Florian Leven, Director of Operations, Gili Lankanfushi

Gili Lankanfushi, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives, has recently announced the appointment of Florian Leven as Director of Operations. In this role, Leven will oversee the day-to-day operations of Gili Lankanfushi, drawing on over 25 years of international hospitality experience across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

Leven joins Gili Lankanfushi from Vietnam, where he held the position of Director of Operations at the five-star Mia Luxury Collection based in Ho Chi Minh City. Prior to this, he spent over a decade as General Manager of various luxury hotels and resorts, including The Capra, a luxury boutique hotel in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, The Legian Sire in Lombok, Indonesia and The Chedi Al Bait, UAE.

Leven joins the Gili Lankanfushi Maldives team at an exciting time for the resort, which was recently awarded Gold Certification by EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism, in recognition of its sustainability practices.

What makes your current assignment stand out from other properties you’ve worked in?

I am fortunate enough to have worked in many wonderful places around the world. What makes Gili Lankanfushi stand out from the other hotels and resorts is the intensity and flexibility to cater to the needs and preferences of each guest. Starting from highly personalized amenities, dietary requirements and preferences to name but a few. The level of dedication of each of our hosts, who also make sure to walk the extra mile in providing personalized moments, inspires me and everyone on the island.

Who is your typical customer?

Guests who are looking to relax and not have to think too much about what to do. Simplicity with high level of attention to detail, individuality, and personalized service.

If you could plan a one-day itinerary for guests looking to explore Maldives, where would you send them?

This is a very simple question to answer, as I would send them of course to Gili Lankanfushi. A one- day itinerary in the Maldives is impossible to do – in the minds of many perhaps, the Maldives are small islands with limited activities. Once you arrive at Gili Lankanfushi, deceleration will grab you and you will be in awe. It also depends on the preferences of the guest – active, relaxing or food fanatic. From diving, snorkelling, surfing, to yoga, spa, Ayurveda treatments, to cooking classes in our herb garden, to wine tastings in our underground wine cellar. It is impossible to capture all the experiences on offer and the beauty of the Maldives in one day.

Building the right team is crucial for a property’s success. What are the key skills you look for when hiring new employees?

When hiring new employees, I am looking less for skills than attitude. Is the candidate interested in the job title we offer, or interested in the concept and philosophy of the hotel & resort? Looking for passion and ambition in their eyes and body language to creating experiences for their guests to come. I strongly believe in standards, yet the personality of the employee makes all the difference and makes it easier for guests to connect with the employee and the destination.

What is the USP of your hotel?

Our USP is barefoot luxury – in your own way at your own pace. Providing top notch service, paired with outstanding dining options and personal touches invites our guests to decelerate and recharge from the moment they set foot on our arrival jetty.

What is the one dish that guests have to try when at your hotel?

I love starting my day with Mashuni, a traditional Maldivian dish made of tuna, fresh coconut, onion and lime with coconut, served with chapati. The combination of the ingredients tickles your taste buds and lets the day start with a smile and great vibes. My favorite lunch dish is our Healthy Salad from our plant-based menu. The combination of the different salads, vegetables and seeds provide different textures and flavors which stand out and are well balanced at the same time. A perfect light dish to stay alert for a fun filled afternoon at the resort.

For dinner I recommend a visit to our Japanese restaurant By The Sea. The sushi and sashimi in perfect bite sizes, overlooking the lagoon, making every bite an experience.

How will travel trends change in the year 2025?

Travel plans have become more spontaneous, experiences and interactions with our hosts have become more important.

Was a career in hospitality something you always dreamt of? What is your advice to aspiring hoteliers?

When I grew up, I was always fascinated by hotels and restaurants and had my own kitchen in my room – I guess a seed was planted very early, and I am very happy with how my career turned out. I have worked in 7 different countries, experienced different cultures, mentalities, flavours… At one point I stopped planning my next hotel based respectively on the country I wanted to work in, and sooner than expected, I moved to Hawaii. My advice to young hoteliers is to never give up on your dreams and that there are many paths to follow- opportunities are coming your way, be alert and raise your hand, speak up and express your interest. The opportunities are plenty, yet you need to take initiative! Nurture your network, stay in touch and you will be surprised how many people will still be in touch with you from your first job.

Which cities are your favourites for: 1) food 2) history 3) fashion?

My personal favourite when it comes to food is Ho Chi Minh City. Each district is different and offers different options to dine out. The vibrant flavours of the Vietnamese cuisine you can find at any budget, and the vibrant food scene bringing international flavours to the city makes me return to explore and enjoy over and over again. As a city rich in history, I am fond of Hamburg, with its harbour, which is now over 835 years old and was formerly one of the major cities of the Hanseatic League. Though I have not lived in Milan, I have visited the city a few times, and the style of the Milanese is just wonderful – they make fashion look very easy.

You have worked in several cities, which is your favourite city for work and play?

My favourite city for work and play is Ho Chi Minh City. The food scene, shopping options and historic sites in town provide you with ample things to do. Additionally, many hot spots in Vietnam are easily reachable by car, and of course the airport with its countless domestic and international connections make it the perfect hub to explore Vietnam and other Asian cities or destinations.

When are you happiest?  

When I am surrounded with inspiring people, longtime friends, and family.

At work, which is your most challenging activity and why?

To answer this question: challenges arise consistently and we have to find solutions. I learned that it is beneficial not to let the challenge affect my mood – solutions can be found, asking the team for support brings wonderful ideas to the surface to solve the challenge.