His story is not just about managing hotels; it’s about embracing the unknown, building authentic connections with local culture and communities, and inspiring teams to deliver excellence in places where few dare to venture. Recently recognized as General Manager of the Year in 2024, Jean-Paul’s approach to hospitality leadership blends clarity, trust, and empowerment, resulting in unforgettable guest experiences and strong, accountable teams.
In this exclusive interview,he shares his motivations, insights, and the singular magic of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara; a hidden jewel set within the vast, awe-inspiring Empty Quarter, where luxury meets the raw beauty of one of the world’s largest sand deserts.
Jean-Paul, your career has been both rich and international, marked by the opening of iconic hotels and senior leadership roles across the globe. What has motivated and inspired you throughout this journey around the world?
What’s driven me from the beginning is curiosity and the desire to create exceptional experiences. I’ve never been one to stand still or play it safe, I’m motivated by the challenge of taking something from concept to reality, especially in places where others might hesitate. Opening iconic hotels in unfamiliar markets, building teams from the ground up, navigating different cultures — that’s where I thrive.
I’m inspired by people and by the energy that comes from building something meaningful with them. Whether it’s a resort in the middle of the desert or a city hotel in Europe, my goal has always been the same: create something that leaves a mark, both on the guest and on the team. This industry isn’t about routine; it’s about evolution, and I’ve always been drawn to what’s next.
You’ve often taken the lead on hotel openings – in Paris, Vienna, Berlin, Palma, and Ibiza. What draws you to this type of challenge, and how do you approach each new project with a renewed sense of vision?
I’m drawn to openings because they’re raw, real, and unforgiving. You’re not just stepping into a role; you’re creating something from zero. No legacy systems, no "we’ve always done it this way" mentality. Just a blank canvas.
Each project is different, but my approach is consistent: I start by understanding the location — not just the market, the local community and the soul of the place. Then I build the brand around that, making sure it’s authentic, relevant, and commercially sharp. The team is very important.
Vision doesn’t come from a template; it comes from clarity. Who’s our guest? What do they care about? What will make this hotel stand out in a sea of sameness? Once I have those answers, everything else — design, service culture, partnerships — falls into place.
Openings are tough, you either deliver, or you don’t. And that pressure is something I’ve always welcomed.
In 2024, you were named General Manager of the Year. What did this recognition mean to you on a personal level? And what did it highlight about your leadership style?
Recognition like that is always appreciated but to be honest, it’s not what drives me. What mattered more was what it represented: the acknowledgment of a team that delivered under pressure, in a remote and demanding environment.
On a personal level, it reinforced something I’ve always believed: leadership is about clarity, trust, and consistency. I don’t micromanage, I don’t sugar-coat, and I don’t ask people to do things I wouldn’t do myself. I build teams that are sharp, accountable, and empowered to take ownership.
The award was about what we built together, and how we pushed beyond what was expected. That’s the part that matters.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is nestled in the heart of the Rub’ al Khali, one of the world’s most vast and awe-inspiring deserts. What creates the magic and uniqueness of such a mythical place?
The magic of Qasr Al Sarab is that it doesn’t try to compete with its surroundings — it surrenders to them. You’re not escaping into a resort; you’re stepping into a landscape that’s raw, ancient, and absolutely humbling. The Rub’ al Khali has a silence that hits differently; it forces you to slow down, to feel small in the best possible way.
What makes it unique is the contrast and its unexpected beauty. You’re deep in the desert, hours from anywhere, yet surrounded by understated luxury, incredible service, and a team that knows how to deliver without breaking the stillness of the place. There’s a sense of authenticity here; it’s not manufactured. It’s elemental, and it stays with people long after they leave. That’s what makes it powerful.
Working in the heart of the desert may seem unusual. What makes this professional experience so singular, and how can it impact the career of a luxury hospitality professional?
Operating in the middle of the desert strips hospitality back to its essence. There’s no safety net. No passing traffic. You earn every guest, every repeat stay, every word-of-mouth referral. That forces a different level of precision, creativity, and resilience.
From a career standpoint, it changes you. You learn to think beyond the playbook how to lead when resources are limited, how to motivate a team when the environment is extreme, how to maintain luxury standards when everything has to be planned, delivered, and executed with zero margin for error.
It’s not for everyone, but for those who thrive in it, it sharpens your edge. You leave stronger, more focused, and with a deeper understanding of what true hospitality means when there’s nothing to hide behind.
If a young talent or seasoned professional were hesitating to embark on an experience like the one at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara... What message would you like to share with them?
If you’re looking for comfort, routine, or an easy ride — this isn’t it. But if you want to stretch yourself, grow fast, and prove what you’re really made of, there’s no better place.
Qasr Al Sarab will challenge everything you think you know about luxury hospitality. It’ll push you mentally, operationally, even emotionally. But in return, it’ll give you perspective, purpose, and a level of professional maturity you won’t find in city hotels or easy markets. You will also learn a lot about the culture and way of life of this amazing country, the UAE.
The desert has a way of stripping away the noise and showing you exactly who you are. And if you’re ready for that, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your career.
And to close on a more personal note… If you were:
- A natural material: Stone — grounded, enduring, and shaped by time
- A natural landscape: A high alpine ridge — remote, sharp, with perspective in every direction.
- A timeless luxury object: A mechanical watch — understated precision, purpose-built, nothing wasted.
- A moment of the day: Early morning — before the noise, when clarity hits and the day is yours to define!
