Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has appointed seasoned hotelier Simon Dell as general manager of Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin in Thailand, a new upscale seafront resort set to open this spring.
His impressive career has seen him work in senior management roles with major regional and international hotel groups for 20 years.
He has spent the last decade in Asia Pacific, with several years based in Thailand, making him the perfect choice to lead the team at the new property.
Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and nestled among lush landscaped tropical gardens, the resort is just a few minutes from the centre of Hua Hin and a 2.5 hours drive from Bangkok.
It offers 54 pool villas, 42 suites and extensive leisure and meetings facilities for families, couples and groups, as well as two restaurants serving contemporary Thai dishes and French bourgeois cuisine.
“We are delighted to welcome Simon to Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin, which is one of the most exciting new properties in our Asian portfolio,” said Mark Willis, president, Asia, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.
“His vast experience and knowledge of Thailand’s hotel industry will be of great benefit to the property as it prepares to welcome its first guests.”
A UK national and graduate of both the Institut Hôtelier César Ritz in Switzerland and Johnson & Wales University, USA, Dell has worked with some of the world’s leading hotel brands, including InterContinental, Raffles, Swissôtel, The Savoy Group and Mandarin Oriental.
He moved to Asia in 2007, initially as director of rooms at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong.
A year later he travelled to Thailand to start a long and distinguished career with Thai hospitality firm Amari Hotels & Resorts, which is now part of the Onyx Hospitality Group.
“I am excited to be leading the Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin pre-opening team, a property managed by a proven international brand in one of Thailand’s fastest growing beach destinations,” said Dell.
“As a permanent resident of Hua Hin, I see the destination from a local perspective and understand its tourism potential.
“I know Hua Hin intimately and look forward to sharing my recommendations and insights on its hidden gems with our guests.”