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Luxury Hospitality Trends According to Jean-Michel Gathy

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JMGMaldives.net.mv – Principal Designer at Denniston Architects, Jean-Michel Gathy has specialised in luxury hospitality design for over 30 years. Jean-Michel Gathy is the creative genius behind some of the most renowned and iconic hotels in the world, his architectural accolades include: Cheval Blanc Randheli and One&Only Reethi Rah in Maldives, Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort in China, The Setai in Miami, Amanyara in Turks-and-Caïcos, Aman Canal Grande Venice in Italy, Chedi Andermatt in Switzerland and the Chedi Muscat in Oman.

Speaking from his experience and expertise, Jean-Michel shares his latest views on tourism and travel trends. Over the past few years he has witnessed major changes in this sector: the internet is revolutionising habits, and the demographics of tourism are ever evolving with an increasing number of travellers from China, India and Russia.

Jean-Michel Gathy reveals his five key predictions for the hotels of tomorrow.

Cheval Blanc Randheli

– Technology is everywhere

“Hotels are becoming ultra-connected. Customers never travel without their smartphone or tablet. This is having a big impact on their choice of hotel, sales network and design. For example, we no longer design desks for guest rooms. People work from their bed or at the beach.” 

– Specialist hotels

“Luxury hotels will become increasingly targeted. Previously, hotels wanted to offer all sorts of activities as they needed to attract as many guests as possible. Today, that no longer applies. There are many new travellers from emerging markets, meaning there are enough guests for hotels to target specifically. So we’ll see establishments that specialise in diving, with all the latest equipment and the best instructors, or yoga, cooking classes, wine and so on. This also means that luxury hotels will be more expensive with a wider selection of offers.” 

Cheval Blanc Randheli

– Environmentally conscious hotels 

“In luxury hotels, respect for the environment has become standard. The development of new technologies has brought new solutions for hotels, such as the processing of waste materials and water, more effective insulation, the use of local materials, geothermal energy, solar, wind power, etc. Clean and renewable energies are the future of hotels.” 

– Restaurant sociability and diversity

“Today, travellers want to meet people, talk with locals and interact with other guests. This has led us to review restaurant architecture, with furniture in different sizes and bigger tables where people can gather. The food offer is becoming increasingly diverse. Customers want to take their taste buds on a journey too, so we are building hotels with several restaurants offering different specialities: Italian, French and Asian cuisines.” 

Cheval Blanc Randheli

– Management for above and beyond service

“Traveller reviews on websites have considerably changed customer service. Before choosing a hotel, people check the reviews. Managers need to be extremely vigilant and attend to all guest requests. To do this, you need to introduce systems in order to automate little details. In fact, staff cannot make an exception for every customer, even if that’s the impression they give. The perception of the hotel is very important too. They need to be careful that it doesn’t appear better than reality, to avoid disappointing people.”

A living legend of hotel architecture, Jean-Michel Gathy has established some of the most cutting-edge hospitality concepts: by anticipating the needs of modern travellers, his designs stay ahead of the ever-changing trends. In 2006, Jean-Michel was announced as a Platinum Circle Hospitality Design honouree, which recognised his significant career achievements and remarkable skill in the world of hospitality design.

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Constance Hotels & Resorts Honors Manjoola Dowlutrao’s 20-Year Career Journey

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Constance Hotels & Resorts celebrates the dedication and excellence of Manjoola Dowlutrao, recognizing her remarkable 20-year journey within the group.

Dowlutrao’s story began in 2001 as part of the inaugural class of the Constance Academy’s Management Training Program. This experience launched an exceptional career within the prestigious hotel group.

Starting at Constance Lemuria Seychelles as a Reservations Supervisor, Dowlutrao has consistently demonstrated exceptional growth and leadership. Her path led her to Constance Prince Maurice in Mauritius, where she spent two decades honing her skills. She rose from Sales/Guest Relations Manager to Executive Assistant Manager, embodying a true commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences.

Dowlutrao’s recent appointment as Executive Assistant Manager in the Maldives signifies both her valuable contributions and the confidence Constance Hotels & Resorts holds in her abilities. Her career trajectory exemplifies the supportive and empowering environment the group fosters, encouraging individuals to excel and assume leadership roles within the luxury hospitality industry.

