Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa has appointed Asaf Tasdan as Executive Chef who will oversee all F&B outlets at the luxury resort, including the newly refurbished Riviera Tapas & Bar.
Chef Tasdan has worked extensively at luxury properties throughout the Middle East including the prestigious The Nile Ritz-Carlton Hotel and most recently JW Marriott Doha.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is committed to sustainability, self-sufficiency, and the resort features ‘The Greenhouse’, which is a semi-automated hydroponic system that produces fresh leafy vegetables for resort guests and consumption on neighbouring islands. The 480 m² greenhouse uses a range of state-of-the-art technologies, including an automated irrigation system that captures and recycles rainwater.
Chef Tasdan is passionate about sustainability and is keen to utilise the produce grown on the island for use within his dishes.
He commented: “I am delighted to join the team at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, it is a stunning location and has a fantastic range of dining options for guests. I share their vision of sustainability, it is fantastic on an island setting to be able to access such a wonderful array of produce and I cannot wait to start incorporating these into my dishes.”
Secluded in a southeastern pocket of Atoll Lhaviyani Le Meridien is located on Thilamaafushi, a natural island, and guests can unwind in paradise and enjoy the turquoise waters, unspoilt beaches, a separate private island to explore and lush vegetation.
There is an array of dining options at the resort including Le Meridien’s ‘Culinary Season’ programme, which showcases the best dining experiences from around the globe, Turquoise, Japanese restaurant Tabemasu, Waves Café, Velaa Bar + Grill restaurant, Riviera Tapas & Bar and Latitude.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is a canvas inspired by the formation of the Atolls, fringing reefs and marine life. Soon to debut in Lhaviyani Atoll, the resort is located on the island of Thilamaafushi, defined as “island surrounded by vast lagoon” in Dhivehi, the parlance of the Maldives. The resort is an eco-conscious haven abundant with verdant flora and fauna and is enveloped by a shimmering lagoon and coral reefs bursting with marine life. Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is a playful sanctuary for the curious and creative traveller to discover the European spirit of savouring the good life.
Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai Hotel has appointed Jihane Rahmani as marketing & PR communications manager.
Britta Leick-Milde, hotel manager, shared: “We are thrilled to have Rahmani join our team as the marketing & PR manager. Creativity and innovation are a fundamental focus for our hotel, and we are confident that her expertise will continue to enhance our success in Dubai’s competitive hospitality market.”
Rahmani is fluent in three languages and holds a Masters in Marketing and Commercial Communications from Morocco. Before joining Hyatt Hotels, she was the Cluster Marketing Manager at IHG Hotels & Resorts Abu Dhabi, where she successfully launched several marketing campaigns and events, resulting in increased brand awareness and revenue growth.
“I am delighted to be part of the team of ladies at Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai and be a part of this property. In my new role, I seek to create engaging conversations with our guests and build a strong presence in the market. I believe that understanding the brand itself, its values, and especially why it exists are the most important things in this industry.”, commented Jihani on her appointment.
Spearheading marketing for one of the most iconic hotel brands in modern hospitality, Roshan Radhay, coming from Mauritius, is a Middle East & Indian Ocean commercial guru who performs daily magic for The Lux Collective.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts leader Daniela Trovato has been promoted to Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club, with regional responsibilities including guidance of South Florida’s four distinct properties including Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, Four Seasons Hotel Miami, and Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale.
“I am honoured and excited to be part of Four Seasons recent growth in South Florida and to be given the opportunity to respect and expand each of these unique destinations while maintaining and enhancing their individual personalities,” says Daniela Trovato.
Daniela’s career at Four Seasons began in 2005, back in her native home of Italy, where she joined the team at Four Seasons Hotel Milano, and vividly recalls beloved hotelier Patrizio Cipollini telling her “if you really want to sell luxury, this is the only place.” In 2014, Daniela received a promotion to Senior Director of Marketing for the Italian collection, overseeing both Four Seasons Hotel Firenze and Four Seasons Hotel Milano. In 2017, she became Regional Director of Marketing, extending her marketing expertise to Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel; and shortly after, was endorsed as Hotel Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. In 2021 she was appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club, where as she says “I’m constantly inspired by the beauty and legendary history of The Surf Club.”
The Surf Club, a storied property with a history as a gathering place for the pioneers of the good life, has since been reimagined by some of today’s greatest creative minds. Now home to Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club with just 77 hotel rooms and a selection of hotel residences, the oceanfront property also includes a world-class Spa, Lido Restaurant at The Surf Club, and the Champagne Bar.
