Who’s Where in Travel: Three Caribbean Luxury Resorts Add New Leaders

Three Caribbean resorts have hired new leaders in the past month.

Malliouhana Resort in Anguilla promoted George Vlachopoulos to managing director. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, and the last four years as general manager of Malliouhana, Vlachopoulos continues to bring leadership expertise, exceptional guest service, and extensive knowledge of revenue management and hotel operations to the resort.

Originally from Athens, Vlachopoulos is a Swiss-educated hotelier with a postgraduate master’s degree and associate certificate from Cornell University. His previous work included director of operations at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the opening general manager and asset developer of Nihi Sumba Island Resort in Indonesia, and general manager at the Radisson Blu Park Hotel in Athens.

According to the hotel, Vlachopoulos possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience, and his leadership has been instrumental in Malliouhana’s transition into an independent hotel, now managed by Storey Hotel Management Group. In his new role as managing director, Vlachopoulos will take on higher responsibilities in strategic leadership and development for the property, guiding it through the next phase of its evolution, including the celebration of Malliouhana’s 40th anniversary, to be celebrated in 2024.

Silversands Grenada announced the appointment of Michele Giraudo as its new general manager. With a career spanning over two decades in ultra-luxury hospitality, Giraudo brings a wealth of experience to his role at the prestigious ultra-luxury resort.

Most recently, Michele served as the opening general manager of One&Only Portonovi. He then collaborated with property developers in Montenegro and the Caribbean, showcasing his ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences. A graduate of Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne and Cornell University, Michele is fluent in English, French, Italian and Spanish.

Silversands Grenada is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and Virtuoso’s Hotels & Resorts Program. Part of the Ora Developers portfolio, Silversands Grenada has expansion plans on Grenada, the first of which, Silversands Beach House, is slated to open early 2024.

InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa had additionally appointed of Ernesto Luna as its new GM. With a proven track record in leading hotel openings, renovations and property conversions across Mexico and the U.S., Luna brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the resort. In his new role, Luna will be responsible for overseeing all resort operations and leading the executive team with a focus on inspiring creativity and innovation.

Prior to joining InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, the Mexico City native served as corporate director of operations for the Ahau Collection, overseeing six boutique beachfront hotels in Tulum, Mexico. His experience also includes time as director general of Hipotels' Haven Riviera Cancun on Mexico's Riviera Maya, as well as holding general manager positions at ME Miami, Cancun and Cabo, and director of operations at the Paramount Hotel Times Square in New York. Luna's career began in Mexico City as rooms division manager at Camino Real, where he honed his skills in providing exceptional guest experiences.

An active participant in key industry meetings and congresses, Luna has been involved with SKAL International and Hotel Association boards. Additionally, he successfully completed the General Managers Program (GMP) at Cornell University, solidifying his commitment to continued learning and growth within the hospitality industry.

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