In Conversation with Maurice Bosch, RAAYA Maldives GM

In this exclusive interaction, Maurice Lucien Van Den Bosch, General Manager of RAAYA by Atmosphere, Maldives, shares insights on the evolving luxury travel trends, the unique experiences at RAAYA, and his vision for strengthening the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand. With a focus on personal expression and the philosophy of the Joy of Giving, Maurice highlights RAAYA’s commitment to creating unforgettable moments for guests in the competitive Maldives hospitality market.

How do you see the current travel trends from India and globally shaping the future of five-star resorts like RAAYA by Atmosphere?

The Indian travel market is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by the evolving preferences of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.  A striking trend is the significant increase in luxury travel expenditure amongst Indian travellers. As wealth and disposable incomes rise, affluent Indians are travelling more frequently and investing in upscale, tailored experiences that redefine traditional notions of luxury.

Today’s Indian travellers value immersive and distinctive experiences over mere lavish accommodations. At RAAYA by Atmosphere, launched in July 2024, is one of the most popular new destinations for castaway escapes, appealing to today’s Indian travellers value immersive and distinctive experiences along with exceptional villas and culinary concepts. 

Our island is deeply rooted in personal expression, and we intend to create moments of happiness in all corners. Whether you are a romantic couple seeking peace and serenity, or maybe a Robinson Crusoe castaway family seeking adventure, every aspect of our guest experience is designed to cater for all.

What strategies do you employ to motivate and lead culturally diverse teams while ensuring a collaborative and efficient operational environment?

To motivate and lead culturally diverse teams, I focus on creating an inclusive and courteous environment where everyone’s unique perspectives are appreciated. Clear communication is key, so I ensure that expectations are well-stated, and feedback is shared regularly. I prioritise team empowerment by providing growth opportunities and instilling a sense of ownership in our collective goals and core philosophy of ‘Joy of Giving’. Ultimately, my goal is to create a supportive atmosphere where all team members feel motivated and contribute to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

How important is the Indian market for you in the present context and in the near future?

The Indian market is crucial to us, both now and in the future. With India’s growing luxury travel segment, we see significant demand for personalised, exclusive experiences and have a strong sales and media activations in the region. From seasonal celebrations to Indian cuisine at our all-day dining restaurant RAAYA Life to, we offer bespoke services and cultural experiences that align with Indian travellers’ preferences, ensuring RAAYA by Atmosphere remains a top choice for their luxury vacations in the Maldives.

Why do you believe the Maldives continues to be an ideal winter vacation destination, and what unique experiences can guests expect at RAAYA during the season?

The Maldives continues to be an attractive winter vacation destination due to its consistently warm, tropical climate, offering a perfect escape from colder regions. Its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush islands provide unparalleled natural beauty and tranquillity.

 At RAAYA by Atmosphere, we are excited to present A Festive Escape Package, offering our guests an extraordinary holiday experience. This package reflects our commitment to creating unforgettable moments, with highlights including a 20% discount on 4 night and longer stays until 31st December 2024 on the fully comprehensive RAAYA Plan™, designed to delight every palate and preference.

Guests can immerse themselves in creativity at the Artist Studio and explore Seb’s Art Installations, stay active with the Padel Tennis Court and Futsal Camp, and enjoy complimentary roundtrip seaplane transfers, snorkelling, and water sports. To enhance the festive spirit, this package also offers an indulgent Dine Around experience and a unique Wooden Dhoni Building Workshop with Seb, giving our guests a chance to create a special souvenir to take home.

What draws you back to the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand, and how do you plan to build on its established reputation at RAAYA by Atmosphere?

The culture and hospitality inspired by the Joy of Giving resonate deeply with me, and this shared value brings me back to the Atmosphere family.  At RAAYA by Atmosphere, we are creating a castaway island experience of choice, a guest experience like no other, with a fine balance of escapism and energy.  And I look forward to fostering a collaborative working environment so that we create unforgettable moments for our guests.

In the competitive Maldives hospitality market, what are your plans to strengthen the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand’s legacy and enhance its unique identity?

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand legacy of renowned for its big heart and innovative vision, with the motto ‘A New Experience Awaits’. In the coming year, we will strengthen and enhance its unique identity in the competitive Maldives hospitality market. My focus will be on further elevating the exceptional guest experiences we are known for at RAAYA by Atmosphere. I plan to build on the strong foundation of the Joy of Giving philosophy, ensuring that we anticipate, craft and elevate every guest interaction.

Author: Jaun Shahi

Journalist, Sub-Editor, Travellers’ World Jaun is a soft-spoken and gentle soul who thrives as a Journalist with his exceptional observation skills and an eye for intricate details. He is a true multitasker who efficiently handles various tasks and always brings a professional approach to everything he does. His genuine team spirit makes him an integral part of the TW family, as he consistently collaborates and supports his colleagues.