MALAYSIA: Four Seasons Resort Langkawi Has New General Manager In Names Of David Macklin

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi announces the appointment of David Macklin as General Manager of island retreat located in Malaysia’s exclusive UNESCO Geopark.

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi announces the appointment of David Macklin as General Manager of island retreat located in Malaysia’s exclusive UNESCO Geopark.

In this role, he will be responsible for overseeing the Resort operations of the 91-room luxury island property and maintaining the unparalleled experience that is synonymous with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

David has a genuine passion for hospitality and an in-depth understanding of the luxury market. With his strategic vision and hands-on leadership style, our Four Seasons Resort Langkawi couldn't be in better hands, says Rainer Stampfer, President, Hotel Operations – Asia Pacific.

As a Four Seasons veteran who has inspired and led successful teams around the globe, we are delighted to have David at the helm of this incredibly special destination – showcasing the beauty, culture and natural wonder of this rare UNESCO heritage site.

An 18-year veteran of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Macklin began his career with the brand as Front Services Manager at The Regent Hong Kong (formerly a Four Seasons hotel).

Almost two decades and three continents later, Macklin brings a wealth of international experience to the island paradise.

He makes the move to Langkawi most recently from Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam where he held the position of Resort Manager, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Resort along with the rebranding to a Four Seasons.

Prior to Vietnam, his career took him around the world in various hotel manager and executive leadership positions, including Four Seasons Hotel Sydney; Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Chinzan-so (formerly a Four Seasons hotel); and Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC.

I am honoured to lead such an outstanding resort – one that has repeatedly been recognised for the exceptional service and genuine warmth of its people, says Macklin.

Langkawi is truly the definition of paradise and I look forward to guiding the award-winning Resort into the next chapter.

A native of Australia, Macklin is a graduate of Adelaide Hospitality School in Australia, where he earned a degree in Hospitality Restaurant & Bar Service Management.

An avid learner, he also received a Catering and Hospitality Diploma from the City and Guild of the London Institute, Japanese Intensive Language Course achieving the coveted Chukyu level from the Kai Japanese School in Toyko, and completed the General Managers Academy from Cornell University’s prestigious School of Hotel Administration.

In addition to his studies, Macklin has dedicated his time to serving on various community boards throughout his global posts, including Central Coast Vietnam, We Care We Share community outreach program in Vietnam, Run for Hope in Tokyo, Clean Up Australia – Sydney Rocks Chapter.

In his free time, Macklin enjoy spending time outdoors, competing in triathlons and hiking.

He looks forward to many adventures on the water with his family exploring Langkawi’s inspiring Geoparks, home to some of the world’s most intriguing creatures, 550-million-year-old cliffs, and endless natural vegetation.


Tourism Observer

GREECE: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Enters Greece With First Hotel At Astir Palace peninsula

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, a leading luxury hospitality company, and Astir Palace Vouliagmeni S.A., a leading enterprise in the Greek hospitality market, on Wednesday announced plans to bring the first Four Seasons hotel to Greece on the Astir Palace peninsula.

“As one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations, Greece has long been an area of interest for Four Seasons and we are pleased to mark our entry into this important market in partnership with Astir Palace Vouliagmeni S.A.,” said J. Allen Smith, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Following extensive upgrades to the existing hotel, the new hotel will debut as Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens in spring 2018. Located 25 kilometers south of Athens and 24 kilometers from the Athens airport in the area of Vouliagmeni, new hotel will bring Four Seasons signature service to Greece for the first time.

“The hotel’s location offers a unique combination of seaside tranquillity and easy accessibility to Athens city center, making it an ideal destination for leisure and business travelers year round,” Smith said. “We look forward to working with Astir Palace to introduce Four Seasons to Greece, creating a world-class hospitality experience characterized by product of the highest calibre and customized Four Seasons service.”

In addition to the hotel, the peninsula, stretched across 30 hectares (75 acres) of pine-dotted and scenic landscaped gardens, also comprises upscale retail and dining options, including Matsuhisa Athens by Nobu; Astir Beach, a unique seaside concept; Astir Marina; and high-end seafront residences.

According to Stelios Koutsivitis, CEO, Astir Palace Vouliagmeni S.A., the aim is to elevate Astir Palace to a world-class premium destination.

“Astir Palace has always been a landmark destination of international stature, located in the Athenian Riviera, one of the most coveted areas in Greece,” Koutsivitis said.

In preparation for the hotel’s rebirth as the new Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, more than 100 million euros is being invested into refurbishing its facilities.

“Our redevelopment plan includes the hotel’s complete renovation, a significant upgrade of Astir Marina, the advancement of Astir Beach, the development of up to 13 high-end residences, and the creation of Peninsula Park,” Koutsivitis said.

Features will include approximately 300 rooms, suites and luxury bungalows; spa and recreational facilities; state of art conference and event spaces; infinity pools; beaches; a unique beachfront promenade; and more. Interiors will be designed by Meyer Davis Studio.

