Nestled on the pristine white sands of Chaweng Noi Beach, Vana Belle, Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui offers a tranquil sanctuary amidst lush tropical gardens and the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand. After a period of recovery, the resort has emerged stronger, embracing a renewed commitment to providing an unparalleled guest experience.

With a seamless blend of traditional Thai charm and modern luxury, Vana Belle Koh Samui invites travellers to rediscover the art of relaxation. From elegantly appointed villas boasting private pools and stunning sea views to world-class dining experiences that tantalize the senses, every aspect of the resort has been meticulously designed to create moments of pure indulgence.

Travel Daily Media asked Francois Poletti about the opportunities and challenges he encountered as a Cluster GM for Vana Belle, Luxury Collection Resort, and Sheraton Samui Resort.

Travel Daily Media (TD): What are the key challenges and key achievements since you became the GM of the hotel?

Francois Poletti (FP): I thrive on challenges; they are an integral part of my daily work that keeps me motivated from the moment I wake up until late at night.
On a more serious note, I must admit that one of the most demanding aspects of my role as a General Manager has been re-establishing connections with our guests after the challenging period of COVID. It has required absorbing and adapting to the new behaviors exhibited by our guests, as the industry has undeniably changed in the wake of the pandemic. Observing how areas of focus have shifted and witnessing the evolution of booking behaviors has been an incredibly fascinating journey.

At Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, we recognized the significance of service quality and property maintenance following the impact of COVID-19. To win back our guests’ hearts, we undertook substantial efforts very early to reorganize and retrain our teams promptly. Our top priority was ensuring the property’s impeccable condition to warmly welcome our guests.

As a result of our successful strategy, we achieved the remarkable milestone of becoming the #1 choice on TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice for Koh Samui and even the entire Thailand around mid-2022. Since then, we have maintained this esteemed position, thanks to our continuous pursuit of excellence and the unwavering dedication of our team in crafting unforgettable experiences for our valued guests.

“The genuine care and relentless dedication of our team play a pivotal role in ensuring our guests’ utmost satisfaction and comfort throughout their entire stay.”

TD: What are the USPs of the hotel? How has the hotel positioned itself in a saturated market like Thailand?

FP: Vana Belle, Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui stands out in numerous aspects. Firstly, its location is incredibly central on the island, offering convenience and accessibility to guests. The resort boasts a pristine white sand beach that is well-preserved, providing a tranquil oasis for relaxation. The layout of the resort is truly remarkable, with private Pool suites and villas nestled amidst a lush jungle-style garden, providing a sense of serenity and offering breathtaking views of the sea. These accommodations ensure a high level of privacy for our guests, creating a truly immersive and exclusive experience.

What distinguishes Vana Belle is its exceptional team, fully dedicated to ensuring our guests’ tranquility and creating cherished memories for each individual. Our resort’s manageable size allows us to personalize and tailor each guest’s experience, ensuring they feel entirely at home, even when away from home.

The genuine care and relentless dedication of our team play a pivotal role in ensuring our guests’ utmost satisfaction and comfort throughout their entire stay.

While we are committed to providing a home-away-from-home experience, we also offer abundant opportunities for our guests to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle and culture through our unforgettable “Epicurian moments.”

At Vana Belle, A Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui, we believe that every destination has a multitude of stories to tell, each intertwined with indigenous experiences that make each place truly unique. We offer several enriching experiences that exemplify the essence of our locale. Our guests can spend their afternoons exploring street markets with our chefs to savor local fruits and products, take botanic tours with our green team on the property, engage with the Koh Samui fisherman community, relish the freshest catches of the day from the beach, experience a day as a Muay Thai boxer with private training, savor healthy meals, relax their muscles, and attend an authentic Muay Thai gala night to cheer on their favorite fighters.

Our guests are adventurous and eager to discover the authenticity of the places they visit. They seek real experiences and meaningful memories to take back home. Our unwavering focus every day is to make these experiences possible and exceptional.

