As hotel competition intensifies on the UAE’s East Coast, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, the award-winning East Coast luxury property, has announced two key management appointments this month, in a move aimed at augmenting its existing leisure offering.
“With year round sunshine, the Indian Ocean as a marine playground and the majestic Hajar mountains as a backdrop, Fujairah is truly a tourist’s paradise. Following Le Meridien’s lead, a number of world-class hotel chains have recognized the Emirate’s potential and expressed interest in opening up shop on the East Coast,” said Patrick Antaki, general manager, Le Meridien Al Aqah.
“It is imperative, therefore, that Le Meridien Al Aqah continues to attract high-caliber management who will help shape and execute our vision for the next few years, which is focused on maintaining our leadership position. A passion for the industry, good knowledge of health and fitness, and experience in developing sales and marketing initiatives is what we look for in new management,” he added.
Stewart Hodsall has been hired as leisure manager and will be responsible for the smooth running of the hotel’s superb facilities, including a wellness center, state-of-the-art gym and the region’s largest swimming pool. Talar Hagopian has been appointed spa manager and will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s spa facilities including management and planning as well as spearheading marketing initiatives.
Stewart has over 7 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry. Before joining Le Meridien Al Aqah, he was with Disney Cruise Lines in Florida where he spent three years as a lifeguard coordinator/relief recreation manager, leading a lifeguard team of 20 and supervising all water sport activities.
Prior to this, he worked at a number of health-clubs in the United Kingdom, overseeing the day-to-day running of all facilities while amassing an impressive collection of qualifications and awards including the RLSSA National Pool Lifeguard Award, his open water diving license and the Central YMCA Gym Instructors Award.
“To have the opportunity to apply my expertise at a resort with the extensive facilities, diverse programmes and exclusive setting that Le Meridien Al Aqah offers is very exciting and I am up to the task at hand,” said Hodsall, commenting on his new role.
Before joining Le Meridien Al Aqah, Talar Hagopian enjoyed a successful tenure at the Mövenpick Hotel and Resort in Beirut. Starting out as a dietician, she went onto become fitness manager before being appointed director of the spa and health club at the highly acclaimed hotel.
“Talar’s leadership skills, enthusiasm and extensive regional experience are certain to stand her in good stead in a fast-paced five star environment like ours. Not to mention her strong linguistic abilities that are sure to be a hit with our guests who come from many diverse backgrounds,” added Antaki.
World-Class Leisure Facilities: Spa and Ayurvedic Center
Le Meridien Al Aqah has an unparalleled spa facility, which includes a wide range of international and traditional body and beauty treatments at the Softouch Ayurveda Centre and Cleopatra Beauty Rooms.
At the Ayurvedic Centre guests can indulge themselves in exotic massages from the Southern Indian State of Kerala or try out a number of various Ayurvedic health programmes and treatments, designed to soothe the mind, body and soul. Treatments range from the ‘Refreshment Programme', a combination of traditional massages along with time tested herbal teas for total refreshment of the body and mind to the ‘Rejuvenation Therapy' which includes detoxification and rejuvenation of the body by herbal oils and medicines.
The Cleopatra Beauty Rooms offer a range of therapies from Elemis Aromapure and Exotics to Thai, Balinese, European and Aromatherapy massages and facials.
“Le Meridien Al Aqah is a one-stop destination for spa aficionados and remains the only resort to offer both Cleopatra beauty rooms and an Ayurvedic center. For a spa professional, managing a facility of this caliber is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a job that is made easier thanks to the hotel’s exceptional reputation,” said Hagopian.
About Le Méridien
Le Méridien is a global hotel group with a portfolio of over 130 luxury and upscale hotels (36,000 rooms) in 56 countries worldwide. The majority of its properties are located in the world's top cities and resorts throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. The company also enjoys a strategic alliance with JAL-owned Nikko Hotels, providing loyal guests access to an additional 44 properties around the world
