PHUKET HOSPITALITY Top 5 Movers and Shakers

Posted: 07 Jan 2010 | 6:00 am

While Phuket is the birthplace of the modern Asian pool villa resort ala Amanpuri and Banyan Tree, all the hardware in the world doesn't make a difference unless there are some brave souls who take risk, influence trends and remain passionate about hospitality. Five of these who stand above crowd are -

1.OLIVIER GIBAUD

Innovative and creative, Twinpalms quickly became the envy of many a 5 star chain managed hotel here. Back of the now iconic Sunday brunches, Catch Beach Club and now the buzz on the island wide chain of high end BAKE outlets opening soon Olivier continues to hit home runs.

2.VORASIT "WAN" ISSARA

Swiss hotel graduate who showed the trendy hi-so crowd in Bangkok that Phuket could be such a cool place. Back of Sri Panwa and the chill Baba Dining Lounge even high profile celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay could only sing the islands praises.

3.ALLAN ZEMAN

Back of his own unique brand name and transplanting the rich and famous from Hong Kong to this Andaman gem, Allan Zeman effectively raised the bar for the coming decade. With his Plaza Surin, Andara Villas, SILK restaurant and just opened luxury hotel there seems to be little rest for this driven overachiever.

4.WOLFGANG MEUSBURGER

The longest serving General Manger of an international property, Holiday Inn Patong. Along with numerous accolades within the top IHG hotel group and raves from repeat visitors; Wolfgang is a strong supporter of tourism on the island.

5.SEAN POWER

Owner and personality of one of Phuket's best dining and drinking outlets Supper Club, Sean has created an atmosphere where the rich and famous broker high end transactions and close deals. He has seen it all on a nightly basis and continues with a sharp wit and quality operation to continue to bring a constant stream of new ideas which make his restaurant a 'scene to be seen.'

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