The general manager of Evason Ma’In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa, Manish Puri, reflects on the resort’s first six months of operation and outlines his target to increase guests’ length of stay in the future
For Manish Puri, the opportunity to join Six Senses and embark on his first general manager role opening the Evason Ma’In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa in Jordan was one that was far too good to turn down.
“I love the company philosophy and the values it has. I’ve been here a year now and I just love it,” says Puri.
Prior to launching the resort, which is located an hour’s drive outside of Amman in a valley 275 metres below sea level, Puri was responsible for overseeing the refurbishment of the 20-year-old property, previously locally managed following contracts with Accor and Golden Tulip.
“Guests come in and say this is a total 100% transformation. It’s not just the interiors but the feel of it; we just rounded the edges, made it more localised, and ‘Six Sensitised” it.”
The property is located as in the valley of the Dead Sea, with the age-old Ma’In hot springs providing a natural, dramatic backdrop, but Puri is keen to point out that the resort is not part of the Dead Sea hotels portfolio, but set aside in a remote location enabling guests to “see Jordan through the eyes of Evason Ma’In”. The location is perfect for families, says Puri, with trekking, visits to Petra, or hikes with geologists organised by the hotel.
Business to date
The priority in terms of sales and marketing initially was to educate agents worldwide about Jordan as a destination and invite local travel agents to experience Six Senses.
“Now our main target is Europe. In February, March and April we were new in the market, but got lots of enquiries from the website. Now we have a lot of enquiries from Europe and emerging markets, which are India and China. After Ramadan, we are looking very good,” says Puri.
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“We are looking at an average rate in September of US $200—$220, which I think is quite comfortable looking at the situation and the competition, at least for the first year.
“From Eid onwards, we are targeting about 50-60% occupancy, and average occupancy of around 40-50% throughout the year, including the low periods of winter,” says Puri, adding that during August it was 25-30% during the week and 45-50% at weekends.
To date, the average length of stay has been two days, but Puri says he wants to take this up to three or three-and-a-half. “That’s really my target — to exceed the number of days a guest stays with us so he really experiences everything,” he asserts.
ABOUT MANISH PURI
Evason Ma’In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa GM Manish Puri has 15 years’ experience in the hospitality industry.
Prior to joining Six Senses, Manish Puri worked for Taj Group of Hotels in Chennai, India, as executive assistant manager (EAM) and his achievements included renovation of rooms, front of house areas and opening a new restaurant.
Previous roles in India included EAM food and beverage in the boutique and exclusive Imperial New Delhi, F&B manager at Leela Palace Kempinski Bangalore and a role on the pre-opening team for Grand Hyatt Mumbai.
Puri started his career with Oberoi Hotels in India where he managed bars, butler services, room service and all-day-dining in its flagship property in Mumbai. He then took up his first Middle East role as private dining manager at the Burj Al Arab, where he set up top-notch dining in suites for the hotel’s most revered guests.
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