Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort appoints new Manager
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Michele Giraudo as Resort Manager, bringing with him a distinguished career in luxury hospitality management.
With experience spanning some of the world's most renowned resorts, he is well placed to drive the next phase of the resort's growth.
Giraudo's journey in luxury hospitality began with a strong foundation in food and beverage management, complemented by his academic background in hospitality management.
After graduating from the prestigious EHL Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality, he began his career in 2007 as Assistant Financial Controller at Golden Tulip Hotels Inns and Resorts in Lausanne, Switzerland. This early experience provided him with a solid grounding in hotel operations and financial management.
He then progressed into senior roles with Six Senses Resorts & Spas, where he honed his expertise in operations and guest service.
His tenure at Vatulele Island Resort in Fiji in 2008 and Amanpulo in the Philippines in 2009 saw him develop a reputation for his hands-on approach and commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience.
Giraudo has since contributed to leading luxury resorts worldwide, including Koyao Island Resort and Spa in Thailand in 2011, The Balé Nusa Dua in Bali, Indonesia in 2011, and Cape Weligama in Sri Lanka in 2013.
Giraudo's career continued to flourish as he took on key roles in high-profile openings for One&Only Resorts.
In 2017, he joined One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives, where he played an integral role in the resort's success before moving on to other major openings with the brand.
As part of the launch teams for One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro in 2019 and One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius in 2021, he demonstrated his expertise in pre-opening operations, luxury brand management, and cost control.
At One&Only Portonovi, he managed a €9 million budget and delivered significant savings despite the challenges posed by Covid19, ensuring a successful opening.
His experience in pre-openings, brand positioning, and operational excellence makes him uniquely equipped to lead Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara into its next phase of growth and success.
Most recently, Giraudo was part of the pre-opening team for Silversands Grenada, joining in 2023 as General Manager.
During his tenure, he achieved significant milestones, including a 50% increase in RevPAR, a 20% reduction in labour costs, and notable growth in guest satisfaction and profitability.
His leadership at Silversands Beach House also earned the property prestigious accolades, including recognition on the Time 100 Best Destinations list and inclusion in Condé Nast's list of best new properties.
Jean-Paul Dantil, General Manager of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, commented on Giraudo's appointment " Giraudo brings a wealth of experience in luxury hospitality, paired with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of what defines exceptional service. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to refine the guest experience and strengthen Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara's reputation as the ultimate luxury desert retreat. We are delighted to welcome him to the team and look forward to the impact of his expertise."
In his new role as Resort Manager, Giraudo will oversee all aspects of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara's operations, ensuring the highest standards of service and an unparalleled guest experience.
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