Exclusive Interview | Fabien Chesnais, GM, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island
/“At Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, we strive to create a seamless fusion of luxury and culture, offering guests an immersive experience that celebrates the rich traditions of Ras Al Khaimah.”
What unique opportunities and challenges do you see in catering to the evolving preferences of Indian travellers at Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island?
At Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, we are focused on catering to the evolving preferences of Indian travellers, who are increasingly seeking short-haul getaways and unique experiences. With the rising trend of destination weddings and milestone celebrations among Indian travellers, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island aims to showcase itself as an ideal venue for both lavish and intimate weddings. As family vacations with recreational activities gain popularity, we are fully dedicated towards providing immersive experiences for all age groups with dining, relaxing spas, water sports, recreational, mini-golf and beach activities.
How does Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island plan to expand its appeal in the Indian market in 2025, especially in the FIT, MICE, and wedding segments?
In 2025, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island intends to expand its appeal in the Indian market by providing bespoke, immersive travel experiences geared to the FIT, MICE and wedding segments.
For FIT tourists, we will showcase Ras Al Khaimah’s natural beauty, heritage sites and unique experiences combining it with luxury, wellness and themed packages targeting multi-generational families.
Our property is steadily becoming a preferred choice for Indian weddings and milestone celebrations. With an eye for detail, on-ground support and stunning multi-functional venues, we are able to capture the imagination of Indian couples and families.
Responsible luxury is important. How is the resort leading the way in sustainable practices while maintaining a premium guest experience?
Eco-consciousness drives the resort’s operations, with achievements like eliminating single-use Eco-consciousness is at the heart of Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island’s operations, with significant achievements such as eliminating single-use plastics, saving over 1.1 million gallons of water monthly and installing UV water purification systems. Our commitment to sustainability was proudly recognized with the Coral Travel Starway World Best Hotels 2023 Environment-Friendly Hotel award.
Looking ahead, we are dedicated to expanding our luxury offerings while integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance guest experiences, particularly in wellness and dining. Sustainable practices remain a priority, including sourcing fresh ingredients from local producers like Dibba Oyster Farm.
Additionally, our Resort Chef’s Garden plays a vital role in supporting our culinary sustainability efforts, producing fresh vegetables and herbs for at least six months of the year. Through these initiatives, we continue to elevate the guest experience while preserving the beauty of our island environment.
What initiatives are being undertaken to enhance the guest experience at the resort in 2025, and how do they reflect your leadership philosophy?
This year, the resort is set to roll out a range of ambitious initiatives, from facility enhancements to innovative guest experiences and an exciting event lineup. The resort is also set to enhance its renowned Family Experience Program, offering curated pre-arrival services, personalized kids’ amenities and a dedicated family concierge to ensure every family member has a memorable stay.
What strategies have been pivotal in driving the rising popularity of the resort among diverse demographics?
Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island has successfully attracted a diverse spectrum of guests by offering bespoke experiences tailored to all demographics. For families, the resort provides kid-friendly amenities and activities, including the Starfish Kids Adventure Club, Xscape Arcade Room, and Xscape Teen Zone. Families can also enjoy exciting experiences at Ras Al Khaimah’s largest overwater floating park, Wibit, as well as dedicated family-friendly spaces and activities designed for all ages.
For couples, the resort offers romantic beachfront chalets with private pools, intimate floating breakfasts on request and exclusive romantic brunches at Ula. Couples can also indulge in luxurious spa packages, perfect for a relaxing retreat. Adding to the exclusivity, Ula is a secluded adults-only getaway within the resort, offering a serene beach club pool and an outdoor bar reserved exclusively for adults, ensuring a tranquil and sophisticated experience. Whether for families, couples, or solo travelers, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island continues to create unforgettable moments tailored to every guest’s desire.
With your extensive expertise in pre-opening management, what were the key factors that contributed to the successful launch and positioning of Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island?
In the last couple of years, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island has received accolades from guests as well as multiple international and regional awards. This includes recognition as the Best Family-Friendly Resort in Northern Emirates, the World Luxury Awards, BBC Good Food Awards, Haute Grandue Awards, Arabian Travel Awards, Fact Dining Awarrds and What’s On Awards in 2024. The resort also marked significant revenue growth and achieved record-breaking occupancy rates, cementing its place as a favourite staycation destination.
We also added several amenities and experiences like Mini Golf Course, the first of its kind on Marjan Island, the Beachfront Corner Suite overlooking the beach and pool with uninterrupted sea views.
How do you plan to integrate cultural elements and local experiences into the guest journey at the resort?
At Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, we strive to create a seamless fusion of luxury and culture, offering guests an immersive experience that celebrates the rich traditions of Ras Al Khaimah. From authentic Emirati cuisine and architectural elements to curated cultural activities, we ensure that every guest has the opportunity to engage with the true essence of the UAE.
One of our signature events, the Sun and Sand Festival, brings together a diverse lineup of musical genres, creating a vibrant celebration of music and culture that resonates with guests from around the world.
In addition, during the UAE National Day weekend, we enhance the guest experience by introducing an authentic Emirati cultural corner, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Culture. This pop-up experience features a traditional Majlis setup adorned with Emirati ornaments and historical crafts, allowing guests to step into the region’s rich heritage.
Some of the key cultural highlights include live demonstrations of traditional rope-making from date palm trees, Talli embroidery workshops showcasing the intricate Emirati craft, Henna artistry for all ages, Al Ayala dance performances captivating display of traditional Emirati heritage, and a mesmerising performance by the UAE Police Band.
To further enrich the cultural experience, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island also offers excursions for guests to explore Ras Al Khaimah’s iconic landmarks and historical sites. Guests can embark on guided visits to the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah Fort, Suwaidi Pearl farm and other cultural attractions, immersing themselves in the region’s fascinating history and traditions.
Through these experiences, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island continues to honor and showcase the spirit of Emirati tradition, creating unforgettable moments for our guests.
Given your multilingual proficiency, how do you leverage communication skills to foster team development and enhance multicultural guest interactions?
In hospitality sector, which is globally connected, linguistic versatility is a must. Fluency in three different spoken languages ensures that international guests feel understood, welcomed and valued. Whether assisting French-speaking travellers, engaging with English-speaking corporate clients, or conversing with Arabic-speaking regional guests, it enhances their stay and strengthens brand loyalty.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island’s role in elevating Ras Al Khaimah as a premier global destination?
We are working on creating an integrated, high-value proposition that not only offers world-class hospitality but also delivers transformative experiences for guests. As a key player in the region’s tourism growth, we see the resort as a catalyst for Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector by positioning it as a luxury destination with an authentic cultural touch and integrating elements that cements Rak as the Nature Emirate.
The focus on bespoke experiences, including curated wellness programs, exclusive beach access and immersive cultural engagements, allows us to cater to the growing demand for experiential travel.
