This week we sit down with Victoria Kruse, Director of S&W at the incredible Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences to find out what makes it such a special and must-visit location.

1. Could you tell us more about the history and background of Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences?

The resort opened 8 years ago and was built by a local family with a long history of running resorts in the Maldives. 3 years ago it underwent a revitalisation under the leadership of the new General Manager Jason Kruse. The island itself is an old agricultural island and to this day it maintains 70% of the natural jungle.

2. What makes Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences such a special location?

The resort is located in Baa Atoll which is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The surrounding waters teem with marine life and offer crystal clear waters for snorkelling and diving. The resort is also just 10 minuets from world famous Hanifaru Bay. Known as one of the top ten snorkelling sites in the world from July to October each year.

3. Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences has embarked on an exciting journey of sustainability, could you tell us more about this journey?

The journey began three years ago and since then we have in place more than 30 different concurrent sustainability projects. From using materials made from ocean bound plastic in the manufacture of bags used on the island to making as much as possible on the island to reduce packaging. We have also built a coconut processing facility to use the bounty of the more than 2500 coconut trees on the island so that we can make our own coconut milk and even rope. Our marine biologist works with guests to propagate coral as well as looking after the endangered bird nests on Amilla, the Long Tail tropic bird. We are a Manta Trust partner and Olive Ridley Turtle project island. In 2023 we will be beginning our journey towards more sustainable energy by installing solar panels onto the roofs of our team village to direct feed energy into the generators.

4. As an island resort, how do you and the team keep such impeccable luxury standards while keeping the island feeling?

It all comes down to our team. You can have the most beautiful building in the world but if your team doesn't care about the guests and enjoy serving them you will never truly have luxury. Our team are empowered to find golden nuggets of information about a guest and then find ways to create special moments for the guests.

5. What goes into the creation of a successful experience for a guest at Amilla?

It starts with a guest preference questionnaire to find out what the guest likes, or doesn’t. We then work to make the arrival experience tailor made. When we are planning events or even walking the resort each day, we look at things from the guest point of view, pre-empting what the guest might need if they are lying on the beach or in their room.

6. Could you tell us more about your journey to being at Amilla?

I was lucky enough to visit Amilla during its opening phase and we feel in love with the island then. Then three years ago when we were looking for our next resort we wrote a list of our top five resorts. Amilla was on that list and shortly after the owners contacted my husband, Jason Kruse, to come and manage the resort.

Prior to Amilla we have worked in resorts in Bali, Langkawi, Fiji and another resort in the Maldives.

7. What does your day to day look like at Amilla?

Up at 6am to either farewell guest on an early seaplane or to workout. Then after our management meeting I spend time with guests during breakfast. During the day I alternate between my office, the resort grounds, the team and guests. The day ends with restaurant check and a final check on guests.

8. What does the future hold for Amila?

We are in the midst of planning our events for 2023 with the major events of Easter and Festive. We will continue to evolve our sustainability and wellness programs through the year as well.