World Luxury Hotel Awards Voting Now Open
MELIÃ Dunas Beach Resort & Spa joins MELIÃ Tortuga Beach Resort as nominees in this year’s World Luxury Hotel Awards
As of Wednesday 1st August 2018, luxury hotels across the globe will once again compete for the prestigious World Luxury Hotel Awards, as voting opens to over 300,000 international travellers.
Established in 2006, The World Luxury Hotel Awards is the pinnacle of achievement in the luxury hotel industry, offering international recognition as voted for by guests, travellers and industry players alike. A renowned global organization that provides luxury hotels with acknowledgement for their world-class facilities and service excellence provided to guests, the World Luxury Travel Awards see’s two of The Resort Group PLC’s Resorts nominated for their excellence.
This year MELIÃ Dunas Beach Resort & Spa and MELIÃ Tortuga Beach Resort both compete against other international hoteliers to showcase each of their unique selling points and destinations, for the esteemed title. Not only does the award bring with it a confidence and status on the Resort offering, but both Resorts will also benefit from global promotion, customer growth through exposure to an expanded travel market, and recognition for their hardworking and committed staff.
MELIÃ Dunas Beach Resort & Spa: A journey to Resort success
With over 18 years’ industry experience, working all over the globe including Greece, Egypt, Germany and Cape Verde – Kais Mbarek, MELIÃ Dunas Beach Resort & Spa and Sol Dunas Resort General Manager – offers his experienced opinion on what makes a successful Resort ahead of award season.
Talking of the importance of awards such as the World Luxury Travel Awards, Kais Mbaraek explains the motivational benefits to his staff and the industry as a whole. Having started on Resort as a Resident Manager, and now General manager, Kais Mbarek understands the importance of ‘recognising the potential of my staff’ and the value in opening ‘the doors of hotel management to everyone willing to learn’.
Citing ‘training staff to be great professionals’ as his primary concern, Mbarek explains the consequences of which will always be ‘the recognition and rewards in the industry’.
Not surprising then with such an invested management approach, MELIÃ Dunas Beach Resort & Spa has gone from strength to strength since opening its doors to paying guests back in 2014.
Mbarek explains ‘Since MELIÃ Dunas Beach Resort & Spa opened, we have achieved; World Luxury Hotel Award 2016, TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2016, Recommendation in Holiday check 2017, Gold Award of Excellency Aparthotel 2017, Gold Award of Excellency Resort, Silver Award in Excellency on Tourism offer concept & Cabo Verde Tourism Award, Africa and Middle East Luxury Travel Guide Award 2018 and Gold Travelife Sustainability in Tourism 2018. Our work to improve and to conquer the best hospitality service is continuous, which has seen us open a further 2 restaurants, an additional bar and our stunning water park.’
Discussing what makes Meliá Resorts stand out from other Hoteliers, Mbarek highlights Meliá Hotels Internationals ‘passion for the service’ and ‘idea that our customers’ happiness is our goal’ as a key success indicators. Alongside a ‘recognition of the Cape Verde population and culture’ matched with ‘concern and respect from Meliá’ it’s easy to understand why Meliá Hotel International is the success that it is today.
Talking of what brings so many to Cape Verde year on year, Mbarek explains:
‘Cape Verde is a tropical paradise, with the some of the best beaches in the world, and crystal-clear waters. The Cape Verdean hospitality is impeccable, with an unusual anthropological colonial history. Additional access routes are being opened all the time. The 10 strong cluster of Islands which were born of volcanic fury are as beautiful as they are mysterious.’
For those looking to enjoy everything Sal Island has to offer, Mbarek advises trying Cape Verde’s amazing Watersports opportunities (Diving, Kitesurfing), as well as booking onto some of the great excursions on offer, to connect with Cape Verde’s natural side (Turtle Spotting, Bay Sharks, Salt Mines). Bikini Beach Club also comes recommended as a top spot for live music, entertainment and amazing food.
And Kais Mbareks advice for those looking at a career in Hospitality?
‘The Hospitality Industry is one of the most important sectors worldwide. My advice is to dream. And make your dream your goal. Work hard to reach your goal and shine during your path. I know because I am one of the dreamers that started as a Cook with the goal of one day becoming a General Manager of a Resort of this magnitude. With confidence and hard work, I managed to reach my goal. Nothing is impossible, everything is possible.‘
To vote for MELIÃ Tortuga Beach Resort or MELIÃ Dunas Beach Resort & Spa at this year’s World Luxury Hotel Awards follow the links below.
Please note that voting for the World Luxury Hotel Awards closes Friday 31st August 2018 12pm.