Ursula Mayes

Ursula Mayes is one of the world’s leading authorities on luxury hotels and concierge services. She is also the founder and CEO of The Luxury Hospitality Group, the company that owns the Fairmont Maldives, one of the world’s most prestigious five-star resorts. The company she founded in 1984 is now valued at over US$12 billion. In April 2018, Forbes included Ursula in its influential list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women.’

Ursula began her career in the UK Parliament, where she served as Private Secretary to Cabinet Minister Norman Fowler. From there, she moved to become Director of Government Channels at Carlton TV and the BBC. She joined the Fairmont Maldives in 2012 as Deputy General Manager, and assumed the role of General Manager in January 2018. She has also held senior management positions at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in London and Jumeirah Alain Ducasse, one of the world’s most famous luxury hotels and resorts. Additionally, Ursula was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2018 Birthday Honours, for services to UK business and charity.’

The Fairmont Maldives

Located in the beautiful Indian Ocean, the Fairmont Maldives is one of the world’s most prestigious and luxurious resorts. It is also home to a renowned art collection that guests can enjoy through the curated exhibits and installations showcased in the resort’s three museums. The hotel itself is a gem, with a reputation for exceptional service and design. It has twelve restaurants and bars and over eighty rooms, including two presidential suites and a private pool accessible for guests with concierge privileges. A cruise ship dock provides additional opportunities for guests to indulge in luxury.

As a guest of the Fairmont Maldives, you can expect to receive a personalised welcome from one of the hotel’s experienced and talented multilingual staff. A butler will welcome you in your room, and provide you with a selection of international wines, beers, and champagnes to choose from. Regular activities include themed lectures, arts and culture events, live music and more. For those guests looking for some solitude, the resort provides a range of wellness and spa treatments alongside its exceptional beaches and crystal clear waters. The opportunity to relax and revitalise is truly unique to the Fairmont Maldives, and something that the resort is justly proud of.

The Future of Luxury Hotels

Luxury hotels like the Fairmont Maldives provide guests with an exceptional experience that encourages them to return time and time again. However, with increasing competition and the rise of digital nomads, how can established luxury hotel chains continue to attract guests?

Part of the answer lies in the way that properties like these use technology to reimagine the way we travel and conduct business. At the Fairmont Maldives, guests can make free calls to premium international destinations, and access the property’s extensive network of businesses and services including restaurants, spas, and concierge.

Additionally, the property uses AI to personalise guest experiences and develop autonomous operations, minimising the need for human involvement in day-to-day activities. This reliance on technology has led to significant cost savings and boosted revenues. The hotel’s AI-driven system, for example, monitors the stock levels of food and beverages, controls electrical appliances, and handles housekeeping and security. As a result of its sophisticated technologies and personalised service, the Fairmont Maldives is one of the most profitable luxury hotels in the world.

Ursula’s Takeaway

Ursula has a wealth of experience in luxury hotels, having risen through the ranks to become one of the most powerful women in business. Now, as General Manager of the Fairmont Maldives, she can apply her skills and expertise to create even more luxurious experiences for her guests. The role allows her to put her beliefs into practice, shaping the future of luxury travel and concierge services. The world is waiting for her next move.