Hong Kong – (15 August 2023) – Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, the all-suite, all-villa luxury resort in St. Vincent and The Grenadines, today announces the appointment of Hemal Jain to General Manager. Bringing more than 18 years of hospitality and executive leadership experience to the five-star Caribbean destination, Jain will oversee day-to-day hotel operations, leading the team in delivering operational excellence and innovative guest programs.
A native of India with multinational experience, Jain joins Mandarin Oriental, Canouan from Alila Villas Uluwatu and Alila Manggis, Virtuoso-affiliated properties in Bali, Indonesia, where he served as General Manager. Prior to his tenure in Bali, Jain held General Manager, Director of Sales & Marketing and Front Office Manager positions at Alila Bangalore Hotel and Residence in India and a series of operational leadership roles with Park Hyatt Hadahaa, Maldives and Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa. Prior to joining Hyatt Hotels Corporation (Alila Hotels & Resorts and Park Hyatt), he held Front Office positions with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (Mumbai and Doha) and Oberoi Hotels and Resorts in The Himalayas (Wildflower Hall) and Agra, India (Trident Agra). Throughout his tenure in the industry, Jain has been recognized for his integrity, leadership and revenue achievements, which were reflected in multiple industry awards he was honored with. He was named as one of The Hotelier Awards’ top five finalists in the “General Manager of the Year – Asia 2018” category and, most recently, was named one of the Best “Hotel General Managers in Indonesia,” by Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific 2023.
“We are very excited to welcome Hemal Jain to St. Vincent & The Grenadines,” adds Christoph Mares, Chief Operating Officer at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “Hemal has been part of the luxury hospitality industry for many years and is known for delivering impactful results for each hotel and resort in which he’s worked. His wealth of industry knowledge, his dedication to service and his leadership approach all contributed to Hemal’s selection for this position. We are looking forward to seeing his vision for the resort come to life.”
“It is an honor to join the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and work alongside some of the most respected and trustworthy professionals in luxury hospitality,” says Hemal Jain. “I am eager to contribute to the continued success of this exceptional Caribbean gem and share our local culture and conservation experiences, including our beautiful turtle sanctuary, with the world. Luxury travelers, today, are focused on regenerative travel and are looking for meaning, purpose, and community engagement. I’m excited to help bring these pillars to life on-property.”
Jain holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Hospitality Administration from the Institute of Hotel Management Lucknow (affiliated with the National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Pusa, New Delhi and Government of India). He is fluent in three languages (English, Hindu and Bengali) and has resided in five different countries.