During her time as General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club, Daniela made sure to transmit her vision throughout the Hotel team, with the goal of creating guest experiences that turn into lifelong memories. Moreover, she was a constant driver of both employee and guest experience, reflected in the Hotel’s Forbes Five Star accolade for the past four consecutive years. Her tenure saw the design of unparalleled unique experiences, from seasonal residencies with Michelin-starred restaurants and sunset picnics to musical performances and luminous events.
After nearly two years of calling The Surf Club home, Daniela, who proudly represents Four Seasons and the brand’s commitment to exceptional service and quality, is dedicated to flourishing the identities of each of the region’s four hotels and resorts in her uniquely energetic and visionary manière.
Palm Beach Island’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond Resort, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, offers an intimate resort experience where picturesque pools and acres of private beachfront take centre stage. Within the charming setting, dine by the water at Florie’s by Mauro Colagreco and settle into the easy going pace of life.
Above the trendy Brickell Avenue, Four Seasons Hotel Miami offers the best of both big city exuberance and a tropical getaway. A place to savour the fun and flavourful dining experiences, spend the day with a swim or sway in a hammock within the two-acre (nearly a hectare) sun-kissed sanctuary, composed of 221 rooms, and 84 private residences. It’s all set against the Miami skyline.
For guests seeking the riviera lifestyle with a modern tropical twist, Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale evokes a yacht club way of life. With a prime beachfront address, culture-driven cuisine, and wellness spa, the 22-storey oceanfront property is the newest Four Seasons in South Florida within the Fort Hospitality portfolio, recognized for being the region’s finest hotels, resorts and residences.
Singapore, 7 March 2023 – This March, in line with the International Women’s Day 2023 theme #EmbraceEquity, The Lux Collective is proud to spotlight its powerhouse of women’s strength at the resorts worldwide. Equal opportunities are not enough as people start from different places. Recently presented with the established Great Place to Work accreditation, the Group firmly believes and delivers equitable action to bring true inclusion and belonging by nurturing talents to women leaders, across different departments and levels.Here, the culture of women empowerment is about instilling the sense of pride to help them shine, while bringing greater personal progress in life. The Group celebrates its women of resilience who grow through the ranks, discover and establish themselves, and journey passionately with the Group through good and tough times.
❖ Shining Housekeeping Heroines
The Housekeeping and Public Area teams keep the resorts’ beautiful surroundings in a pristine condition with high level of room cleanliness for guests’ comfort. At LUX* Tea Horse Road Benzilan in Yunnan, China, Tibetan lady Lhamo - Housekeeping Manager has been with the Group since the hotel’s opening in 2016 and completed cross-exposure hospitality programme in Mauritius in 2019. She shared,“The company has helped to transform me from a normal villager with limited knowledge to a confident professional manager, promoting my hometown to international visitors.”As a single mother with two children and at home for 10 years as a housewife, Sanam Khedoo - Housekeeping Supervisor of LUX* Belle Mare in Mauritius joined in 2015 as a valet. Fully supported by the resort, Sanam said, “The resort team is like my family and I feel at home, safe and cared for. Also, it is here that I find my identity and to provide for my kids.”Promoted from attendant, Vicky Chen - Public Area Supervisor of LUX* Chongzuo in Guangxi, China who joined during pre-opening in 2020 said, “I am proud to be the only specialist with the specific skillset in marble flooring care and operating advanced polishing machines in the luxury resort.”With Tamassa Bel Ombre in Mauritius for 16 dedicated years, Dilshad Rossaye grew through the ranks from Floor Supervisor to Executive Housekeeper, now leading a team of 80 people. She enthused, “I am grateful for the chance to evolve in my career. As such, I strongly support gender equality and create positive atmosphere to keep my team highly motivated.”
❖ Innovative F&B and Culinary Experts
Ashveena Jootun - F&B Supervisor of LUX* Grand Gaube said,“Being the first woman in supervisory position in the hotel’s F&B team, I hope to be a role model to our women team members who aspire a leadership role. A 7-year pioneer F&B team member of award-winning Beach Rogue and INTI (Mauritius #1 Peruvian restaurant), her eye for detail and empathy have led to positive changes and team bonding."At The Good Kitchen restaurant of SALT of Palmar in Mauritius, Nitisha Thathiah was promoted to Chef de Partie overseeing the breakfast service and team. From a pastry trainee to a chef and an expert in kefir and kombucha making, she has curated many flavourful Mauritian and vegan dishes using sustainably-sourced local ingredients in the last 7 years. Linking personal growth to baking, she quipped, “I believe that determined women are meant to rise.”
