Pierre Lang, General Manager Park Hyatt Maldives
Since this report was written, in April 2012, we have learned that Pierre has moved on once more and is now working with Centara hotels in Indonesia. We are sure he'll be a great success - cheers Pierre.
Serendipity delivered us a golden opportunity to see Pierre in action, at once demonstrating the unique nature of the challenge of managing a luxury resort hotel in the middle of an Ocean, where the nearest help is hours distant and revealing the character of a very committed man. Our first contact with Pierre went almost unnoticed. As is the custom at Park Hyatt Maldives, our arrival by motorboat from Kaadhaddhhoo, the nearest airstrip to Hadahaa (until later 2012) was greeted by a welcoming gauntlet comprising the management top team and our personal hosts. We were so struck by the beauty of our surroundings and relieved to have finally arrived in paradise that Pierre's relaxed manner hardly stood out. We had previously made contact with PHM's effective mayor by e-mail and were eager to speak to him in person to express our thanks for his generous support of the Flyertalk London Hyatt Do. In the event our meeting was almost cancelled by Mother Nature.
On the afternoon of our scheduled meeting we received the rather alarming news of two major earthquakes off the coast of Indonesia. Those in the know will remember the fearsome destructive force of the previous event at Christmas in 2004. Here we were, sitting on an island no more than six feet above sea level in the middle of the Indian Ocean, no significant land mass between us and the epicentre. It being 2012, nearly every guest had a smart phone or an iPad. Early news reports spoke of a tsunami of 8 metres. Clearly Hadahaa was not the place to be. So watching Pierre calmly working his way through the assembled guests, explaining the contingency plans in several languages, (assisted by other staff chosen for their complimentary language skills so every guest was catered for) never betraying any sign of anxiety, we saw a man who could cope with responsibility under great strain, with complete self assurance.
Within a few hours we had learned the good news that this had been the 'wrong type' of earthquake and that reports of tsunamis had been greatly exaggerated. Thus we found ourselves sharing a beautiful Maldivian sunset and a consoling bottle of Champagne with this very interesting man. Sitting on a pristine white coral beach, fringed by palms, watching the late evening cloud formation catch fire, it's difficult not to feel jealous of the staff who work and live in such fabulous surroundings, so it was interesting to hear Pierre's take on this.
Lean and sporting a healthy tan, Pierre conveyed an ascetic sensibility which at first sight might seem at odds with the luxury he provides to his guests but there are two sides to Park Hyatt Maldives. He was as enthusiastic about the responsibility he feels to the fragile natural environment as he was attentive to the details which make the vacation experience feel so special. Pierre entered the hospitality industry via food and beverage, starting work as a humble bus-boy in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Southern Germany. Having spent his formative years behind The Iron Curtain, in communist East Germany, he was fluent in Russian. Wishing to spread his wings he quickly discovered the desirability of acquiring English. So an invitation to work in a friend's restaurant in Florida Keys was irresistible. He was then recruited to Hyatt (a hotel group with a strong emphasis on the importance of food and beverage) and worked for the company in a number of roles, including being involved in the opening of the Park and Grand Hyatts in Dubai. Although an enjoyable time, this was very demanding and intense, so Pierre took a 6 month sabbatical to travel discovering an enduring passion for Asian culture. He then took his first job in the Maldives, working at the One and Only Reethi Rai. Fortunately for Hadahaa, Hyatt saw that he was thus an obvious choice for the GM position when the owners brought the hotel to the Hyatt Brand.
Pierre was inspired by the hotel owner's vision to run a true luxury hotel with a light environmental footprint. As evidence he pointed out proudly that the hotel uses their own water (to minimise plastic bottle usage), the spa uses local Maldivian ingredients and minimising impact to the pristine house reef is of upmost importance. However, the hotel represents true luxury, and we were promised that by next year, the hotel will be even more luxurious. At the time we met, renovations were in progress but not interfering with the experience of guests. We noticed extensive re-planting of the garden areas around reception and the spa (using indigenous species of course) and weather-proofing on the over-water villas was progressing rapidly. There were also plans for new fittings and amenities in the villas. Pierre also had plans to make more use of the Dhoni, a uniquely Maldivian feature of PHM (think large boat upside down containing cocktail bar) for entertainments and gatherings including traditional Maldivian elements.
Pierre was very relaxed about reward stays, in common with most Hyatt GMs realising the enormous value of the Hyatt Gold Passport scheme. After all, you don't get to spend huge numbers of points at PHM without having earned those points. Having stayed there, we would describe PHM as a Jewel in the Crown, a fitting reward for loyalty to Hyatt. Pierre was in full agreement. So we were pleased that in addition to a room upgrade and welcome amenity, diamond members receive evening sundowners - a drink of your choice and some canapés. The enjoyment of this amenity is certainly enhanced by the location on the beach facing sunset.
Pierre planned to stay in paradise for only a couple of years, or until he felt he had done all he can for the hotel. The resort is heaven for guests but is very challenging for staff, as any personal life has to be put on hold, and you are living at work, thus permanently on call. As GM in such a remote location, it is like being captain of a ship - whatever happens, you are responsible for the safety of your guests. This must be stressful at times, however Pierre is the most present GM we have met, and he often strolls around the island talking to guests (there again, who would sit in an office when they could be in the sun, on the sand!). It was also impressive that Pierre meets all guests as they arrive on the Hyatt boat and says goodbye to each guest on departure.
