Zaya presents Nurai Island resort executive team

UAE-based hospitality company Zaya Retreats has appointed its executive team for Zaya Nurai Island, the groups’ flagship development, set to open in the fourth quarter of this year.

Zaya Nurai Island, a private island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, will house 32 stand-alone holiday villas, 23 residential villas and three food and beverage outlets. According to a statement from Zaya Retreats, it will be “a unique, boutique private island resort”.

Nadia Zaal, CEO and Founder of Zaya Reteats reportedly handpicked the team of 'Zayans'. She commented: “We don’t believe in the usual corporate roles and morals and instead think that going to work should be something that each employee looks forward to each day.”

“From the team morning meetings that involve a Muay Thai warm-up and the encouragement we give our staff to keep fit and healthy, down to the canvas Toms espadrille shoes that are part of our staff uniform, everything at Zaya Nurai Island is chic yet casual, fun yet effective and quirky yet elegant. We want to break the boundaries and have fun at work.”

Zaya’s director of operations, Stephen Gee, will be the driving force behind the team, making sure they are “innovative at every opportunity”. Gee was previously assistant director of F&B at W Hotel & Residences, Doha and later moved to Armani Hotels & Resorts in Dubai as executive assistant manager of F&B.

Wai-Kei Wong, executive assistant manager on the island, will be responsible for overseeing every aspect of guest experience. Prior to joining Zaya Retreats, Wong was DOSM at Maldivian hospitality management company, Cococollection.

Appointed as executive assistant manager, culinary and food & beverage, Carl Stockenstrom brings 25 years of experience working in five-star luxury hotels, and comes from Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai where he was executive chef.

Helping Nadia choose the right team members for Zaya Nurai Island is talent development manager, Lauréline Bernicke, who came to Dubai in 2012 as learning & development manager emerging (ME, Africa, Russia) for Cisco Systems.

Teresa Chandler is Zaya Retreats’ dedicated director of wellbeing and will be looking after the Zayans. She moved to Dubai in 2010 as HR director for Emaar at The Palace Downtown Dubai.

Onboard as director of finance is Navin Shah, whose previous experience includes director of finance at The Address Hotels & Resorts, Dubai. In addition to overseeing the budget, Shah will give Yoga lessons to the Zaya Nurai team.

“Even though we are only a small team at the moment, you can see the passion and love for the resort in our team members’ eyes already. There is no doubt that our Zaya Nurai Island is a stunning resort, but the main thing that will really differentiate us in the market is the people that will represent our brand.” continued Zaal.