CAREER – STUART DE SAN NICOLAS, CLUSTER GENERAL MANAGER IN THE MALDIVES, MINOR HOTELS: "TRAINING AND PASSING ON MY KNOWLEDGE TO LOCALS"
A citizen of the world, this Spaniard, educated in the French art of hospitality, has embarked on an international career focused on sharing experiences with his guests and his teams. |
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CAREER – STUART DE SAN NICOLAS, CLUSTER GENERAL MANAGER IN THE MALDIVES, MINOR HOTELS: "TRAINING AND PASSING ON MY KNOWLEDGE TO LOCALS"
A citizen of the world, this Spaniard, educated in the French art of hospitality, has embarked on an international career focused on sharing experiences with his guests and his teams. |
Category: Asia Pacific - Maldives - Careers
- Interviews and portraits
- Career - Interviews
Interview made by Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine on 2024-08-01
 Stuart De San Nicolas, Cluster General Manager in the Maldives, Minor Hotels
Photo credit © Minor Hotels
Since then, Stuart de San Nicolas no longer lives in hotels, but devotes a large part of his life to them. He has spent his career abroad, from Mauritius to Azerbaijan, from Peru to Pakistan, mainly with the Marriott group, more recently with Conrad Hotels & Resorts, before joining the ranks of the rapidly expanding Minor Hotels group. Last December, the Thai group put him in charge of four of its properties in the Maldives, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Avani+ Fares Resort, and NH Collection Maldives Havodda.
In an interview with Journal des Palaces, the Cluster General Manager shared his vision of an international career. The General Manager encourages hospitality professionals to join him in the Maldives, highlighting the opportunities for personal and professional development, as well as the financial benefits and unique quality of life offered by this paradise destination. Stuart tells us more about his experiences, his challenges, and his vision of a sustainable future for the luxury hotel industry.
Your career has taken you through several countries. Could you discuss the benefits of an international career?
Working in several countries allows for deep expertise in local markets, consumer behaviours, and region-specific trends, thereby strengthening our ability to develop tailored and effective strategies.
Managing multicultural teams stimulates our ability to inspire and motivate diverse collaborators, fostering an inclusive and collaborative corporate culture. Exposure to different cultures and business practices encourages innovation and adaptability, essential to meet changing guests needs and specific market challenges.
Establishing an extensive professional network facilitates access to resources, advice, and international partnership opportunities, thereby enhancing our influence and effectiveness as leaders.
Dealing with regulatory, economic, and cultural diversities develops our ability to navigate complex environments and make informed strategic decisions.
International experience demonstrates our ability to succeed in diverse contexts, enhancing our credibility and attractiveness for senior leadership roles in the global hospitality industry.
Does this cultural knowledge advantage you in your relationships with teams, as well as potential clients of your future properties?
As a General Manager of luxury hotels, acquiring in-depth knowledge of cultures across different countries offers several significant advantages:
- Understanding cultural nuances facilitates communication with multicultural teams, fostering an inclusive work environment where each member feels valued and understood, thereby promoting collaboration and productivity.
- Knowing the cultural specifics of potential clients allows for adapting the services and experiences offered by the property. This includes adjustments in food, local traditions, cultural celebrations.
- By respecting local standards and customs, you demonstrate your commitment to the local community, thereby enhancing the reputation of your property as a respectful and responsible partner within the destination.
- Using our understanding of local cultures to create authentic and personalized experiences enriches guests' stays. This can include cultural excursions, themed events, or menus inspired by local cuisine.
- Cultural sensitivity helps navigate successfully through delicate or complex situations, such as potential intercultural conflicts within the team or misunderstandings with clients. This fosters peaceful solutions and lasting relationships.
This contributes to a positive reputation and profitability in a competitive global market, offering enriching experiences that respect local traditions.
How do you encourage young people to gain international experiences?
In the dynamic luxury hospitality industry, international opportunities provide young talents an exciting path for personal and professional growth. Encouraging youth to explore these expanded horizons is not just an invitation to discover new landscapes but also to embrace enriching cultural diversity.
Luxury hospitality in the Maldives, for instance, embodies an ideal setting where elegance meets exoticism, offering stimulating career prospects and deep immersion into fascinating cultures. Young professionals can develop essential skills such as intercultural management and operational creativity while experiencing local traditions and exceptional service standards that define excellence in this field.
Educational programs and international internships facilitate this exploration, allowing aspirants to undergo genuine professional and cultural immersion. These experiences go beyond academic training, shaping tomorrow's leaders capable of navigating successfully in a competitive global market.
