Many people believe that butler service is a relic of a bygone era that is only maintained through theatrical productions. However, the butler’s position should be reconsidered and highly recognized as butlers’ services are the heart and soul of what distinguishes each hotel and resorts. It’s the essence of what makes the guests happy apart from the mesmerizing beauty of Maldives.
In this article, we will be shedding light on one of the heroes in the Hospitality Industry, Mr. Ahmed Mamdhooh, who is the man behind curating the exceptional butler service in Joali Maldives.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Currently employed at JOALI Maldives as their Jadugar (Bulter) Manager. it is my responsibility to guide my team and ensure that our guests have an astonishingly memorable experience during their stay with us. I started my career in the industry 12 years ago as steward at Paradise Island Resort and have been climbing up the ladder step by step since then. I was privileged to have worked with amazing teams and resorts throughout my journey, including Jumeirah and Gili Lankanfushi.
What have you learned from the jobs you have held prior to your current one?
To be humble and work hard. Every single employee contributes to the success of the property.
Why do you feel that the position of a butler is appropriate?
I am not entirely sure that the word “appropriate” is the fitting word to use here, but I can tell you for sure that it is vital. People from all over the world travel so many miles to enjoy our country’s pearl white beaches and Maldives’ crystal-clear waters. Having a butler gives guests a customized and personalized experience that will fulfill, if not exceed their expectations, rather than getting a generalized service.
In your opinion, what do you deem are the most critical skills that a butler should have?
Patience, positivity, willpower and accepting the fact that every day is a learning experience. The power of knowledge and creativity is what we entail to be successful in giving our guests a memorable stay and hopefully a reason to keep coming back.
If you had the last 10 years of your life to live over again, what would you do differently?
I would educate and advocate the importance of personalized service so that those who have the potential would be able to pursue it.
What led you to choose butler as a profession?
I am a people person with a creative imagination. These are important characteristics in butler service, which is all about giving a personalized experience. So, I took this path that perfectly fits my personality.
What is the message that you have for the youth, who would like to get into this field?
If you are a people person who wants to enjoy your work then this is the job for you. Sure, it’s hard, sometimes you may even not get a chance to rest or sleep, but at the end of the day, seeing those big smiles and bidding bittersweet goodbyes, you know that you were responsible for those smiles and that you made a difference.
Is there anything you would like to say as we conclude the interview?
Butler services is currently being dominated by men. I would love to see a day that we have an equal number of men and women working as butlers and offering a personalized experience to travelers.