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Exclusive Japanese Sake Pairing Dinners and Cooking Classes with Renowned Guest Chef at Nova this November
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Fernando Horta, the General Manager of Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection, is sharing his insights into travelling and working in hospitality.
Tell us a little about yourself:
Fernando Horta, Portuguese, 62 years young, married, 3 daughters, currently serving as General Manager of Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Marriott Autograph Collection, Rouen, France.
I have worked in Portugal, Spain, Angola, United Arab Emirates, Cameroon, Morocco and France, 13 hotels so far, some of the iconic properties like the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi or the Pine Cliffs Resort, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Albufeira, Portugal, just to mention two.
I have sailed all the Oceans and Seas, visited 52 countries so far, and am fluent in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish. I consider myself, a citizen of the World.
What was your first job in the industry?
F.: After University and 8 years working for the Oil industry, I started my career in the hotels as Assistant Chief Engineer at the former Le Meridien Lisbon (Portugal). Currently Intercontinental Lisbon
What do you love the most about hospitality?
F.: People. Be it the external guests or the internal ones, getting to meet people from other backgrounds, countries, regions, and so on, is the main reason for me to love our industry. Having worked so far in 7 countries from 3 continents helped me enlarge my view of the world, helped me grow as a person and as a professional and has helped me to develop my Emotional Intelligence, which in turn helps me in my day-to-day life.
What was the bigger challenge you had to overcome on your way to success?
F.: The biggest challenge was moving from a purely technical background into operations. It’s not very common in our industry, and after so many years people still ask me how I was able to do it. They rarely ask the same from someone who started in Sales, Front Office or Finance. But for an engineer, that’s a different story.
What makes one a true hotelier?
F.: A true hotelier is driven by the passion for service, a keen eye for the smallest detail and above all a Leader of others. We all know the expression that says “don’t take care of your guests. Take care of the people that work with you, and they will take care of the Guests”. Being there for them, understand that they might be away from their families, their countries, often speaking on a day-to-day basis a foreign language, listen to their needs, is instrumental in what we do. The passion I mentioned before makes all this so simple.
What would be your advice to beginners in the industry?
F.: My advice: Be yourself, ask questions, copy the good examples you see at the job, surround yourself with good people, put passion in everything you do, and if you find a good mentor, absorb everything you can. The rest comes naturally.
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LUX* South Ari Atoll, the much-loved resort of The Lux Collective in the Maldives, will be partnering with acclaimed Indian Celebrity Chef, Avinash Martins, to curate a unique culinary event. This exclusive three-day experience will take place from 14 to 16 November 2024, following the Diwali festivities.
Chef Avinash Martins, renowned for his innovative approach and dedication to sustainable cuisine, will bring his exceptional talent to the resort, combining the essence of Maldivian and Indian flavours. Recognised amongst India’s Top Chefs 2023 by Culinary Culture and named Sustainable Chef of the Year at the Travel+Leisure India Delicious Dining Awards, he is celebrated for his creative fine-dining concept that highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients. His restaurants, Cavatina by Avinash Martins, was ranked #12 on Condé Nast Traveller India's Top Restaurant Awards 2023, while C’est L’avi – Table in the Hills was voted Best Emerging Restaurant at the Travel+Leisure India Delicious Dining Awards 2024.
With culinary arts at its core, the award-winning LUX* South Ari Atoll, recently named Leading Food & Beverage Resort by the South Asian Travel Awards, is known for its diverse gastronomy across its eight restaurants. The synergy between Chef Avinash and the resort’s culinary team promises an unparalleled dining adventure.
Guests can indulge in a five-course chefs table experience with a Maldivian Indian fusion menu at Senses, the resort’s open-air, Indian restaurant, on 14 and 16 November. This fine-dining experience will feature an elevated Goan twist, paired with selected beverages. On 15 November, a master chef class will be hosted at Amaa’s Kitchen, offering participants an interactive experience where they can take home cooking tips from the celebrity chef himself.
Beyond its exceptional dining options, LUX* South Ari Atoll allows guests to unwind on a 1.8km palm-lined beach and choose from different accommodations, ranging from Beach Pavilions to the LUX* Villa. It provides wellness activities such as yoga, pilates and fitness training, complemented by water sports including snorkelling, kayaking and kite surfing. Two swimming pools offer relaxation, while the extensive LUX* ME Spa presents indulgent treatments that blend Eastern and Western practices.
Situated in the South Ari Marine Protected Area, it allows guests to discover marine life such as sea turtles, manta rays and whale sharks through guided tours, or enjoy an underwater glimpse with VR technology. Additional amenities include a Junk Art Studio, a curated library, and a variety of engaging activities. The resort is committed to creating memorable moments with interactive options for families, healthful vegan choices through the LUX* Keen On Green concept, and destination-inspired experiences such as the Maldivian Night buffet and Amaa’s Kitchen.
This like-minded collaboration underscores the shared passion and commitment of Chef Avinash and LUX* South Ari Atoll to pushing culinary excellence and delivering extraordinary experiences.
For more information on booking a stay and dining events with Celebrity Chef Avinash Martins, visit www.luxresorts.com, email stay@luxmaldivesresort.com, or call +960 668 0901.
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Altamer Luxury Villas, the exclusive collection of meticulously designed villas, announces the appointment of Sean Richard as General Manager. Richard’s 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality and business development will be fundamental in the evolution of the Altamer brand.
Nestled on the shores of Anguilla, Altamer Luxury Villas blend contemporary design with island-inspired charm, redefining the concept of luxury living. Each Villa features sprawling living spaces, private pools, breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, and personalized amenities.
“As General Manager of Altamer Luxury Villas, my goal is to elevate every guest’s experience beyond the point of an ordinary visit and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. My vision for the Altamer team will set new standards in luxury hospitality by seamlessly integrating local experiences with resort-style amenities and unparalleled service in the ultimate setting of exclusivity,” says Sean Richard.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with a concentration in Economics, Richard’s career spans over two decades managing and leading large teams. Most recently, he served as the Executive Food & Beverage Director at Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club where he led operations of seven diverse dining establishments significantly enhancing their service offerings and standards. His strategic approach resulted in consistently high customer satisfaction scores and a strong performance in Forbes assessments.
Richard is poised to bring his robust experience, creative strategies, and leadership excellence to the team at Altamer Luxury Villas. His expertise in operations, financial management and concept development will prove integral in elevating the luxury experience for guests.
Altamer Luxury Villas is thrilled to welcome Richard and looks forward to the exciting new initiatives and improvements he will bring to the property.
For more information, visit https://altamer.com/.
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