By promoting cultural diversity and highlighting professional growth opportunities in sought-after destinations, we inspire a generation of ambitious youth to push beyond their comfort zones. Encouragement to learn foreign languages, adapt to dynamic environments, and cultivate strong international relationships thus forms the foundation for building a flourishing and rewarding career.
Together, we shape the future of luxury hospitality by celebrating curiosity, innovation, and commitment to excellence. Each young talent embarking on this journey contributes not only to their own development but also to the continuous enrichment of our industry, turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into unforgettable realities.
What do you appreciate most professionally about the Maldives?
Several aspects captivate me professionally. Firstly, it's the exceptional natural environment of the Maldives that provides an incomparable backdrop for delivering luxury hospitality. The turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and pristine tropical islands are a constant source of inspiration to elevate our service standards and create unforgettable experiences for our guests.
Moreover, working with a demanding international clientele is extremely rewarding. It drives me to pursue excellence in every detail, understanding and meeting the diverse and high expectations of travellers from around the globe. This diversity in clientele stimulates innovation and pushes us to continually improve our offerings and services.
The cultural richness of the Maldives is also deeply appreciated. The Maldives is also at the forefront of sustainable development initiatives in the hospitality industry. It's an exciting opportunity to implement eco-friendly practices and positively contribute to the local environment. This is integral to our commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our property and the destination.
Lastly, working with multicultural teams in such a dynamic environment is a source of personal and professional enrichment.
These elements contribute to a rewarding and stimulating professional experience where each day brings new opportunities for learning and growth.
And personally?
On a personal level, what I appreciate most extends beyond the professional realm. The natural beauty of the Maldives is a constant source of wonder for me, with its sparkling turquoise waters, fine sandy beaches, and dazzling sunsets creating an atmosphere of tranquillity and peace.
Living on a Maldivian island also offers a unique island lifestyle, characterized by simplicity and connection with nature. It allows me to escape the hustle and bustle of major cities and enjoy a relaxed and soothing ambiance daily.
One of the properties I manage is the Anantara Kihavah Villas & Residences in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives, which has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since June 2011. Here, abundant leisure activities such as diving among the world's unique coral reefs, snorkeling to encounter fascinating marine life, or simply boating excursions to explore neighbouring islands enrich my leisure time and nourish my passion for nature and adventure.
Beyond breathtaking landscapes, the opportunity to participate in local traditions, discover local cuisine, and engage with locals contributes to broadening my personal horizons and deepening my understanding of this unique place.
How does one come to work in the Maldives?
Firstly, search for job opportunities with luxury hotels in the Maldives through their websites or specialized platforms. Apply with a tailored CV and cover letter.
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and the challenges associated with working in the Maldives. If selected, the employer will initiate the process to obtain your work permit, which may take 10 to 15 days.
Housing is often provided for expatriates. Upon arrival, complete necessary administrative formalities.
What benefits do you offer to expatriates who join you?
Regardless of the position level, we cover round-trip flights between the Maldives and employees' place of residence. Depending on the position level, we offer various benefits + Service Charge.
Our HR team is highly dynamic and organizes numerous initiatives to engage teams during their leisure time, especially as we are sometimes located on very remote atolls. We have football, volleyball, and pétanque courts where we organize tournaments.
Additionally, we hold parties and karaoke nights about twice a week. Furthermore, all our employees are housed and fed on-site, and the meals in our hotels are absolutely exceptional.
What practical advice would you give to a professional looking to work in the Maldives?
It's essential to familiarize yourself with the destination, including its culture, traditions, and tourist attractions, to better meet client expectations and integrate into the local community. Prepare for logistical challenges, such as travel between remote atolls, by carefully planning your flights and transfers.
Adapt your customer service, hotel management, and leadership skills to the high demands of luxury hotels in the Maldives. Be prepared to work in a tropical environment with a multicultural team, adjusting to the specific conditions of life on an isolated island.
Enjoy unique local activities such as diving and boat excursions to discover the natural and cultural beauty of the Maldives during leisure time. Get involved in the local community and expand your professional network to seize personal and career development opportunities in the international hospitality industry.
By following these tips, you will be well-prepared for a rewarding and successful experience in luxury hospitality in the Maldives.
 Exterior view of the Anantara Kihavah, one of the hotels in the Stuart de San Nicolas cluster
Photo credit © Minor Hotels
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