For a few years now Tom, our CEO, has had a dream; that one day the whole company would unite in the Maldives for a few days of bonding and fun. To begin with this seemed impossible, as Hummingbird has grown significantly over the past year to now having over 70 staff members spread out across several countries and time zones. We all thought that this would be something we’d talk about and wish for but would never become a reality. Somehow, through sheer determination and some very hard working individuals, we managed to lock down dates that worked for everyone, get our flights in order and find the perfect place to host us all. The amazing Mercure and Pullman Maldives offered themselves up to us for a few days in August, which was so unbelievably generous and we could not have imagined better places to be all together.
The London team and remote workers from Argentina, Canada, US, Bulgaria, Italy and UAE met first at the Mercure on 10th August for 2 nights together. During this time we gathered around the main infinity pool, which is the perfect place to work and socialise, so we spent most of the days there. The buffet restaurant which is located right next to the main pool offered a great selection of dishes and there were always delicious curries on offer! The all inclusive plan is very generous as well and we enjoyed beer, wine and various cocktails in the evening with our dinner. The team were also taken out on Mercure’s Dhoni, a traditional Maldivian boat, for a dolphin cruise and were spoilt with over a hundred dolphins swimming, jumping and playing around the boat while we meandered around the sea in front of the resort. It was a seriously magical moment.
On the morning of 12th August, Hummingbirds gathered in Male and various other islands in the Maldives to travel to the Pullman. As a few of us were already at Mercure it was only a 15 minute speedboat ride away. The moment we first all got together on the island was a very emotional one; some had not seen each other for years, some had never met before. That night we had the restaurant Souq Oven all to ourselves, and had speeches given by CEOs Tom and Alex, the Chairman Kit, and the Directors Tomas, Iva and Mie. After dinner we had a 4 part travel quiz designed by our marketing team with everyone divided into teams, and then we all moved on to Saffron Affair for drinks and more mingling.
The next day we had beach games by the main pool, with most members of the team joining in to play volleyball and dodgeball. In the afternoon the women of the company had an ‘all-girls pool party’ at one of the pool villas which gave them all the chance to have some privacy while they swam, this was really lovely and special. The evening’s activities commenced at 5:30 with everyone meeting back at the main pool area for sunset photos of individual teams and the whole company, followed by an amazing buffet dinner set up by the Pullman team. We were given the whole outside decking area to the right of the main restaurant, which was slightly hidden away for more privacy, where we had our own waiters and chefs with an incredible spread of food. Prize giving commenced after dinner for a few extra special members of the team, and then we all moved across to the Hub bar to enjoy the live music and all have a dance together. Tomas finished off the live music with his own rendition of Sweet Child O’Mine and we then moved on to Saffron Affair again to keep the party going!
The next day was check-out and we were so sad to be leaving each other, it was a very emotional goodbye especially for some who had made a particularly special bond over the past few days. The team broke into various groups for their departures, as we were all returning to different countries, and the Sales & Marketing team went on to Sri Lanka. Upon reflection of the trip, it never ceases to amaze us at how good Tom and Alex are at hiring people. Even though we are all different, we come from different backgrounds and cultures, we are all so similar in the way we get along, work hard, and appreciate each other. We never take for granted how amazing Hummingbird is as a company to work for and with, and we sincerely hope this is seen in our partnerships with our clients and fellow hoteliers.
Thank you for following along on our 2022 Hummingbird Trip to the Maldives and for being patient during this time, it was an experience we will never forget!