Spotlight on: Karim Gharbi

Tell us about your career; what inspired you to get into hospitality?
It came from the family, culture and origin. Coming from Algeria, it was always a pleasure to welcome and host planned or non-planned visitors. The art of adapting our way of hosting each of them and making sure we shared genuine love and care in order for them to leave with unforgettable memories of a shared moment, were our top values.

Who were your key mentors and what influence did they have on your career journey?
Some I worked with, however, my most important mentors were my parents who are now retired teachers. They always taught us how to be organised, consistent, genuine, authentic and to plan in advance. Since they were working, we had to plan our day in advance. Optimising time and positivity were key elements of our daily journey.

You have worked in hospitality in Europe and the Middle East; are there any differences between the regions’ approaches to hospitality?
Having worked also in the US and Mexico, the local approach and the genuine care of the hosts make the difference anywhere you travel. There is no bad or wrong thing in any of the regions of the world. It’s just offering a different experience and approach to the service you provide to your guests.

You are now with The St. Regis Abu Dhabi; what drew you to the brand and tell us about your role?
As the General Manager of the property, my role is to give direction and lead the success of the team and the hotel. This can only be done by involving the team as much as possible. My management style is inclusive, rather than directive. The brand is unique with a very strong and impressive heritage. We recently celebrated 120 years of brand excellence, highlighting decades of evolution related to our brand rituals, services and story. We always go beyond guests expectations, providing an exquisite stay in every House of Astor around the globe. Therefore, guiding my team is important to make them understand the brand, live the brand and deliver this story through impressive, personalised experiences. Personal connection and the emotional touch are my principal guidelines.

What do you consider the most important aspects to any stay at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi?
The hosts like to provide an experience to our guests because they want to, not because they have to. It is all about my team who is engaged and making sure every guest is living a memorable and exquisite experience. From check-in to the cocktail on the beach, you will experience a unique service provided either by the personal butler, the waiter or any host around the house.

Sustainability is a major topic for all businesses around the globe; can hotels still offer a luxurious experience while maintaining a drive to be sustainable?
Totally yes, of course. Luxury is not about quantity, it’s more about quality, thoughtfulness, environment sensitivity and personalisation. Would you change your linen every day at home? Why would you expect it in a hotel? Just because you are paying for the room? If we count how many times we could avoid changing linen every day and not use chemicals to wash them, it would be a great help in making the world more sustainable. We already have a programme in place as a brand and as a company to assist on this purpose. Another part is food, whereby controlling the quantities prepared, we are able to eliminate food waste. Recycling and support of local produced is also a way to support sustainability and give back to the environment.

Any exciting news or plans upcoming for The St. Regis Abu Dhabi that you would like to share?
We are constantly working to explore and find new creative ways to surprise our guests and make their stay relevant to their needs. This is a non-stop process that takes a lot of attention to detail, personal connections and anticipation of their needs in order to succeed. Furthermore, within the property venues and facilities, we strive to enhance every touch point of the guest so that we can ease their expectations and add to their overall satisfaction. We are also partnering with other brands to collaborate on food experience and enhance those one-of-a-kind moments. Two of our highlights at the property are the helipad experience we offer with Afternoon Tea or a pop-up of our exclusive dining destination, Catch at St Regis. These are incredible opportunities to savour amazing seafood cuisine at the height of 250 metres above sea level.

What is your definition of luxury?
Luxury is about providing unique and memorable emotions and experiences.

When you’re not in the hotel, what do you like to get up to?
Spending time with my family, discovering new trends and places in the city that are culinary and not even related to hospitality.

Abu Dhabi has seen a surge in tourism over the past two years; do you have any recommendations for guests visiting the city?
Abu Dhabi is an incredible city where all cultures are merging together and every season, there are so many new things to discover from the different expos at the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi, to Qasr Al Watan and authentic local areas. The food and beverage scene is also evolving with new concepts and offerings. In the hotel, I would encourage everyone to enjoy one of our local crafted cocktails in our outdoor venue, Azura Panoramic Lounge, to savour the best view of the city.

If you could travel to one place tomorrow, what destination would that be and why?
My hometown, Ain-Temouchent, so I can experience the emotions I had when I was young.