Jenny Hartatik is a true world citizen and a multi-lingual hotelier, passionate about discovering new places, learning languages, and excelling in luxury hotel management. She is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Indonesian, and has also studied Japanese, Cambodian, and German. Jenny has extensive experience in managing high-end hotels. During her career, she has served as General Manager for several renowned brands, including Hilton, Swiss-Belhotel International, and Marriott International. She completed her studies at Cornell University in New York and Canterbury University in various fields, including business, commerce, sales, and marketing. Beyond her professional excellence, she is also known for treating both her employees and guests with genuine dedication and care.
How long have you been managing OBLU SELECT Sangeli? Could you introduce this fabulous paradise to us?
I’ve been managing OBLU SELECT Sangeli since 2024. The resort is located in the North Malé Atoll, about a 50-minute speedboat ride from Malé. Sangeli is a five-star luxury island, and it’s truly a beautiful place. We have 137 villas across six categories, including beach villas, family suites, water villas, and honeymoon villas.
In terms of facilities and services, the resort features three restaurants, three bars (two with pools), a kids club, a dive and water sports center, the ELE|NA Ayur Spa, a fitness center, tennis court, and the Muraka Centre, which offers activities for both children and adults. We also have several excellent snorkeling spots nearby, perfect for exploring the vibrant marine life.
OBLU SELECT Sangeli is an ideal destination for families, couples, and honeymooners, thanks to its natural beauty and rich marine biodiversity. With our all-inclusive Serenity Plan, guests can enjoy gourmet dining, unlimited premium drinks, daily excursions, and a wide range of activities—all included in their stay.
I know you have introduced several innovations. Could you share some of them with us?
One of our key focuses is reducing our carbon footprint. We’ve partnered with Swimsol, a solar energy company, which helps us cut energy consumption by up to 20%. Additionally, our biogas plant supplies up to 40% of the gas used in our kitchen, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
We’ve also installed a live-stream underwater coral camera, transmitting real-time reef footage to guest villas and the Muraka Marine Centre. This way, guests can connect with marine life without even entering the water.
All of our water comes directly from the ocean and is purified through a desalination plant. It is then served mainly in glass bottles, helping us avoid more than six tonnes of plastic waste annually.
One of our most impactful initiatives is the Sangeli Muraka Coral Restoration Project, launched in 2019. We now maintain two thriving coral gardens, where we’ve planted over 8,000 coral fragments. These gardens have developed into healthy ecosystems—you can even spot sharks around them at night, which is a wonderful sign of reef vitality.
In addition, we’ve partnered with OceanЯ, an Irish eco-apparel brand, to create sustainable clothing and accessories made from 100% recycled ocean plastic. This includes rash guards with UPF 50 protection and T-shirts, each removing approximately 1 kilogram of plastic from the ocean. So far, we’ve prevented the equivalent of over 1,100 plastic bottles from ending up in the sea.
OBLU SELECT Sangeli has earned the Green Globe certification again. Could you tell us more about this achievement?
Yes, OBLU SELECT Sangeli is proudly Green Globe certified. Achieving this certification involves a rigorous process, meeting 44 core sustainability criteria and up to 380 compliance indicators, depending on the destination. We are especially proud to have been awarded GOLD status, which is given to resorts maintaining certification for over five years. This demonstrates our long-term commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.
I’ve heard you even make bracelets from ocean plastics.
Yes, one of the most creative aspects of our program is collecting ghost nets—abandoned fishing nets drifting in the ocean—and transforming them into handmade bracelets. Each bracelet is sold to guests, and all proceeds go directly to our reef restoration projects.
How does hotel occupancy vary between high and low season?
During the high season, our resort enjoys very high occupancy, often nearing full capacity. In the low season, while things naturally slow down a little, we still maintain a steady and healthy level of bookings.
Which are your key source markets?
We’re fortunate to welcome a very diverse mix of nationalities. Our key markets include Germany, the UK, Eastern Europe, China, Russia, and India. We’re also working on strengthening our presence in emerging markets like Hungary.
Have you noticed changes in your guest mix over the years?
Yes, naturally the mix shifts between high and low season. For example, in high season, we welcome more guests from Germany, the UK, and Russia, while in the low season, we see more travelers from China, the Middle East, and Russia.
What marketing strategies are you using to reach these markets?
Our sales and marketing team runs targeted campaigns and tactical offers, especially in collaboration with travel agent partners. For markets that typically send larger groups, such as China, we focus on strategic partnerships and promotions tailored to their travel behavior.
Has the war in Ukraine affected your Russian and Ukrainian guest arrivals?
Thankfully, we haven’t experienced cancellations. The Maldives remains a welcoming destination for all nationalities, and we continue to receive guests from China, the Middle East, Russia, Germany, and the UK. Naturally, the guest mix changes, but overall, demand remains strong.
Which travel exhibitions will OBLU SELECT Sangeli participate in?
We’ll be attending ITB Berlin, WTM, ATM, ILTM, FITUR, and several roadshows depending on the market.
Do you plan any campaigns in Central Europe?
Yes, definitely. We regularly launch tactical offers and run targeted promotions in this region, especially during key booking periods.
How do you train your staff?
Recruitment is crucial, and our HR team ensures candidates meet our standards. Once hired, training begins with orientation, followed by continuous development programs. We focus on building both professional and cultural awareness, with structured training at 30, 45, and 90-day intervals, as well as ongoing skills development.
What programs and activities can guests enjoy at your resort?
We offer a wide variety of activities—snorkeling, fishing trips, sunset cruises, and excursions. Guests can also enjoy beach parties, DJ nights, live saxophone performances, and relaxing by the pool.
Recently, we launched an Ice Bath experience at our spa, ranging from 5 to 15°C. It’s excellent for muscle recovery after exercise and is paired with special treatments. This is one of our latest wellness innovations.
I heard there is a traditional dance program at your resort. Could you tell us more?
Yes, every Friday at 10 p.m. we host a Bodu Beru performance, a traditional Maldivian dance. Around 20 of our talented staff members perform, and we always invite our guests to join in—it’s a truly unique cultural experience.
