15 Questions with the General Manager at Coco Bodu Hithi, Martin Lount

Jan, 12 2019

Martin Lount started his career in hospitality as a chef working in many of London’s top hotels and restaurants. His career took him on adventures all over the world, from Saudia Arabia to Egypt; to Turkey to Indonesia. When you find yourself at Coco Bodu Hithi, make sure to ask our affable General Manager to share some stories about his interesting life of travel. 

1. How do you start your day on Coco Bodu Hithi?

Very early! Walking the whole resort, enjoying that time before the guests wake up and preparing the team and myself for a normal, very busy day of welcoming, chatting and departing of our guests.

2. What do you love about being the General Manager?

Interacting with the resort team & the guests to ensure that all are happy and having the greatest time while they are on the resort

3. Who would you say is the jokester of your team?

We all are, at different times! The team and I work long hours to ensure all our guests have a great time here so it’s very important to have a good sense of humour. We always have a funny story ready to tell the guests of our adventures.

4. What’s your favourite thing about the Maldives?

It is too beautiful here and I have a phone full of memories together with meeting our guests, interacting and getting to know them! It is like having friends and family visiting every day. 

5. Favourite tropical drink from Latitude bar?

During the day an ice cold ‘kurumba’ or local baby coconut is extremely refreshing especially while sunbathing or relaxing on the beach. A large gin & tonic over lots of ice at sunset; perfect end to a perfect day!

6. Recommend an activity on the island for honeymooners.

All of our private experiences are brilliant. A romantic dinner at sunset under your private pergola, or the ultimate romantic experience on a sandbank while enjoying a glass of champagne and a lovely picnic.

7. Three most important things to pack with you to the Maldives?

Sun lotion, a great book & a pair of your favourite swimming trunks

8. What do you miss most from back home?

My family, our dog Sam & wandering around the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, which is where I call home now!

9. You worked as a chef for many years. What dish would you cook for your wife for a romantic dinner?

A classic Beef Wellington with a rich red wine sauce, paired with a great Merlot.

10. Best memory from your time in the kitchen?

So many! When the kitchens were awarded a Michelin star, that was incredible and unforgettable.

11. What’s the most Insta-worthy spot on the island?

So many, pretty much anywhere on our island is beautiful but my favourite spot would be on our private beach or our famed arrival jetty.

12. Time for some Desert Island Picks! If you could only bring one book, one movie, and one record to the island, what would they be?

Kitchen Confidential written by the late Anthony Bourdain. If I had an iPod then every song by Jamiroquai especially “Travelling Without Moving” as a lover of the 60’s. Pretty much any movie by the director David Lean so Doctor Zhivago, The Bridge on the River Kwai or the beautifully-filmed Lawrence of Arabia or Passage to India; I just hope I am stranded with a decent movie projector!

13. The perfect time of day to sit by the pool?

Late afternoon until sunset- the pool is the most perfect place to see a great Maldivian sunset!

14. What’s the best dish on the breakfast buffet at Air?

The omelettes! Our chef Liton make the greatest omelette together with his lovely smile, his fantastic personality, and his excellent memory for preparing our guests favourite egg dish.

15. Final question: what’s the best villa on the island, and why?

That’s very difficult; all our villas have their own charm! An Island Villa has the private access to our beautiful beach, while the water villas have direct access to the sea. Of course, our beautiful Coco Residences have uninterrupted views of the sea from your bed. Plus, your private butlers will make every experience an unforgettable memory. 
 

Categories: People