Dhananjaya Kumanayaka, Chief Concierge at Villa Nautica

Dhananjaya, known affectionately as Dhana, hails from Sri Lanka and has dedicated nearly a decade to transforming the hospitality industry. His passion for guest service, coupled with experience at various prestigious properties, has shaped him into a leading figure in the field. Currently serving as the Chief Concierge at Villa Nautica, Dhana’s unwavering dedication and expertise have recently earned him one of the highest honors in his profession.

Dhana achieved a monumental milestone when he was awarded full key membership at the 17th Golden Core Annual Meet-up at St. Regis Goa. This esteemed accolade, achieved by only a select few, signifies him as the second chief concierge in the Maldives and the youngest in South Asia to receive this honor. Full key membership in Les Clefs d’Or is a symbol of the pinnacle of concierge excellence.

Les Clefs d’Or, or “The Golden Keys,” was established in France in 1929 and has evolved into an esteemed international network of elite concierges. The organization’s emblem, the golden keys, symbolizes the highest standards of service, representing not only access to insider knowledge and the ability to fulfill extraordinary requests but also a commitment to discretion and professionalism. Achieving full key membership is one of the most prestigious accolades a concierge can earn, reflecting exceptional skill, dedication, and the delivery of unforgettable guest experiences while adhering to the organization’s rigorous standards.

My career in hospitality began nearly two decades ago in Sri Lanka, driven by a fascination with the concierge role and a desire to create memorable guest experiences. My initial role at a boutique hotel in Colombo sparked a lifelong passion for the art of concierge service. I vividly remember a particular guest who needed an urgent, bespoke travel arrangement at midnight. The satisfaction of fulfilling that request and the joy it brought to the guest solidified my commitment to this career path.

Over the years, I gained valuable experience at various properties, each offering unique challenges and learning opportunities. When the opportunity to join Villa Nautica as Chief Concierge presented itself, it felt like a significant career milestone. Joining such a renowned establishment was both thrilling and humbling. The environment at Villa Nautica truly values excellence and guest satisfaction, and I have found immense support from the management team—General Manager Nahid, Resident Manager Iujaz, Guest Service Manager Sinan, and Learning & Development Manager Arjit. Their encouragement and resources have been pivotal in my growth, allowing me to strive for higher standards and greater achievements.

A concierge plays a pivotal role in enhancing a guest’s stay by offering personalized services and handling a wide range of requests. This includes securing reservations at exclusive venues, arranging unique local experiences, and addressing any special needs with professionalism and creativity. For instance, I once arranged a surprise underwater dinner for a couple celebrating their anniversary. The look of astonishment and joy on their faces was incredibly rewarding and epitomizes the essence of what we do.

My daily routine is dynamic and multifaceted. Each day begins with reviewing guest requests and preparing for any special events or VIP arrivals. I spend the day coordinating with various departments to ensure seamless operations and fulfilling specific guest requests. Staying updated with the latest local trends and developments is crucial for offering informed recommendations. For example, knowing about a new, hidden gem restaurant or a local cultural event can make a significant difference in a guest’s experience. The role requires adaptability and a keen attention to detail, as every day presents new opportunities and challenges to create exceptional guest experiences.

Achieving full key membership is a dream fulfilled. It represents one of the highest accolades a concierge can attain, acknowledging the hard work and dedication invested in my career. For me, it’s more than just recognition; it’s about the responsibility to uphold the highest standards of service. This accolade not only enhances Villa Nautica’s reputation but also reassures our guests that they are receiving exceptional service. It underscores the commitment of our entire team to excellence and sets a benchmark for the quality of service we aspire to provide.

Preparing for the evaluation was both intense and demanding. The process required answering 400 questions in just 20 minutes, testing both my knowledge and composure under pressure. I dedicated extensive hours to studying and gaining hands-on experience, ensuring I stayed updated with industry trends through training sessions and workshops. One particular challenge was balancing my daily responsibilities with the rigorous demands of preparation. There were times when the workload was overwhelming, and managing the demands of my role at Villa Nautica while preparing required meticulous time management and focus. The support from my colleagues and management was invaluable, providing the necessary resources and encouragement. The pressure was substantial, but it fueled my determination to succeed.

My primary aspiration is to mentor and empower future concierges to achieve their full key membership. I am dedicated to sharing the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired with the next generation. The role, while demanding, offers immense satisfaction in creating memorable guest experiences. I look forward to continuing my journey at Villa Nautica, contributing to its reputation as a premier destination. In the broader industry context, I hope to see greater recognition for the role of concierges and to be involved in initiatives that promote continuous learning and development in hospitality.

As I look to the future, my goal is to be part of initiatives that elevate the profession and advocate for the critical role concierges play in the hospitality industry. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, I aim to help shape the future of concierge service, ensuring that it remains an integral and celebrated aspect of the guest experience.

As Dhana continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of concierges, his story underscores the profound impact that exceptional service can have on the guest experience. With unwavering dedication and a forward-thinking vision, Dhana is poised to make a significant impact on luxury hospitality. His commitment to excellence promises to elevate standards and create unforgettable moments for guests at Villa Nautica and beyond, ensuring that every interaction reflects the pinnacle of high-end service.