Thomas Guss, General Manager of The Chedi Muscat brings a wealth of experience to his role. He started out as a chef in 1990 before enrolling in management training for future luxury hotel jobs. He has been recognized by the industry for being one of the most powerful GMs in the Middle East
This year marks an important milestone for GHM, as it commemorates three decades of authentic luxury hospitality experience. What have been the challenges and rewards of the last 30 years and how did you celebrate the anniversary?
Celebrating 30 years of style, 2022 is indeed a momentous occasion for GHM, commemorating three decades of inimitable and authentic luxury hospitality experiences. Over 30 years, GHM has remained steadfast in its commitment to delivering a superior level of customer service so that every visitor experiences a style to remember. Of course, there have been challenges; it takes years of work to align the organization with the brand’s purpose and value proposition so that the team consistently delivers experience innovations throughout the visitor journey. Consistency in quality of service is paramount. The achievements of The Chedi Muscat in receiving the distinguished Four-Star Award in this year’s Forbes Travel Guide demonstrate the company’s longstanding commitment to service excellence.
What is the importance of architecture and design for your hotels and how does GHM hotels and resorts honor the indigenous culture and rich history of its destinations?
Each of the GHM hotels and resorts features elegant and contemporary designs interpreted with respect for the indigenous culture, rich history, and unique surroundings. Authenticity is key to every GHM guest experience, from the refined architecture to the intuitive service. GHM aims to deliver a style to remember.
How does Chedi Muscat ensure a first-class guest experience?
Recognition from Forbes Travel Guide and industry awards alike affirm The Chedi Muscat’s ongoing commitment to elevating the guest experience and investing in an unparalleled product that meets the needs of today’s luxury travelers. Our team is dedicated to creating indelible memories as our guests receive intuitive service with an unfolding series of delightful moments for a style to remember. We are always striving to deliver exceptional experiences to all.
What sets The Chedi Muscat apart from the GHM portfolio of hotels and resorts?
The Chedi Muscat is an Omani-inspired hotel development designed by Jean-Michel Gathy; it was a forerunner of luxury tourism in Oman at its launch in 2003. While the concept of luxury has evolved over time, Gathy’s idea remains timeless. The hotel celebrates the harmony between the architecture, interior and landscape to exemplify GHM’s signature style of incorporating local culture into contemporary Asian designs. Imagined and executed by renowned landscape architect Karl Princic, the 21 acres of gardens and water features are simple yet elegant, celebrating an Asian-Zen style ,while The Restaurant’s open kitchens are the masterpiece of Yasuhiro Koichi of DESIGN STUDIO SPIN in Tokyo. Other unique design features of the resort include The Long Pool, a 103-meter infinity pool – the longest in the Arabian Peninsula, and the 1,500-square-meter Spa, one of Muscat’s largest spa and wellness havens.
What are the latest trends when it comes to luxury hotels and how are you keeping up with them?
A top luxury travel trend is “searching for wellness.” According to an American Express survey, 76 percent of respondents said they wanted to spend more on travel to improve their wellbeing, and 55 percent said they’d pay more for wellness activities. Wellness tourism is expected to see a 21 percent annual growth rate from 2020-2025, according to the Global Wellness Institute (December 2021). The Chedi is an oasis of peace and tranquility in the heart of Muscat, and our 1,500-square-meter Spa and Wellness haven is a unique space for personalized treatments and social relaxation.
Do you have any news to share with us concerning The Chedi Muscat?
We are super excited to be undertaking a renovation of our Serai Rooms (60-rooms) in the three-story Serai Wing. This major retrofit project will transform the rooms to reflect the essence of the original Omani style with a contemporary, minimalist design. Every room has a 10-foot floor-to-ceiling clearance, walk-in wardrobes and a wall screen, all complemented by a new subtle color palette of materials. On entering the room, guests are greeted by the first glimpses of the panoramic views of our beautifully landscaped gardens. Next year, we plan to continue investing in inspired environments with the renovation of our Deluxe Rooms and Chedi Club Suites.
What are your future projects?
We have five major projects under development. In addition to the Serai Room design renovation, we will be introducing a Japanese teppanyaki concept, with counter dining and a private room, within The Restaurant at The Chedi Muscat. “Teppanyaki” is a traditional Japanese style that uses an iron griddle to cook food. We will serve Japanese Wagyu Beef and bring in fresh seafood that is sourced daily from Oman, as well as from abroad, to provide our customers with authentic Japanese cuisine.
