Orient-Express Hotels Ltd., owners or part owners and managers of 49 luxury hotel, restaurant, tourist train and river cruise properties in 24 countries, has announced that it has appointed Ali Kasikci as regional managing director for North America, Mexico and the Caribbean, effective January 30, 2012. As part of his responsibilities, Kasikci will manage the renovation, reopening and relaunch of El Encanto in Santa Barbara, California.
The Company's first hotel on the U.S. West Coast, El Encanto is currently undergoing major renovations. When it reopens in late 2012, the hotel will have 92 rooms. Cool touches include restored California Craftsman style buildings dating from 1911 to 1918 and Spanish Colonial Revival cottages dating from the 1920s. We hear the main building of the hotel will retain many original features and will house a fine dining restaurant, featuring local Santa Barbara County produce and wines, sited on a series of terraces with views of the Pacific Ocean and California's Channel Islands. Other enhancements will include an infinity edge swimming pool, tennis courts, state-of-the-art private event space, subterranean parking and a six-room boutique spa.
Kasikci will also be responsible for the management of six of the Company's existing portfolio - Keswick Hall, Virginia; The Inn at Perry Cabin, Maryland; La Samanna, St. Martin; Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya; and Casa de Sierra Nevada, San Miguel de Allende; and the iconic '21' Club restaurant and bar in New York City.
The Company's largest property, Charleston Place, will continue to be operated by Regional Managing Director, Paul Stracey, reporting to Filip Boyen.
Kasikci joins Orient-Express from the Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles, where as Chief Executive Officer & General Manager he oversaw a multi-million dollar renovation. Prior to this, Kasikci served as Vice-President of Strategic Planning & Development for Montage Hotels & Resorts, a position that followed the successful launch of Montage Beverly Hills, which Kasikci joined in 2007. From 1991 until September 2007, Kasikci helmed The Peninsula Beverly Hills, where under his management the hotel consistently achieved some of the highest ratings in the industry, including the highest RevPAR in its competitive set and the highest return guest ratio in the market, in addition to numerous credible service and facility accolades.
