He was highly rated on the world’s largest booking site. Tourists who received his services wrote messages of gratitude. Afsal (39, from Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll), who worked as a housekeeper at the Centara Grand Island Resort, was the top in her field. Guests called him “the best.”
“Thank you so much Afsal for the daily surprises (different bed decorations). You are the ‘King of Sheets,'” one tourist wrote in a TripAdvisor review under the headline “Afsal is the Best.”
Tourists also shared several photos of Afzal and his talents: “Welcome” signs arranged in different ways; different fish carved into the sand on the ground;
Another tourist commented on Expedia about a similar surprise.
“He is very kind. Whenever we need something he is there to help us,” a tourist named Luke wrote in an Oct. 31, 2023 review.
Another person wrote a review that praised the resort as a whole, but mentioned Afsal in particular. “He’s amazing,” the review said, noting Afsal’s attention to detail and keeping the rooms clean.
“Our housekeeper, Afsal, was fantastic and our villa was always clean,” wrote a tourist named Tom in a review written a week ago.
Tom’s review also noted Afsal’s attention to detail.
Afsal has spent most of his life in the tourism industry, previously working at Adaaran Club Rannalhi and Club Med, and lastly at Centara Grand.
Death in the line of duty
Afsar died last Thursday while serving tourists.
The last thing he did on earth was save the life of a drowning tourist.
On his last day, Afzal sacrificed his life for the tourist, whose life was saved. However, Afzal was declared dead on arrival at ADh. Dhangethi Health Centre.
Afsar’s body was taken to Addu by sea ambulance and buried at Hithadhoo after Friday prayers.
Saving lives is nothing new for Afsal
“He was a very kind and sociable person,” said Afsar’s cousin, Abdullah Ansar.
Ansar, who works at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives in Kuda Huraa, had come to Addu to bury his brother.
Coincidentally, at the time of the call, Ansar was at the resort sorting Afsar’s belongings.
“Here are the comments our guests wrote and the things they gave us,” Afsar collected. “You’re the best,” and “This karaoke microphone is for you,” Ansar said, looking at some of the items.
Ansar’s story shows his brother to be a brave man and someone who does not hesitate to help people.
“He has saved tourists’ lives two or three times before and this was no different. Afsar himself called me on the occasion,” Ansar said.
Ansar couldn’t believe what had happened – the death certificate said he died by drowning – but he described how he felt: “I think it was like his brain or heart stopped. Will anyone who saw it know what happened? That’s what I think.”
Ansar did not want to talk about it further as it was difficult for him to talk.
Afsal is a role model and a leader
Afsal, who is a year older than Ansar, is his role model. At work, Afsal is also a role model for his colleagues.
“I have a lot of respect for him. He is polite and kind to people. When I meet people from the resorts where he used to work, they say he is a leader. He is the best,” Ansar said.
“The housekeeper from Sentara came when my brother’s body was brought here. She said Afsar is in good health and very active,” Ansar said.
Ansar’s article touches on the kindness shown by Centara in the incident, saying the resort’s general manager called her immediately after the incident.
With his brother dead, Ansar had no desire or courage to return to the resort where he worked.
“I’m going to take a little break these days. I haven’t been feeling too well,” he said.
“But you never give up in life. When you fall, you get up.”
Afsar has passed away, but he did something commendable – not a big deal in the Maldives, but a medal-worthy deed in some countries.
But they will be remembered for Afsal’s example in service and the titles such as “You’re the best” and “King of the sheets” bestowed on him by tourists. He ensured this with his top-notch service.
Note: This article was originally published by Dhauru in the local Dhivehi language (you can view the original article). hereEnglish translation provided by Hotelier Maldives.
