Mohammad Ali Kunhi is the Hotel Manager at Hawar Resort by Mantis. A seasoned management professional with 25+ years in global luxury hospitality, he has spent his career perfecting operations while working across Asia and the Middle East, including Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Korea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Greater China.
Starting in his parents’ culinary business, Mohammad transitioned to hospitality management, mentored by industry experts. Formerly the acting GM at Sofitel in Greater China, he oversaw F&B operations regionally. Now, as the Hotel Manager at the soon-to-open eco-resort in the south of Bahrain, Mohammad focuses on exceptional service, employee relations, performance management, and team building, aiming to elevate guest experiences.
We spoke to the hospitality leader about how he plans to shape the operations at the unique sustainability-oriented resort in Bahrain as it opens its doors this September.
This resort offers unique opportunities that align with my personal and professional values, particularly sustainability and conservation. Leading eco-friendly initiatives is an exciting challenge for me. Combining bespoke luxury experiences with authentic hospitality is incredibly motivating and supports continuous improvement and creativity. This is a fantastic opportunity to leverage my extensive experience in a setting that values sustainability, innovation, and outstanding service.
Throughout my career, I have implemented strategies to optimize operations in the various regions where I have worked. The first is localizing guest experiences by tailoring them to reflect the unique local culture, creating authentic and memorable stays. Staff training is crucial, with regular programs ensuring consistent service quality and allowing for regional adaptations.
Every staff member must be knowledgeable about the hotel. Operational efficiency begins with hiring the right team for each project. Collecting and analyzing guest feedback helps identify areas for improvement, ensuring each property exceeds guest expectations.
My culinary experience has significantly influenced how I manage operations and brought me to the position I hold today. For example, attention to detail is paramount in the culinary world, and this meticulousness translates into every aspect of my hotel management style. Ensuring every guest interaction is handled with care and precision is crucial. I believe small touches can make a big difference in creating a memorable guest experience, adding an element of surprise to every detail of a guest’s stay.
Commitment to quality is essential. As a chef, the importance of sourcing the best ingredients and maintaining high standards extends to all facets of hotel operations, ensuring we offer outstanding amenities, exceptional service, and a well-maintained environment. Whether it’s the quality of the linens or the freshness of the breakfast buffet, excellence is non-negotiable.
Creativity and innovation are also key influences. The culinary world is about experimenting with new flavours, techniques, and presentations. This mindset encourages me to find new ways of enhancing the guest experience, whether through unique dining experiences or surprises.
A guest-centric approach is another crucial aspect. A chef’s primary goal is to delight guests with exceptional dishes. This approach influences my management style, emphasizing the importance of understanding and exceeding guest expectations. By actively listening to guest feedback and anticipating their needs, we aim to create a tailored and memorable stay at our resort.
Running a successful kitchen requires seamless teamwork and clear communication. I apply these principles to hotel management, building a collaborative environment where everyone works together to achieve common goals. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for smooth operations and exceptional guest service.
Creating memorable experiences is a priority, whether in the kitchen or managing operations. In the culinary world, this involves storytelling, ambience, and a personal touch. In hospitality, it means crafting immersive and unique guest experiences, such as themed events, bespoke dining, or personalized room amenities. My goal is to create lasting memories for our guests.
A passion for hospitality is at the core of my approach and my culinary background has instilled a genuine desire to bring joy to others. This drives me to create a welcoming and warm atmosphere where guests feel valued and cared for throughout their stay.
Around the world, personalized guest experiences are in high demand. Today’s guests expect tailored and unique services, including customized room setups, bespoke dining experiences, and personalized activities. There’s also a growing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices among travellers.
Health and wellness tourism is on the rise, with more travellers seeking destinations offering wellness programs. Seamless technology integration is now an expectation for convenience and enhanced experiences. Authentic cultural experiences are also highly valued. Culinary tourism is also gaining popularity, with travellers seeking unique and high-quality dining experiences.
Our vision is to deliver a distinctive atmosphere that seamlessly blends local heritage with world-class hospitality. We will achieve this by showcasing Bahrain’s cultural diversity through authentic experiences and bespoke cultural workshops. Guests can indulge in authentic Bahraini cuisines and participate in international festivals and events that celebrate both local and global cultures, including major events.
Hawar Resort by Mantis is a premier destination that will be known for its unique atmosphere, exemplary service, and commitment to cultural and environmental sustainability.
Beyond providing luxurious accommodations, the resort will actively engage with the local community through meaningful cultural collaborations, offering employment opportunities, and supporting local initiatives. By nurturing these connections, we aim to not only enhance guest experiences but also enrich the region, ensuring a positive impact that reaches far beyond our grounds.
ALSO READ – ADVENTURE MODE ON: AN INTERVIEW WITH ANDRÉ ERASMUS, GENERAL MANAGER, HAWAR RESORT BY MANTIS
