JA Resorts and Hotels has appointed Mark Stanton as Director of Food and Beverage Operations at its award-winning Maldives property, JA Manafaru.
Mark, who is from Canada, has been trained by world class restaurateurs and hoteliers. He started out as a sommelier having studied at institutes, including The Culinary Institute of American Professional Wine Studies in Napa Valley, California, USA. He has travelled all wine regions of the world and enjoyed winemaker events in iconic estates such as Chateau Margaux, Chateau Mouton Rothchild, Opus One and Grange.
“With his strong sommelier and operational management background, Mark will focus on producing new and creative outlet concepts to diversify and specialise the existing offering, to ensure that JA Manafaru continues to be the perfect setting for guests to create amazing memories,” a statement issued by the Dubai based international hospitality group read.
Mark’s appointment comes as JA Resorts and Hotels named Rob Cunningham as Vice President of Food and Beverage across the brand.
Rob officially began his culinary career at the age of 16 and during the past 33 years he has risen through the ranks from Chef to Vice President of Food and Beverage. He started in Australia, working in some of the most well-regarded restaurants in both Sydney and Melbourne, which opened doors for him to work in Michelin stared restaurants across Europe.
Rob joins JA Resorts and Hotels from Indonesia where he was praised for his conceptualisation and opening of new and popular restaurant concepts in Jakarta and Bali. Prior to that he spent over nine years in China and Japan.
Rob will be responsible for restaurant and bar repositioning across JA Resorts and Hotels in Dubai, Maldives, Seychelles, which will cover the development of all new concepts for existing and any new properties and revamping some old JA favourites. This is an exciting period for the brand, as it unveils new restaurants and bars that will be designed and developed with the customer experience in mind.
“This year we have brought on board industry specialists with proven track records to drive JA Resorts and Hotels’ food and beverage offering to another level. Rob is tasked with creating restaurants which will not only service the strong international tourist market that JA enjoys, but that also resonate with local Dubai residents due to exceptional food quality, innovative design, warm and friendly service and reasonable prices. This is a key strategy in enhancing our appeal and becoming the most attractive hotels and resorts for multi-generational family holidays,” JA Resorts and Hotels CEO Anthony Ross was quoted in a statement, as saying.
In the Maldives, JA Resorts and Hotels runs the private island resort of JA Manafaru.
Accessible via a 75-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport or by a 45-minute domestic flight to Hanimaadhoo Airport followed by a 35-minute luxury speedboat transfer, JA Manafaru is a peaceful haven situated in the northernmost atoll of Haa Alif, where world-class service is delivered amidst dazzling turquoise waters, white sand beaches, distinct Maldivian architecture and lush vegetation.
A total of 83 villas and suites, each with their own private plunge pool are dotted throughout the spacious island.
Additionally, guests can find island bliss with over eight spa treatment rooms at the award-winning Calm Spa, gourmet galore at one of seven restaurants and create lasting memories with water sports such as scuba diving, jet skiing and kayaking.