TD: Could you tell us about some new initiatives that the hotel has recently unveiled?

FP: As a committed member of the local community, we strongly believe in acting ethically towards minimizing our impact on the environment. Therefore, a significant portion of our initiatives are focused on sustainability.

At our property, we have already implemented several measures to support environmental preservation. For instance, we have achieved a 100% food waste recycling rate, ensuring that no organic waste goes to waste. Similarly, our water usage is fully reused and recycled, contributing to responsible water management. We have also taken steps to conserve electricity through the implementation of energy-saving measures such as the utilization of LED lighting and solar panels.

To further enhance our sustainability efforts, we have eliminated the use of plastic bottles, straws, and amenities in our rooms. However, our commitment does not stop there. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries and making a greater impact. In line with this, we are excited to introduce a new project within the resort called “Vani su Vana.” This project aims to establish a recycling center on the premises, where the limited amount of plastic used within the resort will be cleaned, shredded, and transformed into new objects or souvenirs for our esteemed guests. “Vani su Vana” will not only be a participatory initiative, but also an educational one, as we aim to inspire and educate others about the importance of a cleaner planet.

Through these initiatives and the “Vani su Vana” project, we are proud to actively contribute to a more sustainable future while exemplifying our commitment to environmental responsibility.

TD: What are the hospitality trends you are seeing now that travel and tourism is back on and how do you capitalize on them?

FP: In my own view, with travel and tourism bouncing back, it’s important for us as hoteliers to take note of and capitalize on key hospitality trends such as:

Health and Safety Focus: In light of COVID-19, health and safety are paramount. Implement comprehensive cleanliness protocols, offer contactless services, and communicate safety measures to build guest confidence. Marriott properties have implemented global cleanliness processes to ensure the safest and cleanest rooms.

Contactless Technology: Minimize physical contact by adopting mobile check-ins, digital key access, and contactless payment options. Marriott International is actively working towards achieving 100% keyless rooms and encourages online check-ins via the Marriott Bonvoy application.

Sustainability and Green Initiatives: Embrace eco-consciousness by adopting energy-efficient systems, waste reduction strategies, and locally sourced products. Marriott places great importance on sustainability initiatives as explained earlier.

Workation and Bleisure: Cater to the growing trend of “workations” and “bleisure” trips by providing enhanced business amenities, high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable workspaces, and recreational activities.

Local Experiences: Curate authentic local experiences by collaborating with local businesses, recommending off-the-beaten-path attractions, and showcasing the destination’s culture and heritage.

Wellness and Well-being: Prioritize guest well-being by incorporating spa facilities, fitness centers, yoga classes, healthy dining options, and wellness programs.

Social Media and Influencer Marketing: Leverage the power of social media by actively engaging with guests, collaborating with influencers, and utilizing online marketing tools to expand reach.

To capitalize on these trends, we had to adapt operations, invest in technology, train our associates on guest engagement, and stay attuned to evolving guest preferences. By embracing these trends and delivering exceptional guest experiences, we believe we can position ourselves as innovative and attractive choices in the competitive hospitality landscape.

TD: What is your personal goal for the hotel for the next 6 months? How will you get there?

FP: I have multiple goals, but my top priorities revolve around the well-being and growth of our associates. It is crucial to provide them with a proper, safe, healthy, and enjoyable work environment. Additionally, I will focus on their development and personal growth, recognizing their importance in ensuring guest satisfaction, maintaining the reputation of our properties, and showcasing Thailand as a leading tourist destination. Our team members deserve utmost care and attention.

Furthermore, we are dedicated to continuing our sustainable initiatives. It is not only important to actively participate in global efforts, but also to take a leadership role in educating future generations about the significance of prioritizing the protection of our planet. By doing so, we can make a positive impact and inspire others to join our cause.

These goals reflect my commitment to our associates’ well-being, professional growth, and the environment. By providing a supportive work environment and actively engaging in sustainability efforts, we can contribute to the success of our business, enhance guest experiences, and contribute to a better world for everyone.