DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, the idyllic holiday destination nestled on the shores of Marjan Island, is pleased to announce the latest additions to its leadership team. The new appointments include Stasya Rakhmanova as director of sales, Giovanna Magdal Arana Llanes as restaurants manager, and Anerith Tamsyn Smythe as executive sous chef, who will be overseeing the property’s diverse selection of dining outlets. This dynamic team of seasoned leaders, each hailing from different nationalities and backgrounds, reflects the resort’s commitment to empowering women in leadership across various departments.
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island offers a world of dynamic dining experiences, home to a total of 13 bars and restaurants, where guests can explore an array of cuisines including the flavours of Asian at Sanchaya, classic Italian dishes at Vespa, French and European cuisine at Brasserie, and beyond. The appointment of Anerith as executive sous chef and Giovanna as restaurants manager signifies the start of a new era with both women bringing a fresh perspective to the property, further elevating the overall dining experience.
Anerith Tamsyn Smythe joins DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island as executive sous chef, bringing with her over 19 years of experience from a decorated career in the restaurant industry. Known for her passion and strong leadership, Anerith has led kitchens around the world with remarkable success, spanning Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, South Africa, and Japan. Her previous roles include chef de cuisine at leading properties in Doha, Cape Town, and Dubai, overseeing multiple outlets. Anerith will now be instrumental in elevating the dynamic culinary offerings at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island.
As the new restaurants manager, Giovanna Magdal Arana Llanes will be tasked with ensuring each dining concept delivers exceptional guest experiences. Giovanna honed her skills as a dedicated hospitality professional through over a decade of experience in upscale Food & Beverage operations, having held key managerial roles across the UAE and Qatar. Most recently, her role as Assistant Restaurant Manager for a renowned hospitality group saw her upholding meticulous brand standards as well as developing a strategic beverage program. Additionally, her extensive experience in managing multiple venues and driving high guest satisfaction levels makes her the ideal candidate for this position.
Stasya Rakhmanova brings over 16 years of experience in the luxury hotel industry to the team, with a strong focus on leisure sales, having worked with numerous prestigious brands. Prior to her new role, Stasya served as Cluster Director of Sales Leisure at an established hotel group, where she received accolades such as the Most Valuable Player Award in 2022. Her career highlights also include playing an active role in the successful rebranding of two properties in addition to the launch of seven distinctive destinations, highlighting her expertise in strategic market positioning. With her deep understanding of the hospitality sector and proven leadership, Stasya is poised to elevate DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island’s sales efforts, ensuring continued success in attracting discerning guests from around the globe.
Pieter Van Beugen, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island said, “We are thrilled to welcome such remarkable talent to our team. Each of these leaders brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and innovation that will undoubtedly elevate our offering. Their collective strengths perfectly align with our focus on delivering exceptional experiences for every guest who walks through our door.”
Shinto Deepak, director of HR, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island added, “These newest appointments to our team mark another exciting chapter for the resort. The diverse backgrounds and extensive experience of these leaders will not only enhance our operational excellence but also foster a culture of inclusivity and growth within the resort. We are confident that Anerith, Giovanna, and Stasya will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our resort and contributing significantly to its continued success.”
With these strategic appointments, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort and Spa Marjan Island continues to strengthen its leadership team, ensuring that the property remains at the forefront of delivering world-class hospitality for many years to come.