Banyan Tree Dubai welcomes Paul Stuart Sykes Riquelme as inaugural general manager

Monday, March 4, 2024

Banyan Tree Dubai, the newly opened luxury resort on Bluewaters Island, has marked a significant milestone by appointing Paul Stuart Sykes Riquelme as its first General Manager. This strategic move comes after the resort’s grand opening in December 2023, setting the stage for its ambitious journey in the hospitality sector.

A Seasoned Professional in Luxury Hospitality

Sykes Riquelme brings to Banyan Tree Dubai a wealth of experience garnered over more than a decade of working with luxury hotels across the globe, including stints in Mexico, Morocco, and the UAE. His journey with the Banyan Tree Group began in 2015 as an F&B manager at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, showcasing his ability to lead and innovate within the luxury hotel industry. His leadership at Mayakoba led to the resort receiving prestigious recognitions such as the Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Award for both the hotel and the spa, along with Expedia’s Customer Excellence award.

Born into a family deeply rooted in the culinary and wine sectors, Sykes Riquelme was introduced to the hospitality world from an early age. His academic background includes degrees in tourism and travel services management and in international tourism management. A polyglot, he fluently speaks Spanish, English, and Italian, enhancing his ability to connect with a diverse clientele.

Vision for Banyan Tree Dubai

At the helm of Banyan Tree Dubai, Sykes Riquelme is set to leverage his rich background and innovative approach to position the resort as a leading destination within Dubai’s competitive hospitality landscape. His commitment to utilizing data-driven technologies aims to offer personalized guest experiences, while his focus on sustainability aligns with collaborations with local artisans, designers, and suppliers.

The resort, which replaced Caesars Palace Dubai, boasts 179 rooms, including 30 suites and a private-entrance four-bedroom villa. With wellness as a cornerstone, the property features the signature Banyan Tree Spa, resonating with Sykes Riquelme’s passion for wellbeing and holistic experiences. “I look forward to curating unforgettable experiences for our guests, ensuring their stay is truly remarkable and distinguishes Banyan Tree Dubai as a unique sanctuary within the bustling city,” he stated, reflecting his vision for the resort’s future.

« Back to Page