❖ Restorative Wellbeing Professionals
With the Group for 16 years, Jennifer Radegonde - Spa Supervisor now at the newest flagship LUX* Grand Baie in Mauritius started as a Spa Receptionist. Her commitment coupled with strong communications skills enable her to excel and recommend the best treatments based on bodily needs. To her, "Women’s intuitive and collaborative qualities complement that of men to create a well-rounded workforce, which ultimately benefit the company.“At LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives, Prima Ni Komang Novie Primayanthi was promoted to Spa Head Therapist in 2022. Having completed a series of LUX* leadership development and spa programmes since 2015, Prima said, “Through LUX* ME Spa, I have progressed personally and professionally. It is my privilege to impart confidence and the art of touch to many female therapists under my care.”
❖ Stars With Passion from the Heart
Viewing her work as a great adventure, Justine Desire-Armoogum - Concierge of LUX* Le Morne in Mauritius was promoted twice in 5 years, given her great performance. She shared, “I cherish my career advancement. Concierge is previously a male-dominated position. I would like other women to discover this beautiful job and my message to women is - we should have our place in the society as we have the capability to do it.”At LUX* St. Gilles in Reunion Island, Priscillia Corre - Assistant Head of Reception has grown with the Group for 11 years. “I am proud of my personal development as I have never worked in a hotel before this. It is a real joy to listen to and delight our guests and team members. My tip to life: Welcome, advise, follow-up and support.”Newly promoted Resident Manager of LUX* Grand Baie - Rooma Caulee spans two decades of experience in luxury hospitality at some most prestigious international hotel brands. With her outstanding performance as Sales & Marketing Manager since 2022, she will now lead strategic planning and structure operations to ensure smooth and profitable running of the award-winning flagship resort. “Given my deep passion for people and training, this senior leadership position opens new doors leading to professional fulfilment. It optimises my expertise and connectedness as a woman leader to inspire my team with a difference,” said Rooma.
All these outstanding women leaders demonstrate their pursuit of personal development, while deliver exceptional guest experiences. At The Lux Collective, the Group celebrates its talented women pool, providing the space and opportunities for growth, while uplifting the local communities where it operates.
Fairmont The Palm, Dubai announces the appointment of Darren Andow, in the role of Director of Culinary.
Before joining Fairmont The Palm, he was managing the culinary brigade at Movenpick, Novotel, and Adagio Hotels in Jumeirah Village Triangle, Pullman in Sharjah and Marjan Island Resort and Spa in Ras Al Khaimah, in the role of Cluster Executive Chef. His focus was to ensure that each team worked to drive quality and ensure memorable and exceptional dining experiences.
Meticulous and dynamic, Darren has over 15 years of experience in leading teams across various brands.
From seasonally inspired menus to dining journeys that will satisfy any craving, Chef Darren and his team are preparing unforgettable guest experiences at Fairmont The Palm, Dubai.
Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Ras Al Khaimah appointed Ahmed Elnawawy as General Manager, making the award-winning, family-friendly, luxury hotel the newest venture in his 22-year-long career with top hospitality brand names.
In this role he will bring his unique expertise, strategic market insight, and strong leadership skills to Rixos Bab Al Bahr and shall report directly to Cenk Unverdi, Regional Managing Director at Rixos Hotels Gulf. Elnawawy will be responsible for leading, shaping, and executing the hotel’s overall strategy and business operations.
A seasoned luxury hospitality professional with a strong background in operations, guest satisfaction, and revenue generation. Elnawawy is passionate about delivering creative strategies to drive high levels of operational performance.
Commenting on Elnawawy’s appointment, Cenk Unverdi said: “Rixos Bab Al Bahr is a unique property that is well positioned to capitalise on Ras Al Khaimah's growing appeal as the fastest growing holiday destination, and it'll need visionary leadership to ensure it remains competitive. I'm confident that Elnawawy has the necessary experience to successfully meet this challenge.”
Ahmed Elnawawy added: “I am excited to join an already well-established, luxury resort. I intend to create an atmosphere where team members feel empowered and can add value to the Rixos brand that stands out as a top family, resort destination around the world. I would like to thank the team for a warm welcome and I can’t wait to get started.”
