The Maldives is a long way away and, for some, it may seem out of reach.
But, even so, one Belgian found her way there and then fell in love with the place. So much so, in fact, that she made it her home.
Isabelle Gobert works as Cluster Assistant Director of Marketing & Communication at Niva Dhigali, one of the Maldives’ leading resort islands.
In an exclusive Q&A with this site, she shared her story of “life in paradise” and why she hopes more Belgians will follow in her footsteps.
Her reflections are timely: next year, the Maldives celebrates 50 years of tourism.
Q: Can you give a brief résumé of your Belgian background and connections?
Isabelle: I’m half Belgian—my father is Belgian and spent many years working abroad as an expat. Growing up, my parents shared a real love of travel, which definitely rubbed off on me. That passion eventually led me to the Maldives, where I’ve been working since 2023.
Q: What Belgian connections do you still retain, for example, via your family?
Isabelle: We have a family apartment on the Belgian coast that has been in the family for almost 50 years. My mum now lives there, so it’s where I go back whenever I visit Belgium—usually during the summer, of course, as I’m definitely more suited to tropical weather these days.
Q: Why is it that relatively few people from Belgium/Benelux visit the Maldives?
Isabelle: I think it’s largely a question of scale. Belgium is a relatively small country, and with so many holiday destinations available to travellers, the numbers naturally aren’t as high as some larger European markets. We do welcome Belgian guests at Niva Dhigali, but there’s certainly room to grow.
Q: Would you like to see the Maldives better marketed in Belgium/Benelux?
Isabelle: Absolutely. I think the Maldives has so much to offer Belgian travellers, and greater visibility in the market would encourage more people to discover that it’s much more than just a honeymoon destination. There’s something here for couples, families, adventure seekers and wellness travellers alike.
Q: How important is the European market to your company and the Maldives?
Isabelle: The European market has always been incredibly important to tourism in the Maldives. Historically, some of the very first international visitors were Italians, and Europe continues to be one of our strongest source markets. At Niva Dhigali, European guests represent a significant part of our business throughout the year.
Q: What impact has the Middle East conflict had on Maldivian tourism?
Isabelle: Like many destinations that rely on international travel, the biggest impact was on flight schedules, with cancellations and a temporary reduction in arrivals. Fortunately, we’re now seeing routes stabilise again, and several airlines are looking at expanding or introducing direct services to the Maldives, which is a very positive sign for the future.
Q: Would you like to see more direct flights to the Maldives from European capitals?
Isabelle: Definitely. More direct flights would make the Maldives even more accessible and make the journey feel much easier for European travellers. On a personal note, I’d certainly love to see a direct flight from Brussels—it would make visiting home a lot quicker!
Q: A new marine biology project is about to start in Dhigali. Can you briefly explain?
Isabelle: Niva Dhigali is a natural island, surrounded by a beautiful house reef, and although the resort only opened nine years ago, protecting the island’s natural environment has always been one of our priorities. Last year we celebrated our first naturally hatched turtle nest, and this year we’ve been fortunate enough to experience it again. Bringing a marine biologist to the island is an important next step. Their role will be to help us monitor and protect our marine ecosystem while also sharing knowledge with our guests, creating a deeper appreciation for the incredible ocean environment that surrounds us.
Q: How important is sustainability to your business in Dhigali?
Isabelle: Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From the very beginning, we made a conscious effort to preserve the island’s natural jungle and surrounding ecosystem rather than reshape it. We’re currently working towards Travelife certification, an internationally recognised sustainability accreditation for the travel industry that recognises businesses committed to responsible environmental, social and operational practices. It’s an important milestone for us, but more importantly, it reflects our long-term commitment to protecting the destination we call home. As part of Versa Hospitality, we believe we all have a responsibility to care for our environment and contribute positively to the future of tourism.
Q: Looking ahead, what do you foresee for the future of your company in Dhigali and for tourism in the Maldives?
Isabelle: Looking ahead, it’s an incredibly exciting time for Niva Dhigali as we have recently entered a new chapter under Versa Hospitality, rebranding under Niva Hotels & Resorts collection. The rebrand is more than a new identity; it’s a reflection of how travel is evolving.
Today’s guests are seeking authentic experiences, meaningful connections and a stronger relationship with the destinations they visit, while still enjoying exceptional levels of hospitality.
Versa Hospitality has been part of the Maldives’ tourism story from the very beginning, with a long-standing legacy of shaping hospitality in the destination. This next chapter builds on that heritage while looking firmly to the future, creating brands that reflect the values modern travellers hold most dearly—sustainability, wellbeing, genuine human connection and a true sense of place.