Serendipity delivered us a golden opportunity to see Pierre in action, at once demonstrating the unique nature of the challenge of managing a luxury resort hotel in the middle of an Ocean, where the nearest help is hours distant and revealing the character of a very committed man. Our first contact with Pierre went almost unnoticed. As is the custom at Park Hyatt Maldives, our arrival by motorboat from Kaadhaddhhoo, the nearest airstrip to Hadahaa (until later 2012) was greeted by a welcoming gauntlet comprising the management top team and our personal hosts. We were so struck by the beauty of our surroundings and relieved to have finally arrived in paradise that Pierre's relaxed manner hardly stood out. We had previously made contact with PHM's effective mayor by e-mail and were eager to speak to him in person to express our thanks for his generous support of the Flyertalk London Hyatt Do. In the event our meeting was almost cancelled by Mother Nature.
On the afternoon of our scheduled meeting we received the rather alarming news of two major earthquakes off the coast of Indonesia. Those in the know will remember the fearsome destructive force of the previous event at Christmas in 2004. Here we were, sitting on an island no more than six feet above sea level in the middle of the Indian Ocean, no significant land mass between us and the epicentre. It being 2012, nearly every guest had a smart phone or an iPad. Early news reports spoke of a tsunami of 8 metres. Clearly Hadahaa was not the place to be. So watching Pierre calmly working his way through the assembled guests, explaining the contingency plans in several languages, (assisted by other staff chosen for their complimentary language skills so every guest was catered for) never betraying any sign of anxiety, we saw a man who could cope with responsibility under great strain, with complete self assurance.
Within a few hours we had learned the good news that this had been the 'wrong type' of earthquake and that reports of tsunamis had been greatly exaggerated. Thus we found ourselves sharing a beautiful Maldivian sunset and a consoling bottle of Champagne with this very interesting man. Sitting on a pristine white coral beach, fringed by palms, watching the late evening cloud formation catch fire, it's difficult not to feel jealous of the staff who work and live in such fabulous surroundings, so it was interesting to hear Pierre's take on this.
Lean and sporting a healthy tan, Pierre conveyed an ascetic sensibility which at first sight might seem at odds with the luxury he provides to his guests but there are two sides to Park Hyatt Maldives. He was as enthusiastic about the responsibility he feels to the fragile natural environment as he was attentive to the details which make the vacation experience feel so special. Pierre entered the hospitality industry via food and beverage, starting work as a humble bus-boy in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Southern Germany. Having spent his formative years behind The Iron Curtain, in communist East Germany, he was fluent in Russian. Wishing to spread his wings he quickly discovered the desirability of acquiring English. So an invitation to work in a friend's restaurant in Florida Keys was irresistible. He was then recruited to Hyatt (a hotel group with a strong emphasis on the importance of food and beverage) and worked for the company in a number of roles, including being involved in the opening of the Park and Grand Hyatts in Dubai. Although an enjoyable time, this was very demanding and intense, so Pierre took a 6 month sabbatical to travel discovering an enduring passion for Asian culture. He then took his first job in the Maldives, working at the One and Only Reethi Rai. Fortunately for Hadahaa, Hyatt saw that he was thus an obvious choice for the GM position when the owners brought the hotel to the Hyatt Brand.
Pierre was inspired by the hotel owner's vision to run a true luxury hotel with a light environmental footprint. As evidence he pointed out proudly that the hotel uses their own water (to minimise plastic bottle usage), the spa uses local Maldivian ingredients and minimising impact to the pristine house reef is of upmost importance. However, the hotel represents true luxury, and we were promised that by next year, the hotel will be even more luxurious. At the time we met, renovations were in progress but not interfering with the experience of guests. We noticed extensive re-planting of the garden areas around reception and the spa (using indigenous species of course) and weather-proofing on the over-water villas was progressing rapidly. There were also plans for new fittings and amenities in the villas. Pierre also had plans to make more use of the Dhoni, a uniquely Maldivian feature of PHM (think large boat upside down containing cocktail bar) for entertainments and gatherings including traditional Maldivian elements.
Pierre was very relaxed about reward stays, in common with most Hyatt GMs realising the enormous value of the Hyatt Gold Passport scheme. After all, you don't get to spend huge numbers of points at PHM without having earned those points. Having stayed there, we would describe PHM as a Jewel in the Crown, a fitting reward for loyalty to Hyatt. Pierre was in full agreement. So we were pleased that in addition to a room upgrade and welcome amenity, diamond members receive evening sundowners - a drink of your choice and some canapés. The enjoyment of this amenity is certainly enhanced by the location on the beach facing sunset.
Pierre planned to stay in paradise for only a couple of years, or until he felt he had done all he can for the hotel. The resort is heaven for guests but is very challenging for staff, as any personal life has to be put on hold, and you are living at work, thus permanently on call. As GM in such a remote location, it is like being captain of a ship - whatever happens, you are responsible for the safety of your guests. This must be stressful at times, however Pierre is the most present GM we have met, and he often strolls around the island talking to guests (there again, who would sit in an office when they could be in the sun, on the sand!). It was also impressive that Pierre meets all guests as they arrive on the Hyatt boat and says goodbye to each guest on departure.