Velaa Private Island welcomes new General Manager, Mr. Michal Smejc, at an exclusive event in Dubai for ATM 2017 | The Capital Club DIFC
Ultra-exclusive Maldivian Resort, Velaa Private Island, this week hosted an event in Dubai attended by a number of VIP guests and leading travel professionals, to introduce the resort’s new General Manager, Mr Michal Smejc. The guests were charmed with live entertainment as well as delicious canapés and signature beverages prepared by the resort’s very own Executive Chef, Gaushan de Silva, former chef for the Jordanian royal family, who was flown in directly from the island. The high-profile reception was also attended by President of Troon Worldwide, Mark Chapleski, as well as President of Clarins Group Middle East, Osama Rinno, and took place at The Capital Club, Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), the region’s premier private member’s club, a fitting location for Velaa Private Island’s exclusive Arabian Travel Market 2017 event.
Having spent the past six years in South East Asia, and being the younger brother of the property’s owner, Jiri Smejc, Michal has all the premises to take over the lead of this ultra-luxury resort in the Maldives. As a family member, Michal has spent countless days at Velaa Private Island from the very beginning, witnessing the origins of this unique resort as a construction site to conversion into what is today known as one of the top private islands in the world. His culinary passion, knowledge of luxury travel as well as love for nature, diving and the South Asian culture were essential decision factors when the General Manager role became available earlier this Spring.
“It was love at first sight” says Smejc, “and ever since my first visit to Velaa Private Island, I entertained the idea of becoming part of this extraordinary project. The resort symbolizes passion and love for the Maldives and offers the very best and most authentic from the region, combined with ultimate privacy and countless possibilities for recreation. As a culinary aficionado, I particularly enjoy the unparalleled gourmet experience our talented team offers under the leadership of our star Chef, Gaushan de Silva. My goal is to ensure that Velaa Private Island maintains its place as one of the top five island resorts in the world, and the countless accolades that Velaa secured over the past year prove this potential.”
Coming from a background of finance, the 38-year old Czech National graduated from the Faculty of Economics in Pilsen, and his career experienced a falcon-like rise in the financial industry, catapulting Michal from a Financial Analyst at PPF Group, to Asset Management at Generali, and onto his final destination at Home Credit, an international non-bank financial institution, where he started to travel frequently to Asia from which his love of the region and local culture grew.
From 1st May 2017, Michal Smejc will assume the position of General Manager of Velaa Private Island where he will be responsible for overall resort operation and strategic leadership of the onsite and international team. Due to his extensive experience in sales and marketing gained during his time at Home Credit, Michal will also oversee PR & marketing strategies. His main focus will be on enhancing the Velaa Private Island experience and bringing its services and facilities to the ultimate level, maintaining its highly-rated guest satisfaction and implementing new marketing strategies. Michal will also be responsible for reaching and achieving overall capital and operational budget goals.
Smejc will succeed Igor Dolezel, who has passionately led the property since June, 2014. During these three years under Dolezel’s dedicated leadership, Velaa Private Island is now positioned amongst the top 10 resorts in the world, has won multiple Spa, design and culinary awards and has been continuously voted amongst the top three resorts on Trip Advisor.
Velaa Private Island is a tropical paradise destination for both couples and families, offering the luxury Gulf traveler a very private and relaxing holiday at this boutique island hideaway. The resort offers an exceptional range of watersports and island-based activities to keep both adults and children of all ages entertained. Created out of a passion for the Maldives, the Owner Czech Businessman Jiri Smejc and his wife Radka have overseen every last detail, working closely alongside award-winning Czech Architect Petr Kolar. From the exquisite interiors of the Villas and Private Residences, to the Lha Velaa (Little Turtle) Kids Club co-designed by their 7 year old daughter, featuring the largest waterpark in the Maldives, to the Owner’s love of sports where the island boasts a pristine 9 hole Golf Academy by two-time Masters Champion, José María Olazábal, shaded Tennis Court, Squash and Climbing Wall, as well as every high-tech watersport, including a submarine for exploring the teeming marine life.
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