Dubai, 15 July 2014 - With aspirations to invigorate and inspire luxury hospitality in the region, UAE-based hospitality company Zaya Retreats has appointed its executive team for Zaya Nurai Island, the groups' flagship development due to open later this year.

Nadia Zaal, Emirati CEO and Founder of Zaya Reteats, handpicked the team of unique individuals, keen to embark on the journey to bring Zaya's vision of emotional luxury, to life. 

"We don't believe in the usual corporate roles and morals and instead think that going to work should be something that each employee looks forward to each day." Says Nadia Zaal, CEO and Founder of Zaya Retreats. "From the team morning meetings that involve a Muay Thai warm-up and the encouragement we give our staff to keep fit and healthy, down to the canvas TOMs espadrille shoes that are part of our staff uniform, everything at Zaya Nurai Island is chic yet casual, fun yet effective and quirky yet elegant. We want to break the boundaries and have fun at work."

Zaya's Director of Operations, Stephen Gee, brings a unique blend of hospitality experience to the island, and is not afraid of implementing the unusual. Knowing that satisfying every guest is sometimes a challenge, Stephen will be the driving force behind the team, making sure they think of innovation at every opportunity and interaction, knowing there is no 'one-size-fits-all' shortcut.

Wai-Kei Wong is the Executive Assistant Manager on the island. He will be responsible for everything that touches the guest; from the welcome boat trip to the resort to the minute they are leaving the island and everything in-between, making sure that the guest never regrets choosing Nurai Island as their getaway.

Adding a touch of local, homegrown and organic flare to the island is Carl Stockenstrom, who has been brought on as Executive Assistant Manager, Culinary and Food & Beverage.  With 25 years of culinary experience in five-star luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants across Europe and the Middle East, it's safe to say Carl really is passionate about what he does; he even grows his own tomatoes on his balcony in Dubai! Carl loves to express his passion and creativity through F&B and is an innovative thinker and not afraid to challenge the status quo.

Helping Nadia handpick the right team members for Zaya Nurai Island is Talent Development Manager Lauréline Bernicke from France. She will be responsible for nurturing the passion within each individual team member and making sure all of their talents are brought out to their full potential. Lauréline loves working with amazing people in a fun, energetic and creative environment on a truly inspiring project, creating magic.

Teresa Chandler is Zaya Retreats' dedicated Director of Wellbeing and will be looking after the Zayans from managing stress to implementing fun, exciting and innovative ways to motivate employees, such as starting their day with a session of Thai-Chi.   She sees the team as family members and will constantly search for unique ways to improve the health and happiness of the team.

Onboard as Director of Finance, Navin Shah is a Qualified Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of experience working with prestigious hotel companies. Inspired by life itself, Navin utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others.  He also loves to practice Yoga and will be giving Yoga lessons to the Zaya Nurai team, helping them to relax and unwind in the beautiful island surroundings. 

"Even though we are only a small team at the moment, you can see the passion and love for the resort in our team members' eyes already. There is no doubt that our Zaya Nurai Island is a stunning resort, but the main thing that will really differentiate us in the market is the people that will represent our brand." continues Nadia Zaal. "We are going to be creating a place in the market that really doesn't exist at the moment. True luxury isn't about what you can see and touch; it's how you feel about a space, pace and place. True emotional luxury is something each guest will experience at Zaya Nurai Island and something which will stay in their memories forever."

Opening in Q4 of 2014, Zaya Nurai Island is conceived out of the desire to create and nurture intimate communities. It is the definition of pure design, well-articulated beauty and thoughtful attention to detail. The ultra-low density island, which features a 32 villa ultra-luxury boutique retreat, 23 residential water villas and a range of food and beverage outlets, sets a new standard for boutique, tailored hospitality. For more information on the resort, visit the website: www.zayaretreats.com

Zaya Retreats

Worlds Apart

Going beyond beautiful holiday destinations, with aspirations to revoke and inspire luxury hospitality in the region, Zaya Retreats offer another way of looking at life and reconnecting with what really matters. Founded by Emirati entrepreneur, Nadia Zaal, this UAE based company is dedicated to offering luxury hospitality with a soul.

Zaya Retreats will be opening its flagship development Zaya Nurai Island in 2014, a haven conceived out of the desire to create and nurture intimate communities. It is the definition of pure design, well-articulated beauty and attention to detail. The ultra-low density island, which features a 32 villa ultra-luxury boutique retreat, 23 residential water villas and a range of food and beverage outlets, sets a new standard for boutique, tailored hospitality.

Zaya Nurai Island

Island of Light

Opening in Q4, 2014, Zaya Nurai Island is the flagship development of Zaya Retreats. A haven conceived out of the desire to create and nurture intimate communities, Zaya Nurai Island is the definition of pure design, well-articulated beauty and thoughtful attention to detail. The ultra-low density island, which features a 32 villa ultra-luxury boutique retreat, 23 residential water villas and a range of food and beverage outlets, sets a new standard for boutique, tailored hospitality.

The 'Nurai' concept derived from the Arabic word Nur, meaning light, was conceived by Zaya Retreats' founder Nadia Zaal, to provide a sanctuary for those looking for extra heart and soul in their luxury escape. True luxury isn't about what is seen and touched; it's about how space, pace and place inspire feelings. True emotional luxury is something each guest will experience at Zaya Nurai Island and something that will stay in their memories forever.

Zaya Nurai Island is situated along the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Just a 10-minute boat ride from Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island and a 60-minute journey from Downtown Dubai, the secluded island is conveniently accessible from all major travel ports in the UAE.

With the philosophy to serve local, authentic produce that's fresh from farm to fork, each of Nurai's dining destinations feature highly personalized service and a menu with a strong focus on authenticity, health and simplicity. Leisure facilities include a large infinity pool with sundeck, kids club, spa, gymnasium, yoga studio, tennis court, helipad and non-motorised water sports centre.

For more information please contact:
Rebecca Silver - Brand & Marketing Director
Phone: +971 4 360 0499
Email: rsilver@zaya.com

Lejla Charif - Head of PR
In2 Consulting
Phone: +971 4558499
Email: lejla@in2consulting.com

© Press Release 2014