You bring almost 30 years’ of hospitality experience to your role as GM at JA Enchanted Island Resort in the Seychelles. What initially drew you to the hospitality industry?
At an early age I discovered that creating wonderful experiences for others was very much enjoyable and satisfying. Growing up, I would sneak into the kitchen and prepare exotic fruit plates for my parents and serve them, make their bed with decorations, and literally play the role of a hotelier without realising it. When it came time to pursue a higher education it was Hospitality Management, I chose to study to pursue my career in the tourism industry, as this was my first passion and natural skill.
Your career has taken you from Turkey to the Seychelles. What first inspired you to make that move to the Indian Ocean archipelago?
There was an immediate opening in our Seychelles property at the time I joined JA Resorts and Hotels in Dubai, which presented an opportunity I just couldn’t refuse. As one of the world’s most exotic destinations, the Seychelles is a stalwart of the Indian Ocean, and taking the helm here has been an amazing experience, especially as we are a unique boutique private island in the heart of a stunning national marine park. Also, the Indian Ocean region is unique in many ways and provides an experience like no other in the world for both guests and hoteliers who are fortunate to be based here at some stage of their career.
Let’s chat more about JA Enchanted Island… How would you best describe it?
At JA Enchanted Island, one can make reality of a childhood dream living a Robinson Crusoe life, a castaway on a petite tropical island, an adventure with all luxury elements attached to it. Our aim is to preserve a Seychelles of the past. Colonial style décor has been the key to creating a guest experience where time stands still and our rustic charm commands a slow-life vacation. Although we have a wealth of excursions and experiences to enjoy, the biggest benefit our guests will receive is the serenity of this island. We aim to deliver unforgettable memories and enchant the world, one guest at a time.
And since you joined in 2021, what has been your vision for the resort?
We would like to be known as the most romantic destination in this part of the world. We curate and deliver all our offerings with a strong sense of romance attached to it. Paired with our incredibly unique location, JA Enchanted Island has the potential to be one of the most preferred romantic getaway destinations in the world.
If you were trying to sell the Seychelles as a destination, what would your ‘elevator pitch’ be?
Coming to Seychelles gives one a very comforting feeling of detachment from the commercial world. It is almost as if one steps back in time. Following the short journey from the airport to our island, as you set foot on the shores of our resort, one is overwhelmed with the dramatic landscape of the five other islands that surround us. The immediate overwhelming feeling is of being transported back in time to an era long gone and to the Seychelles of the early 1900s as our resort compliments this destination beautifully with its design and emotion.
For guests these days, service is everything. Talk us through the quality and level of service at the resort…
With only 13 units and over 50 team members, we consider each guest an opportunity to shine. We have developed systems which allow us to identify our guests’ personal preferences and likes very effectively, which enables us to provide a level of service of highest anticipatory level.
Assuming a guest has no budgetary constraints, how should they spend their time on the holiday for a truly ‘out of this world’ experience?
I don’t think we are the kind of island where one must necessarily splurge and spend unnecessary amounts of money to enjoy themselves. We provide a very subtle refined and understated experience of luxury. Those that get the most out of their castaway experience with us, tend to surrender to the beauty of the island and the abundance of nature. We find when guests embrace the uniqueness of the location and environment, their vacation is elevated as they synchronise with the island’s natural vibe. This makes the island team’s role to deliver excellence in service so much easier as the pace of the guest experience compliments the splendour around.
You started work on JA Enchanted Waterfront Villas back in 2021. Tell us a bit about the property…
This project continues to be in development. Our vision for Waterfront is not yet fulfilled. This concept will be part of what we are certain will become one of the gems of the new Seychelles Riviera in the not-so-distant future.
In terms of traveller trends, what are you noticing amongst your guests?
In this post-Covid world, there are signs that our discerning guests seek greater experiences to separate them even further from reality. A complete getaway from their ordinary lifestyle and surroundings, a digital detox, whilst choosing locations that, to quote Thomas Hardy, are Far From The Madding Crowd. The desire to be a modern-day Robinson Crusoe and switch off to the noise and distraction of modern life yet enjoy the subtle luxuries and culinary delights of the Indian Ocean. To finally land in that postcard moment one has always dreamt of, or as many of our guests are repeaters, return to one’s personal island sanctuary of isolation, privacy, sandbanks and sunsets. With this in mind, the current trend of extended stays is emerging, as well as two or three couples booking villas together to enjoy a romantic getaway with the option for occasional social dining with friends.
Another thing we have noticed is kite surfing in and around our marine park lagoon. Although we don’t provide the equipment, as a private island, surfers can access the lagoon waters direct from their private pool or signature villa garden. It’s a remarkable location for this sport as channel winds between Mahé and Sainte Anne Island cross the marine park and surfers can literally end a run on a stunning sandbank before walking back to their villa.
Lastly, what’s on the horizon for JA Enchanted Island Resort?
Having just recently added three more rooms to our inventory on the island which create an opportunity for a different entry-level segment, we don’t have any major developments in the upcoming months. That said, our Executive Chef sources local fresh produce and creates delicacies from Seychellois recipes as well as adding a modern twist to local classic dishes.
