Exclusive Interview: Stephane Laguette – CCO at THE OZEN COLLECTION

Stephane Laguette – Layalina Interview

1^st February 2021

1. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI is part of the THE OZEN COLLECTION Can you tell us a little bit about what makes this group special?

THE OZEN COLLECTION is a very young and passionate award-winning Indian Ocean hospitality brand. OZEN resorts offer the ultimate blend of privacy with refined elegance for a blissfully immersive holiday in paradise. OZEN MAADHOO, which opened in July 2016 , was the first resort we launched under the brand, We are proud of how successful the resort has been since the launch, with its unique ‘Indulgence Plan’ concept driving regular loyal guests coming back each year. Following this success story we opened the doors to OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI in December 2020,

2020 for obvious reasons, was a very difficult year to be launching a new resort but we have shown that it is possible.

2. What makes OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI distinctively unique?

As with all resorts under The OZEN COLLECTION umbrella we put privacy and luxury at the forefront of our focus, we want to ensure that guests feel that they have truly stepped away from the hustle and bustle and entered paradise. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI has 8 different villa categories, all of which encompass secluded elegance. Whether it is an Earth Pool Villa on the beach or our over-water villas with added privacy there is something for everyone.

Unlike many resorts in the Maldives we have the uniquely curated ‘RESERVE’ and “INDULGENCE’ concept plans which means that guests don’t have to worry about anything during their stay, from the moment they arrive at the resort there is no allocated numbers, no need for a signature throughout the stay, guests are free to truly enjoy their stay in peace, unless they need us. Our plans are also very unique in as much as there is a lot included that you wouldn’t expect such as the spa, transfers and dinner at our underwater restaurant (M6M) if you are staying at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO.

We also have a very unique experience at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI called the ROYAL RESERVE that is entirely private and the most exclusive accommodation on the island. It offers guests the ultimate seclusion and privacy to host family and friends over a private reserve with 3 bedrooms and a private pool even a private beach. It also features, a spa pavilion, open-air jacuzzi and a fully stocked profession kitchen along with much more.   

3. Your brand (TOC) seems to focus on and mastered the hassle free ‘all-inclusive’ concept (dining and non motorized sports?)

From the outset we have always wanted to ensure that those guests that choose THE OZEN COLLECTION have a relaxed holiday where they don’t have to be concerned with what they indulge in. The RESERVE and INDULGENCE plans mean that everything is covered from the moment you step on the resort. The plans are curated to include the very best of fine dining, premium beverages and exclusive experiences for an unforgettable Maldivian getaway. Both plans also include spa treatments and transportations this is even more than “all inclusive”.

4. What makes your resorts the ultimate destination during the COVID-19 era?

Travel has changed a lot in the last year so everyone has had to adapt to ensure that the guests coming to stay feel that they are in safe hands. Both resorts allow for social distancing easily, without the guests really noticing much difference from previous stays. In line with The Maldives regulations we are doing daily temperature check for all guests and staff, and ensure all service team members wear masks at all times.

Both resorts have resident doctors who are available 24/7. We ensure that guests feel comfortable from the moment they arrive and that they have a seamless and enjoyable visit.

5. The Lux concept seems to carry through from airport transfers to throughout the resort! (Elaborate on Catamaran and Azimut yacht, etc)

From the moment you arrive though the airport we ensure that guests feel looked after. Our dedicated welcoming staff will meet you at the airport and take you to the waterside to board the boat to the resort, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is 40 mins from the airport and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI just a short 20 minute journey. Those that arrive to stay are escorted to a private air-conditioned THE OZEN COLLECTION LOUNGE while they wait for their luxury boat rid. Arrival at both resorts comes with a tradition Maldivian flair of Bodu Beru drumming and the give out a hand-crafted palm leaf necklace. 

6. Privacy is taken to a whole new level with the water reserve villas. (Elaborate on free standing ocean reserve villas)

At both OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO we have the option to stay overwater, which gives a more ‘authentic’ Maldives stay. At OZEN RESERVE Bolifushi we also have the 7 private Ocean RESERVE villas. Each two bedroom villa is truly its own secluded, overwater retreat with stunning ocean views. Offering stunning panoramic views, the villas are spread out along a secluded wooden jetty, each with their own 35m2 private infinity pool and deck, overwater hammocks, a private beach deck and a 23-metre water slide which is usually the highlight for guests staying in these stunning villas.

7. Family is a big focus at Bolifushi with huge slides within villas, kids club and a teens club!

Travelling with family, especially small children can seem intimidating so we have ensured that we are family friendly, making sure that when you choose The OZEN Collection you will have the ultimate family break. Both resorts have a kids club, at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO the space is available all day for children over 4 years complete with its over shallow natural salt pool, and shaded outdoor space. We also have the Kuda Koli Klub at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI which is the largest kid’s club in the destination where children can enjoy a wide variety of activities along with a shallow family swimming pool, teen lounge. Both resorts offer a babysitting service upon request.

8. What is your personal favorite part of the resort?

It’s difficult to pick a part that is my ‘favorite’, each resort has their own individual elements that bring the resort to life. We have beautiful over-water villas at the spa, where all treatments take place, with stunning uninterrupted views out to see. At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI we have a unique Arabic restaurant called Sangu Beach, which serves incredible Levant cuisine and has proved very popular for the Middle East market. The spa at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI is also a personal highlight, complete with our signature coconut oil that is made on the island by the spa team, harvested from our very own coconuts.

As I said, hare to pick one favorite part!

9. What customization is available for clients with special or extraordinary requests?

We understand that everyone has different needs and wants, whether it is a romantic break for two or a fun-filled family holiday we meticulously craft each guests experience to ensure they have the getaway they dream of.

There is very rarely a request that we see as ‘too much’ or above our ability and make it our mission to ensure the complete wish is fulfilled (within reason of course!).

We get many requests from guests to personalize their experience with anything from private sommelier access, private dinners on the beach or within their villa. Our chefs cater to all culinary requests without boundaries as we truly believe that the guest comes first.