Jan Tibaldi
General Manager of One&Only Reethi Rah
Tourism / Maldives
“ In luxury tourism, respect for the environment is essential”
Having been appointed GM at One&Only Reethi Rah in April, Jan Tibaldi is now working hard to distinguish his brand amid a growing sea of competition popping up in the world of luxury tourism in the Maldives.
What are some important trends you have noticed in the world of Maldives luxury tourism that resorts are applying to stick out in a sea of competition?
In luxury tourism, respect for the environment is essential. I believe one of the prevalent trends at the moment is Environmental Sustainability, which is something close to One&Only Reethi Rah. This is a worldwide topic that many resorts in the Maldives have embraced, however the results come down to determination and consistency. Another important trend in the Maldives luxury tourism is culinary diversity. Property investors are building resorts with several restaurants offering different cuisines. At One&Only Reethi Rah, we offer seven mesmerizing culinary experiences, which are all designed by experts in their field to take guests to a delectable journey of discovery.
Can you explain to our readership how the One&Only brand ethos differs from its competitors?
One&Only Resorts are designed as hallmarks of excellence, as ultra-luxury resorts located in spectacular destinations around the world. Each award-winning resort offers guests a distinctive style and personality inspired by its local culture, a genuine hospitality and a lively energy that is unparalleled to anywhere else. The Maldives have played host to numerous communities worldwide throughout history and in the recent times, this archipelago of small islands in Indian Ocean are made up of a multi-cultural spirit, where you can’t help but feel at home when you step foot on one of the small islands. This is exactly what we pursue here at One&Only Reethi Rah – a unique home away from home feeling we want all our guests to experience.
How is One&Only working to develop its offerings to appeal beyond the honeymoon segment?
For a long time, the Maldives has been labeled as a honeymoon destination. At One&Only Reethi Rah we have been gradually building a reputation for adventure travel for the whole family travel, or friends travelling together. With more action- packed activities and excursions to choose from than any other resort in the Maldives, we ensure families of all ages are entertained throughout their stay. We have created spaces that ensure uninterrupted bliss for each and every guest.
How does One & Only Reethi Rah differ from the brand’s other properties, and what is unique about the experience here?
Nowhere else in the Maldives is there a resort with such extensive space and exclusivity. One&Only Reethi Rah is an iconic resort and throughout the years, it has redefined ultra-luxury in the Maldives. The resort is constantly innovating, and this shows in our guests coming back to stay with us. More than 60% of our guests are repeaters and there is always one thing that they say – they keep on coming back to One&Only Reethi Rah because of the people and the continuous innovation. Our people are our greatest assets, constantly delivering the genuine and warm service with a smile that guests love. We also listen to our guests – this is important to ensure that there is something new and exciting for the repeaters to experience when they return, which keeps us ahead of our competitors. The “Reethi Rah way” provides an unmatched and unforgettable experience – proactive and imaginative in style, yet meticulous in detail – services that are always delivered from the heart and utterly personal.
How does One&Only promote sustainable tourism?
One&Only Reethi Rah is proud to partner with International organization Parley for the Oceans, an innovative new program that sees plastic waste transformed into Adidas sports apparel and shoes, has provided an immediate solution to put One&Only Reethi Rah’s plastic to good use. Parley focus on improving the environment by interception of recyclable items such as plastic before they become landfill, reducing use of plastic and ultimately replacing it with other, more environmentally sustainable materials. One&Only Reethi Rah aims to completely remove all plastic from the island within the next 2 years. Each month the amount of plastic brought to the island is reduced, with complete reduction of plastic bottles on the luxury yachts and in the spa already in place, with glass bottles now being used. We are working closely with Parley to create a sustainable future and hopefully lead the way for other resorts in the Maldives to protect this unique part of the world.
