Hyatt appoints GMs for Red Sea hotels...

Juan Paolo Alfonso and Jean-Francois Durand to helm Grand Hyatt and Mirval resorts

Hyatt has appointed two General Managers for its Red Sea hotels in Saudi Arabia, which are set to open in 2025.

Juan Paolo Alfonso is the new General Manager of Miraval The Red Sea, a luxury wellness resort that will mark the international launch of the Miraval brand outside the US.

The resort will have 180 rooms, suites, and luxury villas and the island’s largest spa along with fitness and wellness facilities.

Alfonso is an accomplished leader, who is tasked with bringing Miraval’s life in balance ethos to the country. He started his hospitality career in 2003, and progressed his way across various departments, including Front Office and Housekeeping, before advancing to leadership positions.

His career spans iconic resorts in multiple destinations, including the US, Caribbean, Costa Rica, Indonesia and Oman. Alfonso has a track record of leading award-winning properties, most recently serving as General Manager of Alila Hinu Bay in Salalah, Oman.

Jean-Francois Durand will helm the Grand Hyatt The Red Sea, a luxury property with 430 rooms, and the largest of 11 hotels to open on the island, occupying a prime position within the innovative tourist destination.

Jean-Francois Durand

Durand is an experienced leader with more than 30 years of experience with Hyatt. He has held various positions across several regions, garnering numerous awards and recognitions, particularly for his expertise in opening hotels and resorts.

He brings a wealth of expertise to Saudi, spanning sustainability, career development, creative food and beverage concept development, and guest experiences’ initiatives.

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