A conversation with our Logistics and Catering Managers
At Chelsea Village Hotel in Mogadishu, where we offer the international community operating in the region a comfortable home-from-home, it’s the people behind the scenes who make all the difference.
We sat down with two key members of the team: Logistics Manager, Max Alva, and Catering Manager, Ganesh Bhujel, to find out about their background and their work at Chelsea Village Hotel.
Both Max and Ganesh bring years of international experience, a passion for hospitality, and a commitment to making every guest feel at home – embodying the ethos of Chelsea Village Hotel.
The Logistics Manager who finds joy in the details
Max Alva grew up in a small village called Padubelle in India before moving to Mumbai for to find work after completing his education. In the years that followed, Max gained diverse international experience, working in Bahrain, Sierra Leone and Mozambique for over a decade.
In 2016, he joined Chelsea Village Hotel in Mogadishu, because the hotel’s emphasis on providing high-quality service and experience to its guests resonated deeply with him.
Max in his element at Chelsea Village Hotel.
Max’s day and duties
In his role as Logistics Manager, Max oversees facility operations, including financial management, staff supervision, inventory control, and training. Essentially, Max keeps things running smoothly day-to-day, handling all aspects of logistics and stepping in when unexpected issues arise.
He also emphasises how building great relationships with clients is key to his role, ensuring they’re happy and keep coming back.
Connecting with guests
Over his time at Chelsea Village Hotel, Max has been deeply impacted by his close connection with guests. He particularly recalls a guest who was in Somalia on his first overseas assignment and struggling to adjust to life in a new country.
Despite the language barrier, Max was able to connect with him and make him feel more at home by introducing him to the local culture and helping with logistics to support his project. Seeing how this simple gesture could make such a big difference was truly heartwarming for Max and made him realise how important his work is in providing a home away from home for guests.
“The thing I enjoy most about my work at Chelsea Village Hotel is interacting with our guests and building relationships with them,” says Max. “I find it truly rewarding to make a positive impact on their stay and see the smile on their face when they feel welcomed and comfortable. Working with such a diverse group of guests from all over the world gives me the opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives, which is something I cherish.”
The Catering Manager who leverages the power of food
Catering Manager Ganesh Bhujel, who hails from Nepal, also earned international experience before joining Chelsea Village Hotel. He worked in Kathmandu, Iraq, Afghanistan, Nepal and Dubai before starting at Chelsea Village Hotel as Sous Chef in 2017. In 2024, he was promoted to Catering Manager.
Ganesh brings a touch of home – wherever that may be – to the catering at Chelsea Village Hotel.
Ganesh’s day and duties
Ganesh starts his day by checking that all staff meet hygiene and safety standards, like being clean-shaven, having trimmed nails, wearing proper uniforms, and attending a safety briefing.
He then goes over daily duties with the catering team – keeping an eye on costs – and works closely with the General Manager and other department heads to stay updated on daily operations. His focus is on supervising catering staff to ensure smooth operations and happy customers.
Using food to create a home-from-home
Ganesh knows that food has the power to comfort people, especially in precarious situations. He has seen how it shapes the experience of guests at Chelsea Village Hotel.
“We’ve had clients from various countries with diverse tastes in food,” he says, “But at the hotel we make them feel happy and at home in Somalia.
“The thing I enjoy most about my work at Chelsea Village Hotel is always welcoming guests and providing them with freshly prepared meals, and also when I see their empty plate and smile after having a meal!”
2024’s Christmas spread was a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.
Outside of work, Ganesh stays connected with his family and friends over the phone, and makes time for exercise, meditation, listening to music and visiting friends.
Overcoming challenges to enjoy the beauty of Somalia
Both Max and Ganesh feel that one of the main challenges they face working at Chelsea Village Hotel is the security situation in Somalia. While there may be concerns about safety, Max and Ganesh know that Chelsea Village Hotel and its security partners, Hart Nationwide, take great care to ensure that guests and employees are safe. Strict security protocols and close collaboration put their minds at ease.
Despite the security situation, Max and Ganesh want to encourage people to visit the country.
“I would tell people who have never been to Somalia that it’s waiting to be discovered, says Max. “The country has a rich history, beautiful beaches, and friendly people. Chelsea Village Hotel offers a unique experience of local hospitality and world-class service – I encourage people to look beyond what they may have heard in the media and visit Somalia to experience its beauty and culture firsthand. They won’t regret it!”
“It is my hope for Somalia’s future is that it continues to attract visitors from all over the world, not just for its historical sites, but also for its emerging culture and businesses,” adds Ganesh. “I believe that with continued investment in infrastructure and security, the country can become a hub for tourism and development.”
Together with the rest of the Chelsea Village Hotel staff, Max and Ganesh are contributing to the exceptional service standards of the hotel and to a brighter future in Somalia.