Employment - Company Background

Universal Resorts, Maldives

This award winning business’ 31 years of experience of the tourism industry includes pioneering the first ever resort in the Maldives, The Kurumba Maldives Resort, which was opened by Universal Enterprises’ Chairman Mohamed Umar Maniku on the island of Kurumba in 1972.

Founded six years later in 1978 Universal Resorts is a Maldives based business consisting of ten quality holiday resorts spread over eight islands: Baros, Maafushivaru, Full Moon, Kuramathi Blue lagoon, Kuramathi Cottage and Spa, Kuramathi Village, Kurumba Maldives, Laguna Maldives, the cruise ship Atoll Explorer and the Kandholhu Cruise and Spa.  The company launched a new division in the beginning of 2003, Per Aquum Resorts & Spas, operate their portfolio of new luxury resorts, Dhoni Mighili which opened in July 2003 and Huvafen Fushi which opened in December 2003.
Anticipating expectations of the future customer, in 2004 Kurumba Maldives was rebuilt as a grand resort where joie de vivre complements solitude and tranquility. In 2005 Baros was re-designed and rebuilt as a luxury boutique. Full Moon was re-built the same year with its exclusive island spa.

In 2006 Universal Resorts takes to Seychelles its philosophy of exceeding travellers expectations which creates a 33% repeat guest factor in its resorts. Set on pristine and unspoilt Silhouette Island against a breathtaking background of rainforest covered mountains, Labriz Silhouette is poised to bring a fresh vibrancy to the destination. 105 individual villas, 17 with private pools, a spectacular mountainside spa built in steps among the famous Seychellois boulders , cutting edge dining created by a Michelin chef and a world class PADI  dive centre will set new standards in Seychelles.

In partnership with Starwood Hotels the company is opening W Maldives - Fesdu Resort in 2006 on Fesdu Island.

In addition Universal Resorts acts as the agent for American Express in the Maldives. It has strategic alliances with leading tour operators including Kuoni and German based TUI, as well as being the local representative and passenger handling authority for several international airlines on the islands. Other activities include owning a soft drinks and water bottling plant.

Universal Enterprises employs 3,200 people, a team which ranges from hotel and resort staff to architects, designers, engineers and builders, who are all there to ensure that the quality of the visitor experience at its resorts remains paramount.

In 1997 Universal Enterprises Chairman M. U. Maniku was presented with a certificate for “distinguished service rendered towards sustainable tourism in the Maldives” by the Maldives government.

The business has grown from a small self-financing operation into a multi-million dollar enterprise. The board of directors has never lost sight of the importance of developing and caring for its staff and of improving the quality of life on the islands. Universal Enterprises sponsors students in the Maldives and overseas and ensures that all its employees receive ongoing on the job training and benefits which include comprehensive healthcare.

The appeal of its resorts now stretches from those targeting the budget conscious traveller to the upmarket consumer.