Bahrain’s hospitality sector is evolving rapidly, according to Skander Ayari, hotel manager of Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay in Manama. Here, he discusses the kingdom’s tourism sector and what the Four Seasons brand is bringing to the market.
What can you tell us about your hospitality career?
I began my hospitality career as an F&B management trainee with Hilton Worldwide. Subsequently I took on different roles within the F&B division across three different Hilton properties in France. Eventually I rose through the ranks, reaching the position of F&B manager. I joined Concorde Lafayette Paris (Hyatt Paris Etoile) in 2005. I progressed to the role of assistant director of F&B and was subsequently promoted to director of F&B.
. In 2011, I transitioned to lead the F&B division at Le Meridien Etoile Paris. Three years later, my international journey began, from executive assistant manager at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi to cluster EAM with Radisson Blu Hotels on Yas Island. My journey continued in Mauritius at the award-winning Shangri-La Le Tussock Resort. In 2019, I became a proud member of the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Kuwait as director of F&B. Later, I moved to Egypt where I became the hotel manager of Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence. Since last August, I’ve been blessed to join Bahrain’s landmark Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay as hotel manager.
What made you choose Four Seasons?
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts is a prestigious name within the hospitality business. The brand is known for its understanding of luxury hospitality, as well as high service standards. However, the most compelling factor for me in joining Four Seasons was its people-centered ethos and its tremendous heritage. The organizational culture follows the golden rule, treating others as one wishes to be treated.
You have a deep passion for gastronomy, which was cultivated during your studies in France. How do you plan to leverage this passion to enhance the culinary offerings at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay?
First and foremost, I would like to give credit to everyone at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay team. They are doing a fantastic job to make our guest experience unforgettable. As for our culinary offerings, we are working on a master plan with the F&B managing team. Indeed, we plan to launch a host of new experiences, thereby solidifying our position as one of the most exciting names in Bahrain’s culinary scene. This includes everything from pop-ups and new concepts to outlets such as Byblos, our upcoming beachfront Lebanese restaurant.
How would you describe the hospitality scene in Bahrain?
Although it is a bit early for me to evaluate the kingdom’s hospitality landscape. However, the government, the MOT, and the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority are launching impactful initiatives.. The purpose of which is both business and leisure. They are creating opportunities in the new markets, while also investing in primary feeder markets. Bahrain has already garnered the attention of many international luxury hotel brands. Thus, it strives to establish itself as a must-visit regional destination with a diverse and highly developed hospitality sector. As a hotelier, seeing this vision unfold instills in me a great deal of optimism. With all this in mind, I think that the best is yet to come for Bahrain.
What trends are planning to implement in Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay?
We prioritize creating exclusive dining experiences rather than being concerned with specific trends. It is a priority to leverage our team’s expertise to ignite guests’ curiosity and sense of culinary adventure.
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