Friday 15 / November / 2024
Muscat: Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spa on Sunday announced the appointment of James Hewitson as General Manager of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara in the Sultanate, due to open this summer (Khareef season).
Having worked with Anantara for five years, James brings with him a solid understanding of the brand as well as extensive experience garnered from key roles at prominent hotels throughout the world, ensuring he is well placed to deliver an unparalleled five-star experience for guests.
A highly accomplished and passionate hotelier, James is responsible for delivering Anantara’s ethos of offering guests unique authentic luxury and outstanding experiences alongside world class hospitality and service. He leads a talented team, overseeing every aspect from operations and financing, to marketing and culture development to ensure the resort rapidly becomes a standout luxury destination in the region.
James brings with him 25 years’ of experience across Europe, Middle East and South East Asia, including overseeing the pre-opening of several luxury resorts. In 2011, James joined the Minor Hotel Group family as Executive Assistant Manager of AnantaraLawana Resort and Spa in KohSamui, Thailand, before overseeing the pre-opening of Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort and Spa as Resident Manager.
In 2014, he undertook a role as Task Force General Manager, spearheading the pre-openings of AnantaraKihavah Maldives, Avani Pemba Beach Mozambique and Banana Island Resort by Anantara Qatar.
James Hewitson, General Manager, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara says; “I am very excited to be leading the opening of another Anantara property. We have an exceptional team on board and with the help of the local community, we are confident that we can deliver authentic and indigenous services to world class luxury standards. With the region’s rich culture, heritage and natural beauty combined with the hotel’s extensive facilities and dining outlets and spa, I believe we have a very bright future ahead.”
Robert Kunkler, Chief Operating Officer, Minor Hotels adds, “We are delighted to have a seasoned professional such as James at the helm of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara as we continue to pursue our expansion across the Middle East. Having already worked on the opening of several Anantara properties, he has a deep understanding of the brand ethos and will be able to successfully lead the first five-star property in Salalah, and Anantara’s second hotel in Oman.”
Perfectly positioned between a scenic beach and freshwater lagoon, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is within reach of an abundance of natural wonders and cultural gems and is also conveniently located just 10 km from the city centre and 15 km from the airport.
The resort features 40 Premier and Deluxe Rooms, offering views of the Arabian Sea, lagoon or picturesque gardens as well as 88 one, two and three bedroom villas which will offer private pools, the first of their kind in Salalah, spacious living areas and personal villa host services. Guests will be able to choose from three dining options, with a selection of cuisines available including South East Asian and Mediterranean delicacies.
