Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Welcomes Thomas Weber as General Manager

17 November, 2022

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is pleased to welcome Thomas Weber as the new General Manager of the island resort. Having lived and worked in the Maldives for more than six years prior to joining Alila, Thomas is well adapted to remote island life and enjoys every single day working in this very special part of the world. 

The all-year-round Maldivian sunshine and uninterrupted ocean views is a far cry from the village of Klosters in the Swiss Alps where he grew up yet, given the Swiss village’s fame as a ski resort for celebrities and royalty, it is little surprise that Thomas entered the hospitality industry.

Having started out after secondary school with a chef’s apprenticeship at Hotel Pardenn in Klosters, Thomas brings to Alila Kothaifaru a wealth of international hospitality experience spanning more than 35 years, including F&B and management roles with luxury hotels in Switzerland, Hong Kong, South Africa, Kenya, India, Saudi Arabia and the Maldives.

In 2003, Thomas took up his first general manager post at Kurland Hotel and Poloclub in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, subsequently moving into the same role with Mövenpick Jeddah Al Nawras in Saudi Arabia, Mövenpick Hotel & Spa Bangalore in India, and Oberwaid in St Gallen, Switzerland. Then came the start of his journey in the Maldives, as regional General Manager for Diamonds Athuruga and Thudufushi Maldives in 2016—adding Sandies Bathala Maldives to his responsibilities in 2018—and Dusit Thani Maldives in 2019. 

Taking over the reins as General Manager at Alila Kothaifaru, Thomas has great plans to make Alila one of the most preferred resorts in the Maldives together with his team, especially for luxury travellers seeking a relaxing, eco-conscious escape.

“The Maldives provides the opportunity to rejuvenate and disconnect as you can escape to your own private villa, your own private cocoon. The sustainability efforts we practise at Alila Kothaifaru and our responsible mindset towards protecting the environment make our resort especially appealing,” Thomas shares.

As part of its holistic sustainability framework, the resort is also doing its part to empower the local community through internship, employment and partnership opportunities. Having come across many skilled and passionate hoteliers in these islands, Thomas knows there is great talent to be found and nurtured. In addition, Alila Kothaifaru’s bespoke Alila Experiences, crafted with the local knowledge of its Leisure Concierge team, contribute to preserving local culture and traditions while providing an authentic Maldivian experience for guests.

Through a collaborative and relationship-oriented leadership style, Thomas looks forward to empowering every team member so they can be their best and create amazing experiences for guests, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Maldives.

About Alila: Surrounded by a stunning house reef in the scenic Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers serenity and discovery in an awe-inspiring destination embraced by nature’s wonders. Enjoy easy access to the famous Hanifaru Bay UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. This protected marine sanctuary is the largest feeding and breeding hotspot in the world for manta rays and whale sharks, which at times congregate here in their hundreds. Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is also close to Vaadhoo Island, one of the best spots to witness the spectacular “Sea of Stars” phenomenon, an extraordinary sight to behold. 

Designed for serene relaxation in harmony with nature, each of the resort’s 44 beachfront villas and 36 overwater villas comes with a private pool. Featuring contemporary interiors in a palette of soothing colours with natural textures, these spacious hideaways are carefully positioned to provide privacy and comfort in understated, sophisticated style.

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