Manjoola’s remarkable journey across Constance’s esteemed properties in Seychelles, Mauritius, and now the Maldives, stands as a testament to her vast knowledge and her dedication to enhancing the guest experience over the years.

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Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Welcomes Award-Winning Joachim Textor as New Executive Chef

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Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has announced the appointment of Joachim Textor as the luxury resort’s new executive chef. With over 40 years of experience in delivering premium culinary services around the world, Chef Joachim is now ready to bring his exciting new variety of innovative dining experiences to the resort’s discerning guests.

A native of Germany, Chef Joachim Textor began his illustrious career as a cook at various world-class hotels in Switzerland. After honing his skills at the Hilton in Basel, the Park Hotel in Vitznau and the Hyatt Hotel in Montreux, he decided to expand his culinary repertoire by exploring the tastes and cuisines of the world. Across 42 years of travelling, his amazing culinary journey has taken him to 93 countries and countless five-star kitchens across the planet.

Chef Joachim’s incredible journey of gastronomic discovery has led him to gain invaluable experience as an executive chef in some of the world’s most prestigious hotel chains, including The Peninsula Hotels, InterContinental, Hilton, Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La, and Hyatt. He has received critically acclaimed awards and was also the Opening Executive Chef of Anantara Dubai Palm where he spearheaded the opening of the resort’s signature restaurants and dining experiences back in 2013.

Regarded as one of the most pioneering chefs in the industry, Chef Joachim has also opened multiple award-winning hotels and dozens of restaurants in both the Middle East and the Far East, while he has also cooked for a number of famous politicians, Hollywood celebrities, and royalty all over the world. His past assignments include the G12 Asian Summit Conference in Busan, where he cooked for such prestigious world leaders as George W. Bush, Angela Merkel and Li Peng.

A positive and cheerful personality with an energetic passion for innovation in his creations, Chef Joachim is now set for the next adventure in his culinary journey. Still as hungry to learn and explore as ever, Chef Joachim will bring phenomenal dining experiences for gastronomes at Anantara Kihavah with a number of new innovations already planned. Sharing the knowledge he has accumulated through his travels across six continents, Chef Joachim will also act as a mentor for budding young cooks, introducing his repertoire of world cuisines to the next generation of aspiring gastronomic innovators. In Chef Joachim’s own words, “The best is yet to come. Life is a journey and not a destination; travel it safe and well.”

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JOALI Appoints Özgür Cengiz as Global Wellness Development Director

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JOALI, the luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand, has announced the appointment of Özgür Cengiz as its Tourism Group Global Wellness Development Director, effective February 15th, 2024.

Cengiz brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and wellness industry. His career began with the opening team of Turkey’s first wellness resort, Richmond Nua Wellness, followed by leadership roles at Jumeirah in Azerbaijan and One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives.

In 2016, Cengiz joined JOALI as the Resort Manager for JOALI Maldives, the brand’s first art-immersive resort. He then played a pivotal role in establishing JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ first wellbeing island, as its General Manager.

Under Cengiz’s leadership, JOALI BEING garnered global recognition as a leading wellness destination. He is credited with creating the unique concept, curating a team of specialists, and introducing a diverse range of treatments – solidifying JOALI’s position as a wellness powerhouse.

Cengiz’s dedication extends beyond JOALI. He served as the Maldivian ambassador for Global Wellness Day for seven years, is a respected speaker in international wellness forums, and judges the Global Spa & Wellness Awards. His innovative approach and solution-oriented mindset have earned him widespread respect within the industry.

Hakan Öztürk, Tourism Group Managing Director of Gürok Group (JOALI’s parent company), commented on the appointment, stating that Cengiz’s “extensive knowledge and passion will truly redefine the wellness offerings for the brand from a broader perspective” as JOALI expands its portfolio.

In his new role, Cengiz will oversee the wellness strategy for the entire Gürok Tourism Group, encompassing innovative activations, expansion plans, and strategic development for both JOALI BEING and JOALI BEING Cure.

Cengiz’s appointment strengthens JOALI’s commitment to providing exceptional wellness experiences and signifies their continued dedication to pushing boundaries within the industry.

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