Vilamendhoo Management

Zahir, first joined the Crown & Chamaps Resorts in 1989. Over the years in his career, he has extensive experience in various departments including administration, operations, and project development within the hospitality industry. Following several decades of leadership positions at Crown & Champa Resorts, he was appointed as the General Manager for Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa in 2019. As General Manager, Zahir strategically leads resort operations to ensure they run smoothly and continuously meet guest standards and operational goals.

Nazeer is an experienced hospitality executive with over 25 years in the hospitality industry, having worked in the Maldives, Seychelles, and Malaysia. Most recently, he served as the Resort Manager at Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa. In this role, Nazeer built a strong reputation for operational excellence by successfully managing resort properties and handling complex pre-opening and rebranding projects. Throughout his career, Nazeer has progressed through key leadership positions and expanded his portfolio to include international brands such as Constance and LUX*. Having risen through the ranks from Front-Office and Food & Beverage operations to executive management, Nazeer possesses a comprehensive understanding of the guest journey and the intricacies of high-end resort operations. A graduate of Cornell University’s General Manager Program with a degree in International Hospitality and Tourism, Nazeer blends academic insight with decades of hands-on expertise. As Resort Manager, he focuses on supporting the General Manager to streamline operations to enhance guest satisfaction and minimise operational challenges by improving employee productivity.

Maria Elena Jamela F. Villalobos joined Vilamendhoo as Human Resources Manager in January 2025, bringing over 10 years of luxury hospitality HR experience across the Middle East and the Maldives. With a background that includes leadership roles at brands such as Kerzner International, Swissôtel, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, and TIME Hospitality, she specializes in HR operations, talent development, and people-focused leadership. At Vilamendhoo, she is committed to building an engaged, high-performing team that supports operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences. Guided by strong core values and a passion for continuous improvement, Jamela believes that empowered and engaged team members are the cornerstone of memorable guest experiences and lasting resort success.

Sameera, a Sri Lankan financial professional, joined Vilamendhoo as the Financial Controller in 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree with Second Class honours and a Master of Commerce (M.Com) degree. Starting his career in 2008 with Aitken Spence Hotels as an Accounts Executive, he advanced to Head Office Accountant. In 2016, he managed financial operations for four Maldives resorts with Aitken Spence Maldives Hotels (Adaaran). In 2021, he became Group Accountant at Amaya Hotels in Sri Lanka. Sameera brings extensive experience to his current leadership role.

Niroshan comes with extensive hospitality experience in the Engineering operations. He started his work in Sri Lankan’s navy for 9 years, after graduating in Mechanical Engineering. His first resort was Olhuveli Beach & Spa Maldives as Senior Mechanical in-charge and later joined Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma as Senior Mechanical Supervisor. After humble beginnings in engineering operations, he was promoted to various positions such as Maintenance Officer, Duty Engineer, and Maintenance Manager at the same resort. Prior to joining us, he was Assistant Chief Engineer with Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives since 2022.

Rilwan is dedicated to ensuring a smooth reservation process and enhancing guest satisfaction. He oversees all guest bookings across various platforms, aiming to maximise hotel occupancy and revenue. Rilwan joined Crown & Champa Resorts in 2009 as a Reservations Agent at Meeru Maldives, advancing to Reservations Supervisor and Assistant Reservations Manager, and becoming the Reservations Manager in 2017. He transferred to Vilamendhoo in 2016. Rilwan holds a Diploma in Hospitality Management from the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies.

Farheen joined Vilamendhoo in 2018, she is responsible for the Guest Services department. She started as a student in the Tourism industry in 2015 with Constance Academy Training Centre in Mauritius. She worked in Constance Le Prince Maurice & Constance Ephelia Seychelles. Farheen routinely ensures that solid customer service procedures are in place. She was born in Mauritius and speaks fluent English and French.

Nasraf joined CCR Group Resorts in 2010 and began his purchasing career in 2014, and since then, he has been promoted twice over the years until his current position. Nasraf ensures to provide resort requirements (foods and general items) to bring on time without fail. He was born and raised in Kolhufushi, Meem Atoll, Republic of Maldives.