can you tell us why OZEN Reserve Bolifushi should be their next holiday destination? What kind of unique experiences await American tourists in the country?
While there are undoubtedly numerous destinations near the States, I maintain that the Maldives stands unparalleled on the global stage. Having traversed various corners of the globe, from the Caribbean to the South Pacific, I can attest to the singular allure of the Maldives. It goes beyond mere geographical splendour; it is a deep essence, a culmination of unparalleled beauty, serenity, and the genuine warmth of its people.
At OZEN Reserve Bolifushi, we offer a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the captivating allure of the Maldives. Beyond its renowned coral reefs, which rank among the world’s finest, our resort exudes an aura of serenity that envelops each guest in a cocoon of peace.
Whether one seeks relaxation, exhilarating activities, or daring adventures beneath the waves – encounters with whale sharks or the mesmerising world of reef sharks – this is the quintessential destination in the Maldives. Having worked in numerous prestigious resorts, I can confidently assert that OZEN Reserve Bolifushi stands apart, offering exceptional experiences that are bound to leave an indelible impression.
The resounding acclaim of our guests, reflected in our prominent presence amongst the top 10 best resorts out of over 400 in the Maldives, speaks volumes about the enduring allure and guest satisfaction that characterise OZEN Reserve Bolifushi.
I extend a heartfelt invitation for everyone to experience the unique splendour of OZEN Reserve Bolifushi at least once in their lifetime.
Trust me, the journey is unequivocally worth it!