Hospitality

CRAFTING EXPERIENCES THAT CELEBRATE PLACE, PEOPLE, AND PURPOSE

Published

5 months ago

November 4, 2025

Exclusive interview with Sébastien Carre, Group Head of Hospitality at Red Sea Global Hospitality

With more than three decades in luxury hospitality, what continues to fuel your passion for creating world-class guest experiences?

What continues to drive me is the sense of discovery that comes with every new project. Saudi Arabia is incredibly disruptive at the moment, surprising the world and emerging as a completely new destination. For people like us who have spent our lives crafting experiences across the world, this is an extraordinary new playground.

The quality of the resorts, the pristine coastline and the heartfelt nature of Saudi hospitality make it an enormous canvas for professionals to create on. What excites me most is being part of something that feels authentically Saudi yet resonates with guests from everywhere. Red Sea Global Hospitality is the country’s first homegrown luxury operator. We are built on Hafawah, the Saudi spirit of generosity and intuitive care. Our focus is on creating places that connect people to nature, to culture and to one another.

You can see this philosophy come to life in our first resorts. Desert Rock is carved into the Hijaz mountains, while Shebara rises above a turquoise lagoon surrounded by coral, its mirrored villas appearing to float on water. Each property is entirely different, yet both share the same purpose to celebrate nature rather than compete with it. Together, they set a new benchmark for how luxury can look and feel when it grows out of its environment.

Every day brings new learning and new challenges, and that sense of constant evolution is what keeps me passionate. There is something special about seeing guests react with wonder, because it reminds us that we are part of something that is fundamentally redefining what luxury hospitality can be.

Aerial view of luxury overwater villas with curved white roofs extending into turquoise lagoon waters at sunset, with palm tree-lined beach and jetty in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea destination

With such an expansive career behind you, what personal philosophies have kept you grounded through the shifts in global hospitality?

I believe hoteliers are humble by nature, because at the end of the day, our purpose is to serve and to create meaningful memories for others. The humanity of this profession is what gives it its purpose and keeps us grounded.

Of course, hospitality is also a business with commercial outcomes, but that is not what drives most of us. The difference between good and great hospitality always comes down to people. Genuine care for guests and for colleagues creates an environment where excellence happens naturally. When you lead with empathy and listen, everything else tends to follow.

Throughout my career, whether in the Indian Ocean, the Pacific or now here in Saudi Arabia, what has remained constant is the respect for people and the recognition that genuine hospitality stems from cultural values, family upbringing and the social codes that define a community. When people share values and feel proud of what they are building together, excellence comes naturally. Whether it’s connecting guests to new cultures or building teams with shared values, it always comes back to people who genuinely want to care for others.

What inspired your transition from Four Seasons’ legacy of luxury to Red Sea Global’s vision of regenerative luxury? Was there a defining moment that made you say, “This is where the future lies”?

After many years with an exceptional organisation that shaped much of my professional outlook, I wanted to be part of something different and The Red Sea offered that possibility. It combines extraordinary natural beauty with a commitment to rethinking how destinations are built and sustained.

When I first visited the region two years ago, the scale of its untouched landscapes left a lasting impression on me. I had travelled to Saudi Arabia many times for business in Riyadh and Jeddah, but I had never imagined that the coastline was so pristine. Flying over the region in seaplanes reminded me of the South Pacific. The lagoons, coral reefs and desert terrain were pristine, protected by a master plan that ensures ninety-nine percent of the area remains preserved, with only one percent designated for development. That level of stewardship is rare in our industry.

As hoteliers, we have spent the past decade focusing more on sustainability, but here it is part of the project’s DNA from the beginning. Seeing regeneration move from intention to measurable reality gives our work meaning. It also resonates with guests and with the new generation of employees who want to be part of something that matters.

This is what convinced me that the future of our industry lies here. We have the chance to redefine what luxury means for the next generation, where comfort and conservation coexist, and where travel truly becomes a force for good.

Having managed world-class resorts across Seychelles, Bora Bora, and Provence, how do you translate those refined operational standards into the DNA of The Red Sea and AMAALA?

Throughout my career, I have learned that local culture shapes how guests connect with a destination. Today’s travellers seek authenticity and moments that reveal a place’s true character. This comes from diversity, meeting people, understanding different ways of life, and connecting with their stories. This philosophy underpins everything we do at Red Sea Global Hospitality. Every property is rooted in its surroundings, whether it is Desert Rock, which sits in the mountains or Shebara that rises from the water, or Thuwal Private Retreat, which offers Saudi Arabia’s first private island for exclusive hire. Each expresses luxury differently, yet all share the same foundation of precision, genuine care, and deep respect for the environment and community.

