In Conversation with Elias Pertoft

A Swede who never went home, Elias Pertoft left the long winters of northern Europe behind in his early twenties with a passion for the ocean and a plan to become a dive instructor in Thailand – a plan that was supposed to last six months and instead became a twenty-year odyssey across some of the world’s most extraordinary places.

His entry into luxury hospitality began not in a hotel lobby, but on the water. After the 2004 Tsunami reshaped life in Khao Lak, Elias found his way to Aman Resorts, eventually leading their exclusive private charter yacht through the remote islands of Indonesia’s Flores Sea – crafting bespoke adventures with no fixed itineraries, no limits, and a handful of guests who rarely wanted to leave.

This instinct to lead rather than simply serve propelled Elias from the water’s edge into the GM’s office. Armed with over seventeen years of hands-on experience, he has since helmed some of the world’s most celebrated luxury properties – from Rosewood Luang Prabang to Necker Island. At Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, he led the pre-opening from the ground up, guiding the resort to become the first and only Forbes Five-Star property in the Seychelles.

Now appointed General Manager of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru in the Maldives since June 2025, Elias brings his lifelong conviction that conservation and luxury are one and the same to two of the Indian Ocean’s most beloved island sanctuaries – where the house reef has already been recognised among the finest in the Maldives, and where the ocean, once again, is at the heart of everything.

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

To work in the Maldives has long been a dream – the local culture and the nature surrounding these islands is very special, even more so for me who started my journey as a dive instructor.  I began coming here in 2011 and have been back many times yet this is the first time I have had the opportunity to live and work here. 

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru have over 30 years of history and it’s an honour to lead such pioneering teams; one example is that we had the first marine lab in Maldives over 20 years ago and continue to innovate on conservation. Banyan Group’s legacy of conservation and community support is very close to my heart; it is purpose-led luxury which gives me hope for the future.

Who is your typical customer? 

We are a rare set of islands, an intimate barefoot experience with unobstructed views; without water villas, our beach villas are steps from the sea with two of the best house reefs in the Maldives.  We are only 25 minutes by boat from Male airport so no seaplane or transits needed.

Considering our long legacy in Maldives we have over a majority of repeat guests who come back year after year because of these factors. Banyan Tree stands apart owing to its intimate offering with only 48 villas yet still with the variety that comes with four restaurants and two bars, plus an array of unique dining experiences curated for our guests. We are popular with families, couples, groups, and solo travellers – each stay is personalised and every guest is welcome.

What would you do if you were not a hotelier?

 I would probably run a travel exploration company or captain a yacht.

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

Geek level passion on what you love; be it a chef, sommelier, dive guide or housekeeper. I believe this rubs off and inspires guests to learn more about your craft.

JOE AGDEPPA

What is the USP of your hotels? 

We are founder-led barefoot islands; natural islands which are no longer a given in the Maldives. We are small and personal being only 48 and 45 villas on each island.  Our spa and marine labs are real differentiators, as is our house reef and our culinary offerings. Dhawa has an especially exciting dive site, boasting the historic Rannamaari shipwreck mere metres of its shore. Dhawa even has a resident artist; Abdulla who used to lead the housekeeping team, now he shares his knowledge of crafting intricate designs from recycled materials – offering guests hands-on exploration of sustainable creativity and turning environmental mindfulness into a memorable aspect of their stay.

What has been your career highlight? 

Each role has been special; stepping into hospitality in Amanwana while exploring the remote Raja Ampat and Komodo Islands on Indonesia’s first luxury cruise; opening up Rosewood Luang Prabang with an amazing team who brought the local hill tribe culture to its guests; working with Sonu & Eva who are the true pioneers of barefoot luxury; opening Waldorf Astoria on very special Platte Island where we had over 400 turtle nests each year, leading the team to make our conservation work heart of the guest experience.  Now with Banyan Group; it’s an honour to lead Ihuru and Vabbinfaru forward and continue to pioneer purpose-led experiences in the Maldives.

How will travel trends change in the year 2026?

We are evolving towards rare experiences; to change your habits with meditation or yoga which will stay with you for the rest of your life; to swim with schools of manta rays and realise how small we are in comparison to these gentle giants; to learn about the natural world and be part of the conservation by planting corals with scientists.  I truly believe we are looking for purpose rather than being tourists.

After all, most individuals feel better when they know they’re making a positive contribution, especially while enjoying themselves on holiday. This, in its very essence, is sustainable tourism.

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

No, it was not until I joined Amanwana and saw how we can create magical experiences for guests, that’s when I decided to become a hotelier.  To have 20 tents, 40 guests and over 120 team members to create memories for a lifetime for them felt like being magicians.

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

Food – Bangkok; I love the search for amazing street food places or one dish restaurants that have perfected their recipe over 50 years.  A close second is Tokyo; each chef is a master of their craft.

History – Siem Reap; to wander through Angkor Wat at sunrise; preferably from a hidden entrance away from the crowds.

Fashion – Tokyo – Akihabara with its fascinating manga geeks is a surreal experience.

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

I have never worked in a city in my life – and am very proud to say this.  My favourite city is Bangkok.

 When are you happiest? 

When out on the water, cruising is the best way to experience these island nations.

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

Currently things outside of our control, the global tensions that makes many uncertain to travel.