Elnawawy joins Rixos Bab Al Bahr from Emaar group where his most recent role was Head of Emaar Customer Excellence. Elnawawy also held several leadership roles within the Emaar Group between 2016 and 2022.
He joined them in the role of Director of Rooms at the Address Dubai Mall, followed by General Manager at Manzil Downtown, General Manager at the Address Fountain Views, and General Manager at the Palace Downtown. In addition, Elnawawy is no stranger to Rixos. Between 2013 and 2015, he held the role of Rooms Division Manager at Rixos The Palm Dubai.
Zulal Wellness Resort is the Middle East’s largest and first full-immersion wellness destination incorporating Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine practices and the world’s first family-oriented wellness offering.
Heinrich brings with him over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked across an array of hotels in different markets, including Europe, the United States, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Over the years, he has worked in many different functions in operations, giving him hands-on knowledge across a variety of areas, allowing him to train staff and implement new procedures to ensure guests have a memorable experience. This in-depth experience puts him in a strong position to deliver positive business results and tangible outcomes for Zulal Wellness Resort, ensuring guests have the same transformational experience they have come to expect as the Chiva-Som standard.
Krip Rojanastien, Chairman of Chiva-Som International Health Resorts said, “We are pleased to welcome Heinrich to the Chiva-Som family. His professional experience and his personal wellness journey will be a great asset to the team."
He added further, “His ability to bring out the best in people and commitment to delivering the highest standards of service are just some of the reasons why we asked him to lead the team. Under his sharp leadership and with a keen eye for detail, we are confident that his expertise will prove invaluable in ensuring that Zulal Wellness Resort delivers an unparalleled wellness experience, along with the highest level of service and satisfaction to our guests.”
Heinrich has a strong personal ethic when it comes to wellness, which is what attracted him to Zulal Wellness Resort. His determination shows in his ‘walk-the-talk’ in terms of wellness. He has progressed from team sports to more individual pursuits, once enjoying long-distance running but now using the gym more and swimming on a regular basis.
Heinrich says “As one ages one realises that fitness alone is not enough – you understand that diet and nutrition are the biggest contributors to wellness and they are anti-aging in their own right. Following my own tests for food intolerance I can see clearly the impact of food on health. I am excited and honoured to be working with the wellness professionals and the kitchen team at Zulal Wellness Resort to lead the pursuit of wellness to guests from around the world.”
At Zulal Wellness Resort, Heinrich will be responsible for overseeing all areas of operations, sales, commercials and marketing. With a culture of wellness at the forefront, every aspect of his service delivery will be focussed on providing an environment that encourages healthy lifestyles and wellbeing.
Zulal Wellness Resort enjoys a tranquil backdrop, surrounded by the Arabian Gulf in the north of Qatar, incorporated with Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine throughout each to restore the body, mind and spirit in a sustainable manner.
Led by a team of wellness consultants, nutritionists, spa and holistic therapists, physiotherapists and personal trainers, every retreat begins with a personal health and wellness consultation to help guests set their goals. This is combined with complimentary daily activities; therapeutic treatments; full access to the resort’s wellness centre including hydrothermal area, Himalayan salt room and hammam; and personalised herbal supplements for guests to take home to support their continued wellness journey.
Michael Parker has been appointed General Manager for Minor Hotel’s AMD cluster properties in Maldives, Anantara Veli, Anantara Dhigu and Naladhu Private I.
Multi-award-winning hospitality group Sun Siyam Resorts has announced the promotion of Mr. Deepak Booneady from Vice President of Commercial to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2023.
Within his new role as CEO, Deepak will oversee the overall operation of the company, work closely with the group general manager, the resort management teams, as well as with the head office board of directors to create, communicate, and implement the organization's vision, mission, and overall direction.
Deepak said “I’m incredibly honoured and proud to be part of such a dynamic and progressive organisation that allows me to share and implement innovative ideas, vision, and creativity. Apart from growing the business, my main goal moving forward is to create a culture of innovation for the team and the company to be ahead of the market, and to craft unique experiences for our guests.”
With his most recent position as Vice President of Commercial at Sun Siyam Resorts, the company saw substantial development with his steadfast vision for growth. Within the past three years and during the Covid-19 pandemic, Deepak successfully led his team through difficult paths and challenging times, while restructuring the brand and exploring new methods of business management.
