Q&A: Four Seasons Dubai's Chelan Goonetilleke

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach senior director of marketing Chelan Goonetilleke talks to Hotelier Middle East

How have you found the pre-opening process?

We were able to attract most of our talent from within the company and leaders with extensive Four Seasons experience. This has been a great asset to me during this important pre-opening phase, as we are able to achieve our plans in an efficient manner at a fast pace, while maintaining the strong values and culture of the company.

What is the marketing strategy for Four Seasons Dubai?

Our marketing strategy is to firmly position the property as a unique urban resort that has the best of both worlds, combining a relaxing beach holiday, while enjoying the finest experiences of downtown Dubai and a fabulous on-site food and beverage and entertainment scene.

What are the target markets for the hotel?

Having a well-established brand positioning globally, we will be able to attract a wide spread of geographical markets. The majority of business will be leisure as we are located in one of the finest beachfront locations in Dubai. However we will have a component of corporate business due to our proximity to Downtown Dubai, in addition to our extensive dining and entertainment options.

How will the hotel target the MICE segment?

The resort will appeal to high-end MICE business. The Four Seasons private jet has already put Dubai on its plans for one of its upcoming itineraries. Our resort will offer bespoke group itineraries and most importantly we will offer a high level of personalised service, from planning to execution. Due to our limited room inventory, we do not plan to secure more than one selected resident event at a time, so we will therefore be able to provide a bespoke experience.

What is the accommodation highlight?

The highlight of the accommodation is the Royal Suite, which is situated at the finest location of the resort on the fifth floor, with unsurpassed views of the sea. Spanning more than a luxurious 600m², the Royal Suite includes a spa, gym, butler’s area and, at the heart of the space, a grand living room with its own piano. The generous terraces allow guests to enjoy the beautiful views and they are perfect for entertaining.