HCNME GM FOCUS
For Sam the most important aspect of being a general manager is to remain true to the promise of the hotel and seamlessly deliver its unique brand of intuitive service. “I joined this remarkable Arabian fairy tale in the summer of 2019. Since arriving, I have had the privilege of delivering my third hotel opening in the company and to oversee Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt’s incredible transformation into the largest Four Seasons in the region and one of the biggest worldwide. I try to connect with as many guests coming through our doors as I can. When they witness the GM together with the team, building the experience and playing the role of respectful host, they feel welcome, which is very important to me.” Sam goes on to explain the expectations of guests visiting Egypt compared to those in the rest of the Middle East. “Because of Egypt’s incredible diversity, we are hosting guests in one of the most-visited countries in the region with so much to offer – from its rich history and culture to its unique desert and sea adventures - where authenticity and service are an integral part of the local culture. Therefore, expectations 22
JUNE 2022 | HOTELNEWSME.COM
are set very high, particularly among discerning travellers in the luxury segment.” The newly expanded Resort brings to the region unprecedented era of luxury to Egypt’s Red Sea shores. Visitors are attracted to Sharm El Sheikh for its rich heritage, beautiful beaches, marine activities, and year-round sunshine. “When they arrive at Four Seasons, they discover all of these things and more. Most can’t wait to come back, and we have many returning guests who have become part of the Resort’s extended family.” He adds, “we’re introducing a new era of seaside luxury to what has been one of Egypt’s most loved resorts ever since it opened its doors 20 years ago. By doubling the property in size, we’ve created new accommodations, recreation facilities and restaurants while the legendary and exceptional Four Seasons service remains the same.” Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt has been completely reimagined with a seamless blend of Egyptian-inspired architecture, colourful landscape and plenty of waterways. The hotel has introduced 115 spacious guest rooms and suites with private terraces and some with private pools, a lavish 565sqm beach-
front Palace and four new authentic dining concepts. Guests can now look forward to new recreation facilities including one kilometre of private beachfront, two new outdoor pools, a two-storey fitness centre as well as tennis and squash courts to name a few. Not to mention the nine new indoor and garden venues for pictureperfect destination weddings, lavish events and business meetings with the title of second largest convention centre in the destination. After being around for such a long time, Sam talks about why this transformation was necessary. “Since first opening its doors two decades ago, our beautiful Resort has earned a special place in the hearts of guests as the leading luxury destination on the Red Sea shores. Over the years we’ve watched families grow, celebrated important milestones together, set the stage for the most romantic moments, explored the abundant natural world, and immersed ourselves in desert culture. Now as we embark, together with our visionary ownership partners of TMG, on one of the company’s most ambitious expansion and enhancement programs ever, we can offer our guests so much more, and we can’t wait to introduce this exciting destination to a new generation of travellers from around the world. Our team is more dedicated than ever to elevate our offerings and ensure that each and every stay with us is fully tailored and completely memorable.” “Our goal was to develop a truly world-class destination for those who crave sun and sea in an authentic luxury setting that only Four Seasons can create. The reimagined Resort not only offers an unparalleled guest experience, but further elevates the local tourism offerings and will help to position Sharm El Sheikh among the region’s most sought-after holiday hotspots,” he adds. From romantic getaways to funfilled family vacations, the reimagined resort offers new levels of luxury and an unrivalled beachside experience where guests can create memories