Agnelo Banji. Agnelo Banji.

Agnelo Banji, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

About Agnelo
Agnelo Banji is a certified fitness, personal and aerobics trainer from Talwalkars Fitness Academy, as well as a certified personal trainer with K11 Fitness academy, and a certified Pilates fitness trainer from BFY-Progressive Fitness, UK. He started his career in 2003 in his native city of Mumbai (India) as a fitness instructor at the Matunga Gymkhana (gymnasium and social club). Two years later he moved to Dubai and joined the One and Only Royal Miraj Hotel as fitness instructor and was subsequently promoted in 2006 as senior fitness instructor. In 2008, he became the head fitness instructor as well as handling the spa reception. He joined Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in January 2010 as the health club’s fitness instructor. One year later he was promoted to senior fitness instructor and a year after that he became fitness manager, as a result of his exceptional performance and results driven approach to fitness and training.

Above and beyond the call of duty
As someone who grew up in a family that was prone to obesity and type 2 diabetes, Agnelo professes to have always been on the chubbier side growing up. At the age of 18, he realised that he would have to make a lifestyle change and devoted himself towards the study of health and fitness. Seeing himself as not only part of one department – the health club – but contributing to the overall success of the hotel, Agnelo demonstrates his drive and passion for the brand in assisting other departments. In Fall 2011, the hotel welcomes the Nirvana (teachers association) group to the hotel, effectively filling up the entire hotel and restaurants. Due to some scheduling challenges, not enough colleagues were available to assist with the groups’ arrival and check-in. Agnelo immediately volunteered his help and in addition to training clients and overseeing the health club, he also donned a bell person’s uniform and welcomed members of Nirvana to the hotel for three full days, as well as checking-in 24 guests and showing them to their rooms. Moreover, as part of the hotel’s green team, Agnelo takes the charge in for all environmental measures taken in the Health Club, from conducting a full energy and recycling audit for his department to volunteering his time for community outreach initiatives, including the Abu Dhabi Terry Fox Run and the Clean up the World campaign. This past Eid, as the hotel geared up for a busy season of families coming to stay and enjoy the facilities, including a specialty constructed children’s activity centre, there was a challenge in staffing the centre with child friendly colleagues. Although he was slated to take a short holiday during this time, Agnelo volunteered to assist and guide children and their families through a series of activities, including an interactive and fun series of exercises and games.

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Testimonials for Agnelo
“Agnelo is a true ambassador for Fairmont as he constantly turns moments into memories for anyone who steps into the gym, and puts in any amount of time needed to ensure that his guests are happy and he always has a smile on his face and is eager to share his knowledge with others. Keep up the good work Agnelo.” Tristan MacLaggen food & beverage manager, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.

“Once again Agnelo has taken the initiative and has shown passion when arranging and running the Kids Club during Eid. His dedication and hard work paid off and it was a complete success. He’s not just hard working, but also a unique and engaging character when working in the Health Club. He’s well respected within the team and he’s doing a great job looking after everyone while Tamer is on vacation. Guests love him and we are all very happy and proud to have him as part of the team. Keep fit my friend.” Bernd Pichler, guest services manager, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr