New Executives at Sanctuary Resorts

Sanctuary Resorts, a Hong Kong based management-company of holistic resorts has announced the following executives appointments.

The Racha - just off Phuket

Mr. Tom Drange has been appointed as Exec. Chef for The Racha; Sanctuary Resorts' 71 villa deluxe resort development on Racha Island, just 25 minutes away from Phuket. Tom, a 34 year-old Norwegian has held various senior kitchen positions throughout Asia and the Middle East and has stood in front of the stove at resort like the Rayavadee Resort, Laguna Beach Club, Phuket and SAS Radisson in Oman before joining The Racha.

Tom will oversee the kitchen brigade of The Racha up to the standards of a Sanctuary Resort; supervising the conceptualisation and kitchen management of Racha's four restaurants.

On his challenges, Tom stated: "The Racha is currently constructing a resort, which stands to become a leader in environmental protection, innovative F&B concepts on a secluded island hideaway and unrivalled guest services. The resort is certainly carving its niche in Phuket".

Urs Umbricht, the recently appointed Swiss General Manager of the resort adds "Tom international exposure and proven creativity will add tremendously to The Racha experience and we look forward to a great opening of the Resort at the end of this year".

Shinta Mani - Siem Reap

Mr. Franklin Pate has been appointed General Manager at Shinta Mani; Sanctuary Resorts' new development in Siem Reap, Cambodia. With more then twenty years of experience in South East Asia, Franklin has held various different positions of General Manager, Director of Sales and Resident Manager. Franklin's most recent appointment was with Sanctuary Resorts' other Siem Reap resort "Hotel de la Paix", which will open in the second half of next year.

Shinta Mani, an 18 room boutique resort and vocational hotel training institute features a Sanctuary Spa, fun pool, contemporary fusion restaurant and drawing room while the on-site art gallery gives the guests a chance to explore forward looking art from some of Cambodia's most promising artists.

Shinta Mani's mean aim however, is to operate the neighbouring Hotel Training Institute where Sanctuary Resorts works together with Ecpac and Unicef to provide non-fee paying, vocational education to young, poor Cambodians at risk.

Franklin will focus on the successful sales and marketing of the hotel as well as setting operational standards, conducting training and oversee the vocational training center; which within a short time has succeeded in creating a buzz; with its opening in November 2003 anticipated eagerly.

Michel van der Hoeven, managing Thailand and the Mekong region commented "with the increased portfolio of resorts, we have a great opportunity to create a strong management team. This is something which gives us greater flexibility; especially with some new developments coming up soon".

Andrew Jones, Guardian and Founder of Sanctuary Resorts added "Shinta Mani's focus on providing young Cambodians at risk with educational opportunities at no charge is very much in line with Sanctuary Resorts' Vision and Mission. We have received great support from international travel trade and their support to provide for the future prospects of these young people is greatly appreciated"

Shinta Mani has also announced the appointment of Paul Hutt as Executive Chef. Paul, who is a New Zealand citizen, has over 10 years executive kitchen experience in some of New Zealand's and Australia's most forward looking and creative food and beverage establishments like Macs Hotel and The Adelphi in Melbourne.

Paul, with ample experience in fusion cuisine, organic ingredients and kitchen management, will bring Pacific Rim flavours to Siem Reap while being involved in the set up of the training programs for the Institute of Hospitality where young Cambodians at risk receive non-fee paying vocational education.

Sanctuary Resorts currently manages The Bale, in Bali, The Racha; just of the coast of Phuket and has started construction on Hotel de la Paix, in Siem Reap, Cambodia while opening Shinta Mani next month.

The company is also working on various other projects in Thailand in destinations like Koh Samui, Kao Lak and the North, as well as Sri Lanka and Sihanoukville in Cambodia.