Luxury Hoteliers Magazine 3rd Quarter 2017 | Page 24

The resort has been ready for operation for a while now but the decision was taken to defer the opening date so that renovation works at the nearby Kooddoo Airport could be completed to not inconvenience guests during their transfers to and from the resort. Having worked very closely with the developers and construction team over the past 18 months I have learnt many interesting and valuable skills which not a lot hoteliers may get the opportunity to experience. An insight into areas such property leases, building permits, environmental impact assessments, quantity surveying, licensing and insurance have opened my eyes and given me a new understanding and appreciation of what the lawyers and developers have to deal with. It has been very interesting. WOULD YOU DO ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY? I am so proud and pleased with the team that we have gathered for this opening but if I was to do anything differently, perhaps I would order a few more spares of everything and I would not announce an opening date until I was more than certain it could be achieved. 24 ILHA