The rhythm of the day begins with the sea. For Hussain Salih Ibrahim Sameer, a Watersports Attendant at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, the morning team briefing is a quiet moment before the lagoon comes alive with adventure. His role is to craft joy and ensure safety, but his journey to this sun-drenched post was shaped far more by personal tides than the ocean's. His story is one of resilience, quiet mentorship, and a profound belief in finding purpose in what you do—a belief he now lives out each day, helping guests discover their own moments of joy on the water.
Hussain’s foundation for a life in hospitality was laid by a childhood in motion. Growing up between Malé, the island of Maafilaafushi, and India, he traveled often with his mother, developing a deep curiosity for new places, foods, and cultures. This early exposure to different environments didn't disorient him; it tuned his ability to adapt and connect. He recalls the welcoming hospitality he experienced everywhere he went, a feeling he now strives to recreate. His education at an international school in India further honed this skill, polishing his English and his ease with people from around the world. Inspired by siblings already working in resorts, his path into the Maldivian tourism industry felt like a natural calling. "I always imagined myself working in tourism in the Maldives," he says. "Over time and through experience, I discovered what I enjoyed most and where my strengths were."
He started, as many do, in Guest Services, learning the core principles of guest care. Yet Hussain, energetic and passionate about sports, felt a pull toward something more active. He made a deliberate pivot into recreation, seeking to merge his personal interests with his professional life. "I felt I could truly enjoy my work while engaging with guests," he explains. This fulfilling trajectory, however, met a formidable challenge: a serious knee injury that required surgery and cast doubt on his physical future in the role he loved. The recovery period was a test of patience and spirit, supported by dedicated rehabilitation. He emerged with a strengthened resolve, seeing the opportunity at Kandooma not just as a new job, but as a symbol of his comeback. "Working here is meaningful to me because it represents personal progress," he says. "I feel stronger than before, both physically and mentally, and every day reminds me not to give up."
This resilience is underpinned by a philosophy of continuous learning, instilled in him by his mother, an avid reader of self-help books, and refined by key mentors in the industry. He speaks with particular gratitude of Hamid, a former manager, who taught him more than just sports activities. "He taught me the importance of being humble, kind, and hardworking… to give my best, even without expecting anything in return." This ethos shapes Hussain’s daily approach—a blend of meticulous attention to safety and procedures, and a genuine desire to create positive, memorable experiences. He finds deep satisfaction in being part of a cohesive team working toward a shared goal, and takes pride in representing both the IHG brand and the warm, innate hospitality of the Maldives. He describes the Kandooma team as feeling "like being part of a big family," a culture he believes is central to the resort's unique appeal and why people choose to build careers there.
His perspective on teamwork is both simple and profound, forged in the daily flow of resort operations. "I believe a strong team is built on positivity, honesty, and the ability to adapt," Hussain reflects. "Caring for one another, staying optimistic, and supporting each other during busy times are also very important." This focus on collective support fuels his own motivation, especially during demanding periods. He credits the encouraging environment and the guidance from his leaders with helping him stay focused. "Their mentoring and support encourage me to observe, learn, and develop my skills," he notes, highlighting how a positive work culture translates directly into personal growth and consistent service.
When asked about his proudest achievement, Hussain doesn't cite a single award, but points to his ongoing journey of skill development and the subtle impact of his work. "I take the most pride in always trying to learn and improve," he shares. For him, meaningful work is found in the simple, human connections: "Knowing that what you do makes a difference… helping guests feel happy, comfortable, or leaving them with a smile." His advice to young Maldivians considering this path is the Japanese concept of ikigai—finding the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, and what the world needs. It is a principle he embodies. From the adaptable global citizen shaped by his travels to the resilient professional who navigated recovery, Hussain's story transcends the idyllic setting. It is a reminder that paradise is not just a place, but a state of purpose built through perseverance, teamwork, and the courage to find your current, one welcoming smile and one perfect wave at a time.
