Oscar Cimmino has been appointed Chef de Cuisine at Renaissance Business Bay Hotel, Dubai

Alma Resort Cam Ranh is ushering acclaimed Vietnamese artist Bui Van Quang on to its grounds weekly to craft portraits of guests. Affording the ultimate holiday memento priced at VND 300,000 per pencil portrait, the family resort is offering portrait sessions with the artist every Thursday at Alma Garden from 8am-10am and Alma Food Court from 12-1.45pm. Renowned for his authentic paintings depicting customs, traditions and the daily lives of Vietnamese people through use of the country’s rich and vivid colours, Mr Quang is a local artist who, over more than 35 years, has produced many works highly regarded by the national and international art communities. He has won a plethora of awards nationally and internationally, with his works showcased in exhibitions nationally and internationally including in China, England, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland. “As the saying goes, ‘art is too important not to share’,” said Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler. “We want to offer our guests the opportunity to enrich their holiday by experiencing the magic of our thriving local art scene; right before their very eyes in a way that’s meaningful to them.” The overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests, young and the young at heart, who have sat for their portraits has, according to Mr Quang, brought him “joy and happiness”. “I hope this experience piques the guests’ interest in art and creativity and that they wish to learn more about Vietnam’s rich and diverse artistic landscape,” said Mr Quang, a member of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association." Alma has hosted numerous artists-in-residence programs, encouraging guests to witness artists craft their works, and is looking to offer guests more experiences with local artists in the new year. To contact Alma or to make a booking, please visit alma-resort.com, call +84 258 399 1666 or email info@alma-resort.com See YouTube video of Mr Quang creating portraits for Alma guests here: https://youtu.be/POL8UqWbY7g.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is delighted to announce Oliver Eller as the newly appointed General Manager for the property. With an illustrious career spanning over 32 years in the travel, hospitality, and ultra-luxury sectors, Oliver brings unparalleled expertise and leadership to this esteemed role. Throughout his career, Oliver has held prominent leadership positions with some of the most well-known hospitality brands across the globe, showcasing a proven track record of excellence in operations, guest satisfaction, and innovative business strategies. In addition, Oliver has been part of the Ritz-Carlton journey, having served as the opening General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton properties in Moscow, Wolfsburg, and Schloss Hotel, Berlin. He also brought his expertise to the pre-opening committees for several Ritz-Carlton properties, including Berlin, New Orleans, Sharm El Sheikh, and Buckhead. In his new role at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Oliver will oversee all aspects of the resort’s operations, ensuring the delivery of unparalleled guest experiences that align with The Ritz-Carlton’s renowned luxury standards. He will lead a diverse and dedicated team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and personalized service. Oliver’s experience will be reflected in his focus on implementing strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, drive revenue growth, and strengthen the resort’s positioning in key markets. “I am extremely honored to join The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a property that exemplifies the pinnacle of luxury and hospitality,” Oliver Eller said. “My focus will be on nurturing the incredible talent within our team and continuing to deliver unforgettable moments to our guests.” The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, warmly welcomes Oliver Eller, whose visionary approach and commitment to excellence will further solidify the resort’s position as a leader in ultra-luxury hospitality.

French culinary expert’s Feb. 12-14 visit coincides with exclusive Valentine’s Day offers