In Saudi Arabia, guests are discovering a culture still largely unknown to them and are often surprised by the warmth and generosity of the people. Translating that authenticity into our operations is just as crucial as maintaining international standards. For us, service excellence and local pride go hand in hand.

In every property, we combine operational precision with emotional intelligence, ensuring that international service standards are met while honouring the warmth and authenticity of Saudi hospitality. Our expectations for service, sustainability and design are exacting, but we balance them with Hafawah, the Saudi spirit of warmth, sincerity and intuitive care. That is how we transform global excellence into a Saudi-born expression of luxury.

As hospitality becomes more purpose-driven, how do you inspire teams to align with RSG’s regenerative tourism vision, beyond the traditional guest-service mindset?

The key is aligning with the purpose of a generation rather than trying to convince them. We integrate regeneration and sustainability into our master planning and priorities, so people can see for themselves, without being pitched, that this is who we are.

Many of our team members join because they already share that sense of purpose. There is strong pride and belonging, especially among young Saudis who are deeply connected to their homeland and its progress. They understand that by joining the tourism sector they are contributing not only to an industry but also to a national vision.

That pride, combined with strong family and community bonds, is what makes Saudi hospitality so genuine. It comes from upbringing, from values that have been passed down through generations.. The kindness and generosity you experience here are not scripted, they are simply part of who people are. That authenticity is what makes this new era of hospitality so meaningful.

When team members believe so deeply in what they are doing, that authenticity becomes contagious. It shows in every guest interaction, and it travels organically through word-of-mouth and social channels. Many of our guests come from countries where we have done zero marketing, simply because the experience is disruptive and worth sharing.

Hospitality

“HOSPITABLE” LEADERSHIP STARTS WITH EMPATH

Published

1 day ago

April 3, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Because service quality can never rise above the culture behind it

By Nives Deininger, Cluster Director of Sales, STORY Seychelles and Fisherman’s Cove Resort

Hospitality has always been a people business. We talk a great deal about guest expectations, service standards and commercial performance – and rightly so.

But behind all of that sits something more fundamental: how people are led. In my experience, empathetic leadership is not a soft extra or a nice-to-have. It’s a practical, commercially relevant way of building stronger teams, more resilient cultures and better guest experiences.

In hospitality, business value is created every day through human interactions. We see motivated employees who feel supported approaching guests differently from those who feel overlooked or undervalued. And when leaders take time to understand their teams, listen to concerns and respond with honesty, it creates an environment where people are more engaged in their work and more confident in how they deliver it.

That clearly has a direct impact on service quality, team stability and, ultimately, revenue.

Proactive, thoughtful and personal

This is especially important in a luxury environment, where the guest experience depends on authenticity as much as efficiency. Five-star hospitality is not only about polished processes. It’s as much about the proactive, thoughtful and personal touches that guests remember. And those moments are much easier to create when employees feel respected and trusted. Empathy, in that sense, is not separate from performance, it supports it.

It also shapes the way departments work together. In hotels and resorts, no team operates in isolation. Sales, revenue and operations need to be aligned if the business is to grow without compromising the guest experience. Empathetic leadership encourages stronger communication and collaboration across those functions.

It helps people understand one another’s pressures, priorities and constraints, which leads to better decisions and more joined-up strategies. Over time, that strengthens not only internal trust but also guest loyalty, client relationships and repeat business.

Connecting with your teams

In high-pressure hospitality environments, empathy is even more important. The pace can be intense, and performance expectation remains high across seasons, segments and business cycles.

As a Director of Sales, I believe leadership in this setting means more than setting targets or leading by example. It means connecting with the team as individuals, understanding that each person brings different circumstances, strengths and pressures to work, and finding ways to bring out the best in them, while making sure they feel valued.

My team in Seychelles includes Seychellois women who are strong-willed, highly capable and well used to working under pressure. That strength is an asset, but it still needs the right environment around it. People perform best when they know they are appreciated, when expectations are clear, and when challenges can be discussed openly rather than hidden. Honesty and transparency matter here. They build trust, and trust allows teams to keep performing even when conditions are demanding.

This is a good reason why the conversation around women in hospitality leadership is so important. The industry is making progress, but there is still more to do if we want to see more women move from operational and administrative roles into executive leadership positions.

One of the biggest needs is for clearer leadership pathways and stronger mentorship earlier in women’s careers. Many talented women are already in the industry, but too often they are not given the visibility, support or structured development needed to progress with confidence.

Outcomes, strength and flexibility

There is also a broader cultural issue to address. Senior roles in hospitality have traditionally been designed around long, inflexible hours and a strong emphasis on physical presence.

