Resort: Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
Position: General Manager
Appointee: Marshall Orton
What They Said: With a wealth of luxury hospitality experience, spanning an impressive 35 years, in his new role Mr. Orton will lead the overall operations, performance, and strategic direction for Fairmont Maldives. Having spent much of his career in Asia, Europe and USA working across Accor’s luxury brands, some of his previous roles have included General Manager at La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc in Vietnam and Director of Operations at Pullman Yangon Centrepoint in Myanmar and Executive Assistant Manager of Sofitel Bangkok.
Before honing his managerial skills, he held a number of executive chef and culinary roles across the globe which were instrumental in shaping his understanding of the food & beverage sector. Orton joins the team with an inherent understanding of the resort’s key pillars: family, sustainability, and wellness.
Marshall Orton says: “I am truly honoured for being appointed the role of General Manager at Fairmont Maldives, renowned for its forward-thinking eco-initiatives and thoughtful luxury approach. I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective and continuing the legacy of this award-winning, sustainably rooted resort.”
The appointment comes at an exciting time for the resort, with Maldivian tourism expected to return to pre pandemic levels by 2023 and the recent launch of the Fairmont Maldives’ Sustainability Lab, the first of its kind in the archipelago. A hub of eco-education, the lab turns plastic waste into bespoke souvenirs and unique products, educating guests of all ages and empowering local communities.Part of AccorHotels, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is a luxurious 120 villa resort and home to the largest, 200m infinity pool in the Maldives. Peppered with opulent Beach Villas, decadent Overwater Villas and luxury Beach Tented Villas, the resort also boasts an onsite largest jacuzzi in the Maldives, Kids Club, Art Studio, Tennis court, Park land, Dive centre, a 9km long lagoon which is a home to manta ray cleaning station, the Award-Winning Willow Stream Spa and three gourmet restaurants.
Resort: Hilton Amingiri
Position: General Manager
Appointee: Gaurav Thakur
What They Said: An accomplished hospitality veteran with a 17-year long career in Hilton across the Waldorf Astoria, Hilton and Conrad brands, Thakur’s diverse experience includes roles in countries such as the United Kingdom, India and the Maldives, where he oversaw operations across different departments. Through his career, Thakur also played key leadership roles in the opening teams for Conrad Pune, Conrad Bengaluru and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, where he served as resort manager before moving to Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa.
“Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is an outstanding resort, anchored on Hilton’s signature hospitality, promising guests innovative dining, wellness and leisure concepts that will help them create new experiences as they travel and reconnect with their loved ones. With his innate understanding of the industry, strong background in operations and sound leadership skills, I have no doubt that Gaurav will ably guide his team to ensure an impactful launch and continued success for the resort,” said Jamie Mead, Senior Director of Operations, Hilton, South East Asia.
“India continues to be one of the top source markets for our destination,” said Thakur. “The team and I look forward to introducing unique and inspiring experiences to travellers from this key location, whether they are visiting for the first time or rediscovering the iconic beauty of the Maldives.”
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is set to open on 1 July 2022. Conveniently accessible via a 20-minute premium speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, the stunning island property showcases 109 beach and overwater villas – each featuring its own private pool, six exceptional restaurants and bars, holistic spa and wellness facilities and best-in-class amenities for families, including one of the largest kids’ clubs in the Maldives and a rooftop lounge exclusive to teenage guests.
