Perched on the scenic beachfront of Hulhumalé, Vilu Breeze Restaurant is more than just a dining destination; it’s a beacon of family-driven passion and human-centered hospitality. Co-owned by a dynamic group of individuals, the head of the establishment Shaufa Saud, with the invaluable expertise of F&B Manager Badheeu Hassan, Vilu Breeze thrives on a harmonious blend of exceptional service, culinary excellence, and a people-first philosophy. Together, they have created a restaurant that not only serves delicious food but also cultivates a vibrant, positive work culture where both guests and employees flourish.
Shaufa Saud, whose journey began in guest relations and marketing, is the heart and soul of Vilu Breeze’s customer-first approach. Since their first establishment, Vilu Café in 2020, her belief in the power of personalized service is mirrored in the strong connections she nurtures with both staff and patrons. For Shaufa, her team is family—employees enjoy perks like separate accommodations, regular bonuses, and extensive family visitations, all designed to make them feel at home. Her leadership style is one of compassion and inclusivity, ensuring everyone feels valued and empowered. “I will never make anyone feel small,” Shaufa says, reflecting her deeply held belief in respect and dignity for all. Furthermore, her husband and father were profoundly involved in this journey with her. She shared her heartfelt gratitude for them and her mother as well. Shaufa’s efforts have transformed their second establishment, Vilu Breeze, into a true family business.
Shaufa’s leadership is deeply rooted in a genuine care for her staff. Her friendly, approachable nature has fostered an environment where employees see her as both a leader and a friend. She treats every team member as an equal, ensuring they feel supported and empowered.
“All this work is worth it because I am able to build something extraordinary with the presence of my family,” she adds, emphasizing the value of family support, in her journey as a restaurant owner.
At the operational core is Badheeu Hassan, whose 17 years of hospitality experience breathe life into the restaurant’s daily rhythms. His management philosophy—
V – VIBRANT interaction,
I – INSPIRE excellence,
L – LASTING relationships, and
U – UNDERSTANDING —sets the tone for the team. Badheeu is deeply committed to cultivating a positive, progressive workplace where each staff member feels valued. His focus on team development through Forbes Service Standards training ensures that the multicultural team collaborates seamlessly, delivering a consistent, personalized experience to every guest. “Our excellence comes from the building of character of everyone who is contributing to this,” Badheeu asserts, highlighting the importance of developing people alongside delivering high-quality service.
What makes Vilu Breeze truly shine is its forward-thinking approach to human resources. The leadership team’s dedication to employee well-being, professional growth, and creating a welcoming atmosphere aligns perfectly with modern HR trends that prioritize employee engagement and development. The result is a happy, motivated team that provides outstanding service while building strong, lasting connections with customers. By investing in their staff’s growth and comfort, the restaurant has created an environment where excellence thrives.
Vilu Breeze stands as a bright example of what happens when leadership, hospitality, and heart come together. With Shaufa’s personal touch, supportive leadership, and Badheeu’s expertise, the restaurant not only sets a new standard for service in the Maldives but also demonstrates that when you invest in your people, the rewards are extraordinary. As the restaurant continues to evolve, it remains a shining example of how true success is built on the foundation of care, connection, and unwavering dedication to both staff and guests.
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