“We are excited to work closely with Four Seasons, the world’s foremost hotel company, on one of the key areas of our redevelopment plan, the upgrade and the management of the Hotel, and set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the country,” Koutsivitis added.



Tourism Observer

TUNISIA: Four Seasons Hotel Tuinis Opening Doors In Late 2017

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and the Mabrouk Group will be introducing a new luxury experience to Tunisia with the opening of Four Seasons Hotel Tunis in late 2017.

Perched along the hillside of the exclusive Gammarth neighbourhood, Four Seasons Hotel Tunis will offer unrivalled views of the coast, combining Arabic-inspired architecture and Mediterranean influences to create a hotel experience unlike anything else in the city.

Set along 500 metres (1,600 feet) of pristine beachfront, the 200-room Four Seasons Hotel Tunis is located near Tunis’ central business district and major cultural attractions, including the picturesque town of Sidi Bou Said and the historic ruins of Carthage.

“Whenever we enter a new market, we look for opportunities like this that offer a winning combination of the best location in the destination and a strong partner,” said J. Allen Smith, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “The Mabrouk Group shares our vision of creating a new luxury experience in Tunisia, one that showcases the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship, and introduces the personalised service and care for our guests that Four Seasons is known for.”

“As a company with deep roots in Tunisia, it’s a great pleasure to unveil plans for a hotel of this calibre in Tunis,” said Marwan Mabrouk. “Four Seasons has a well-earned reputation worldwide for creating hotel and resort experiences that bring together luxurious designs and amenities alongside highly customised service.

Four Seasons Hotel Tunis will build on the strengths and expertise of both of our companies – creating a world-class luxury hotel that is true to the destination.”

Four Seasons Hotel Tunis will offer the largest accommodations in the city, many with outdoor terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. The Hotel will also feature an expansive Roman-inspired Spa, as well as a series of pools, gardens, and fountains that echo the design of the historic medina, creating a tranquil oasis within the heart of Gammarth.

Joining Tunis’ vibrant food and beverage scene, the Hotel will attract locals and travellers alike with a casual, coastal beach bistro and lounge, a Monaco-inspired brasserie, and an internationally-inspired market venue.

The neighbouring marina also offers private charters to explore the Mediterranean as well as bars and restaurants along the coast with distinctive North African flair.

“We are excited to extend our presence in North Africa, and particularly along this stretch of the Mediterranean coast, as we create more opportunities for our luxury guests to experience Four Seasons in the region,” said Mr Smith.

FRANCE: Four Season, Grand-Hôtel Du Cap-Ferrat

Just as the French Riviera springs back into action, the legendary Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel will reopen on March 1, 2016 for its first full season under the management of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. In celebration of the New Year, the Hotel will launch a wealth of new activities and programs focusing on health and well being.

Le Spa’s expert team will be on hand for personal training sessions that can be held in the Hotel’s fully-equipped gym or facing the sea within its 13,000 square foot (1,200 square metre) garden. Not to be forgotten, the Hotel’s famous Club Dauphin will now also offer completely tailored swimming programs for all levels of experience – an opportunity to learn from the master Pierre Gruneberg, who lists Robin Williams and Aristotle Onassis among his trainees, in the beautiful ocean-water swimming pool. Healthy amenities such as Provençal herbal infusions and local light specialties have also been added to all guest rooms to round off the health kick.

Le Spa will also be keeping guests fit as a fiddle with the launch of Run Le Cap – a complimentary running club, offering guided runs along the coastal pathway complete with anecdotal insights of the region’s nature and star-studded past, en route. Guests can also opt for tennis or yoga, or hire one of the Hotel’s brand new bicycles to explore the coast on two wheels.

To complement this homage to wellbeing, the Hotel’s Executive Chef Didier Aniès will be on hand to fully personalise menus to suit any dietary need and also to organise private cooking classes where he’ll share his hints and tips on the very best of Mediterranean cuisine – all of which is showcased in his new seasonal menu and excellent value set lunches at La Véranda. Two courses are priced at EUR 68 and three at EUR 78 per person.

This palatial Hotel nestled in 17 acres (7 hectares) of lush landscaped gardens overlook the Mediterranean Sea provides the ultimate resort retreat – offering 74 guest rooms including eight suites with private plunge pools, a private villa – the Villa Rose-Pierre – a spacious and sophisticated Spa, Michelin-starred restaurant Le Cap (opening on May 14, 2016), casual dining venue La Véranda, and the legendary Club Dauphin, which reopens its restaurant on April 2, 2016.

Rates for the new season start from EUR 410 per room per night on a bed and breakfast basis for a Superior Pinewood Room, and for guests looking for a longer stay on the Cote d’Azur, the Suite Indulgence package offers one complimentary night for every seven consecutive nights booked, subject to availability and blackout dates.