e-Travel Blackboard: When and why did you join the industry?

Michael: When I was younger, I wanted to be an architect. Whilst I was studying, I had the opportunity to travel with my family and it was during this time, that I became curious to learn how hotels work and operate. It was then, that I considered what it must be like to run a hotel. From that moment on, my dream evolved to become a hotel designer. I liked the idea of conceiving a design, constructing it and then eventually, managing it as an operating property. From that day on, I decided to study Hotel Management and I still dream that one day I will be able to create my own project.

e-Travel Blackboard: What do you like most about your job?

Michael: Every day I wake up and I don’t know what the day will bring.  Amari Vogue Krabi is set on an exquisite stretch of 1.1 km beach and the early morning view, before guests surface is one I will never tire of. I love to meet new guests, hear about their travel experiences and their holiday plans. The most rewarding part of my job is surprising our guests with our service-minded approach and learning afterwards, how much they enjoy their stay. 

e-Travel Blackboard: What’s one of the biggest achievements of your career so far?

Michael: Achieving the 2012 Travellers Choice Award from Tripadvisor for Amari Vogue Krabi and becoming one of the top rated resorts in Thailand. This is thanks to the hard work of my team.

e-Travel Blackboard: What’s the best advice ever given to you and who gave it?

Michael: I follow the slogan of Hans C. Leu, a legendary Swiss hotelier: “Instead of the typical luxury hotels I wanted to create a place that invites guests to linger, and create an atmosphere as familiar as a friend’s home.”

e-Travel Blackboard: Who do you admire and see as a role model in the travel industry?

Michael: Hans C. Leu, legendary Swiss hotelier. I had the pleasure to work under him during my studies at the famous Albergo Giardino in Switzerland.

e-Travel Blackboard: What destinations are on your travel bucket list?

Michael: Of course there is still a lot to discover in Thailand and I explore these nearby places whenever I have the opportunity. Further afield, I am also keen to visit Nepal, Bali and Fiji.

e-Travel Blackboard: What’s a memorable travel experience you’ve had (good or bad)?

Michael: Spending 10 days at a small boutique resort in the Maldives without mobile phone, internet and TV. Just surrounded by beautiful turquoise and clear water.

e-Travel Blackboard: What are three things you always take with you when travelling?

Michael: My wife, my son and my passport.

e-Travel Blackboard: Name someone famous you’d like to travel with and a destination you’d like to go with them.  

Michael: I would love to travel to James Bond Island with Roger Moore like in the Film “The man with the golden Gun” … which was filmed just off the beach from Amari Vogue Krabi.