Following yesterday’s announcement that Hong Kong’s Asia Prestige Management (APM) have purchased Ranveli Island Resort as part of their strategy to boost their Zazz brand in the region, I spoke to Yann Gouriou, CEO of APM’s brand partner, Unicorn Hotels and Resorts.

Located in the highly desirable South Ari Atoll in the Maldives, Ranveli Island Resort is to be renovated and relaunched as the very first Zazz Island Resort, with a scheduled opening posited for Q2 in 2019.

“We see the resort as being very millennial-focused, so you can remain in touch with your career”

Yann Gouriou, CEO of Unicorn Hotels and Resorts

Discussing the importance of the location of the island, Yann (below) speaks with open enthusiasm about its merits, “we picked the island because not only was it available, but it also conformed to our idea of  developing a current site, instead of building a new one from scratch. And, another prime consideration it that is only 35 minutes flight from Male, making it a perfect place for quick getaway.

“We see the Zazz Island Resort as being very millennial-focused, so when you are here you can remain in touch with your work/career back home, while still getting the benefits of relaxing on a tropical island. Food and dining is also a big part of the Zazz lifestyle philosophy, and Zazz Island Resort will be no different; presenting great, high quality food without the fuss that can come with fine dining”.

Expanding on the subject Yann said, “Also, as the South Ari Atoll is close to Mamigili, where guests will have the opportunity to see whale sharks throughout the year – which is very special’.

Other projects under the management of APM include Zazz Urban Bangkok, Zazz Urban Ho Chi Minh and Treasure Oasis Hotel Siam Reap. But, there are no immediate plans yet for another Zazz Island.

“It is essential, because this our first full island concept, that we get everything right and make sure that this Zazz Island Maldives is perfected before we start thinking about the next one.  Saying that, though, there will be more in the future. Aside from the Zazz projects Unicorn Hotels & Resort is also working on projects in Chiang Mai, Yangon, Kunming and Pattaya which will be coming online toward the end of 2018 and early 2019.” He concluded.

Unicorn Hotels & Resorts is a hospitality management company based in Bangkok, specializing in full hotel management, as well as offering a full range of management, operational, technical and development consulting services for hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs and beyond.

Click here for more information on Zazz Hotels and Resorts, and here for my interview with Yann about TravelKoin an innovative new concept for bringing block chain technology to the travel industry.