“Deepak made a lasting impression on the board with his vision, intellect and professionalism. He has made a tremendous impact during his time at Sun Siyam Resorts to date, and we have no doubt he will continue the momentum as our new CEO,” said Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Chairman at and Founder of Sun Siyam Resorts.
Deepak has over twenty-five years of experience in the luxury travel and hospitality industries. He first joined Sun Siyam Resorts as Group Director of Business Development in 2019 and was promoted to Vice President of Commercial in 2021. Having previously worked with Mauritius-based hospitality group LUX* Resorts and Hotels as Regional Director of Sales and Marketing overseeing product promotion and business development, Deepak had also been key in driving sales and product positioning.
An avid reader, Deepak is continuously broadening his knowledge through education and has most recently completed several executive education programs at Harvard Business School USA.
Sun Siyam Resorts is a multi-award-winning hospitality group with over 30 years of experience, owning and managing five luxury private island properties in the Maldives and a boutique beach retreat on the East Coast of Sri Lanka.
Michael Parker has been appointed General Manager for Minor Hotel’s AMD cluster properties in Maldives, Anantara Veli, Anantara Dhigu and Naladhu Private Island.
Hailing from the United Kingdom, Michael is joining the AMD cluster from the South Place Hotel in London. Prior to his current role, Michael was Managing Director of Rosewood Phnom Penh and held Managing Director roles within Rosewood at their properties in Sanya and Guangzhou in China. Michael also previously held the Managing Director role at Banyan Tree, Shanghai and General Manager roles at Wanda Hotels and GLH Hotels in the UK.
Located in South Male Atoll, a short speed boat ride from Male, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, and Naladhu Private Island form a cluster of three hotels. In its Indian Ocean portfolio, Minor Hotels feature 6 properties, Anantara Kihavah Maldives, Anantara Veli Maldives, Anantara Dhigu Maldives, Naladhu Maldives, Niyama Maldives, and newly opening Avani + Fares Resort Maldives in the first quarter of 2023.
Minor Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Zarybnicky as General Manager of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, commencing this month.
Martin joins Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel from his previous role as Complex General Manager of InterContinental Bangkok and Holiday Inn Bangkok, where he focused on IHG’s flagship masterplan renovation, repositioning the hotel and F&B destination bars and restaurants and mentored the next generation of hospitality leaders.
With 354 guestrooms and suites, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel combines an unrivalled location with iconic design and gracious hospitality. High chandeliered ceilings, hand-painted silk murals and lush gardens provide a feeling of sanctuary in this city that never sleeps.
Stuart Deeson has been promoted to the group’s vice president of operations across all of MEA. This brings the number of hotels under his remit to more than 30, double what he was handling previously as area VP for Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Jordan and KSA.
The top job puts him in charge of seven brands, including Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Alila, Andaz, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House. It also sees him managing 9,000 staff and close to 6,000 keys. His responsibilities will only grow as the US company readies to grow by 80 percent in Saudi Arabia, fuelled by its involvement in the Kingdom’s gigaprojects.
Hyatt will open the likes of Park Hyatt Diriyah Gate, Grand Hyatt The Red Sea and Miraval The Red Sea (the latter is the regional debut of the brand).
Stuart Deeson’s rise through Hyatt
Deeson began his hospitality career at the age of 16 in the family country house hotel business, before joining the Hyatt family in 1995 and gaining extensive knowledge of Asia and the Middle East markets over nearly three decades. He started his journey with the company as business development manager at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, and got promoted two years later to director of business development at Hyatt Regency Xian in China.
In 1999, Deeson was appointed the hotel’s director of rooms and successfully climbed the career ladder to his first executive assistant manager position in 2000, at Grand Hyatt Seoul in Korea. Continuing his journey across Asia, Deeson moved to Japan in 2002 to join the pre-opening team of Grand Hyatt Tokyo as EAM, rooms. Three years later, he took on his first GM role at Hyatt Regency Johor Bahru in Malaysia, before making the exciting move to the Middle East as GM of Park Hyatt Dubai in 2010. Deeson moved to the UAE capital in 2014 and held GM positions at Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt properties before taking on his former role as area vice president and general manager of Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi.
Srdjan Milekovic, senior vice president operations – Europe, Africa and Middle East, Hyatt, said, “I am delighted that Stuart has stepped into this new role. With his deep knowledge and experience across the Middle East and Africa, I know he will deliver great value for our colleagues, owners and guests, and successfully drive Hyatt’s purpose forward in the region.”
