By We sat down with the brains behind PR and Marketing at Reethi Beach Resort, a man of many talents and specialties, Dr. Waruna Solanga Arachchi, who has a stellar career in presenting in front of the camera back in his home country of Sri Lanka.
Going back 10 or so years to 2013, Dr. Solanga Arachchi believes that he stumbled into a career in television as a happy accident, “I just ended up being on television. Somehow from there onwards, I kept on learning and adapting. The experiences and skills I gained from this journey have been invaluable.” He believes that this asset now helps him move forward in multiple industries.
“Well, it’s a resort – and it’s very fancy to call this paradise my workplace. To be here to overlook the most beautiful ocean here in the Maldives is amazing… and to also mingle with the guests that are like family because, as I mentioned earlier, there are so many guests that come here on a repeat basis.”
While Reethi Beach Resort is known for the high number of repeat guests, it is the frequency of visits that is one of the more unique factors. It isn’t uncommon to see a guest who has already visited the island 20 or more times.
Dr. Solanga Arachchi spoke to the importance of that connection with guests, “…and they sometimes say, ‘I’m leaving today, but we’re coming back in two or so months,’ which is really great to hear.” He believes it is this familiarity that boosts motivation and allows the people working on the property to try and do that much more every day. Declaring the island as one of the best places he has worked at (if not the best), Dr. Solanga Arachchi also believes that nature does a lot of the talking when it comes to the property.
A piece of advice he would give to anyone who wants to join the industry is to be “mentally eligible.” He added, “You have to be passionate about it. You have to be able to be humble before people.” In terms of adding more to one’s skill set, he pressed on the importance of maintaining a presentable personality, “You might not be born with those kinds of attributes, but you should be able to at least tweak a little bit and be able to fit in.”
“Here, you stay, you live, you work, you wake up at work, and you go to sleep at work. You spend time with the same people, which fosters a strong sense of community. Maintaining a balanced relationship with colleagues, both on and off work, is crucial to creating a harmonious and enjoyable environment.”
Ever a keen eye on the stunning product that is Reethi Beach, he noted that it is the massive, natural tree cover that is lovingly mentioned by so many guests. While the Maldives is known for its scorching afternoon sand when out in the open, guests at Reethi Beach are quick to point out the cooling, jungle-like natural pathways of the island.
“The moment they check in, we tell them to forget their shoes and slippers right now because this is a barefoot concept. You can just walk barefoot wherever. Because you feel at home…. We barely cut trees. We just trim the trees because we want that to be a part of the experience.”
Speaking wholly about the travel and tourism product that is Reethi Beach, he believes it also lies in the experiential aspects such as F&B, in addition to the natural warmth of the island. “It could be something on the beach where they have their own private dining. We make sure we give all these to the guests so that they have a wide selection of experiences.”
“We remember the guests and actually recall their faces, and they do for us as well because sometimes if you go on checkout reviews, they specify certain staff, because they know the kind of value that they bring…The guests are also a part of us (and the Reethi Beach product) and we are part of them.”
As the driving force behind PR and Marketing at Reethi Beach Resort, the team remains dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for both guests and staff. This unique blend of expertise in television and hospitality, coupled with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the Maldives, ensures that Reethi Beach remains a top destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable island experience. With their expertise and experience, the resort not only thrives but also exemplifies the perfect harmony between affordable luxury, nature, and heartfelt service.