That model can make progression harder for women, particularly at different stages of life. The industry needs to become more thoughtful about how leadership is measured and supported. A greater focus on outcomes, collaboration and the strength of leadership teams, rather than simply time spent on site, would help retain and promote more talented women across the sector.

This is not only about fairness, it’s as much about what kind of leadership the industry needs for the future. Hospitality is evolving, with guests increasingly expecting personalised service, emotional intelligence and experiences that feel genuine, rather than scripted.

At the same time, employees are placing greater value on wellbeing, inclusion and workplace culture. We know empathetic leadership is well suited to both these shifts, because it keeps people at the centre of the business.

Looking ahead, I believe empathy will play an even greater role in shaping hospitality, from employee wellbeing to guest experience and the way hotels build workplace culture. When leaders understand the needs, motivations and pressures of their teams, they are better placed to sustain the service levels that premium hospitality requires.

Employees who feel heard and supported are far more likely to create the authentic and personalised moments that today’s guests increasingly value.

Focus on wellbeing

Internally, we will continue to see hospitality workplaces place more emphasis on wellbeing, flexibility and inclusive culture. Hotels and resorts that do this well will be in a stronger position to attract and retain talented people. That matters, because service quality can never rise above the culture behind it. In a competitive market, a supportive workplace is not separate from brand reputation. It helps protect it.

Empathy is sometimes spoken about as though it sits outside hard business reality. I would argue the opposite.

In hospitality, where people shape every outcome, empathetic leadership is an integral part of the operating model. It creates better environments for employees to bring their best, helps teams navigate pressure with honesty and transparency, and supports the kind of service that builds long-term value.

Hospitality

HOP INTO EASTER AT MCGETTIGAN’S WITH FAMILY ROASTS, EGG HUNTS AND CLASSIC SUNDAY FAVOURITES

Published

3 days ago

April 1, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

This Easter, McGettigan’s is bringing together hearty roasts, family-friendly activities, and laid-back celebrations across its venues in Dubai. From lively family days with quizzes and egg hunts to traditional Sunday roasts for a relaxed gathering, there is something for everyone this Easter Sunday.

Easter Family Roast & Quiz at McGettigan’s Ibn Battuta Gate

Expect a lively Easter Sunday packed with family-friendly entertainment, including a quiz and activities for all ages, alongside McGettigan’s signature roast. Younger guests can also enjoy an Easter egg hunt, adding to the festive atmosphere and making it a perfect day out for families.

Who – Families and groups
What – Easter Sunday Roast with family quiz, entertainment, and egg hunt
Where – McGettigan’s Ibn Battuta Gate

Easter Sunday Roast with Egg Hunt at Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Expo City

For a more relaxed Easter celebration, McGettigan’s at Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Expo City will host a laid-back family roast with a light touch of festive fun, including an Easter egg hunt for younger guests. Ideal for those looking to enjoy quality time with family in a more casual setting.

Who – Families and casual diners
What – Easter Sunday Roast with egg hunt
Where – McGettigan’s Souk Madinat Jumeirah and McGettigan’s Expo City

Traditional Easter Roast at McGettigan’s JLT and DWTC

For those who prefer to keep it classic, McGettigan’s JLT and DWTC will be serving up their traditional Easter Sunday roast, complete with all the hearty favourites and signature dishes the brand is known for. A perfect option for a relaxed gathering with friends or family.

Who – Friends, couples, and groups
What – Traditional Easter Sunday Roast
Where – McGettigan’s JLT and McGettigan’s DWTC

Hospitality

CELEBRATE EASTER WITH A FAMILY-FRIENDLY BRUNCH AT LA PISCINE,AL RAHA BEACH RESORT & SPA

Published

3 days ago

April 1, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa invites guests to celebrate Easter with a lively beachfront brunch at La Piscine. Taking place from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on April 5, the Easter Brunch brings together great food, feel-good music and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere by the sea.

Set against La Piscine’s relaxed poolside and beachfront backdrop, the afternoon’s culinary offering features an international buffet with live stations, brought to life with a DJ and saxophonist spinning upbeat sets throughout the day. For younger guests, the experience leans into the spirit of Easter with great kids’ activities, including egg hunting, glitter face painting, and a dedicated kids’ corner.

Guests can also make the most of the long afternoon with complimentary access to the resort’s pool and beach, along with a Spa voucher, making it more than just brunch, but a full day out in the sun.

Easter Brunch Details
Location: La Piscine, Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, April 5th

Kids Policy
Ages 5–12: 50% discount
Below 5: Complimentary