Abu Dhabi: An internationally versed General Manager Jean-Paul Dantil has taken the helm of one of the world’s most iconic resorts: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

With more than 30 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry from General Manager and Managing Director roles, through to leading his own business, Jean-Paul Dantil brings a wealth of knowledge of commercial, operational and brand knowledge to the award-winning resort, leading its 350+ strong team.

After his start in Front Office management at hotels and resorts in Micronesia and Turks & Caicos, Jean-Paul became a Managing Partner at Chris Garrod Partnership, one of the world’s leading hotel procurement companies.

From 2011, he applied his expertise to managing world-class hotels, including Ritz Carltons in Vienna and Bahrain, and a cluster of Almanac Hotels across Europe

As opening General Manager of the Kimpton St. Honore in Paris, Jean-Paul was responsible for establishing the flagship of the brand in 2020, including recruiting an entire team and operating the 149-room-and-suite luxury hotel with its restaurant, rooftop bar, spa, and meeting rooms.

His most recent role, prior to moving to Abu Dhabi was as Interim General Manager at Six Senses Ibiza from 2021, where the guided the hotel through closing and re-opening for the 2022 season. 

Now he steps in to lead the team at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort with a goal to maintain and grow the destination’s world-renowned customer service by motivating its first-class team with passion and innovation.

Since starting his role, Jean-Paul has already brokered several new initiatives and partnerships with local partners such as the 3Fils pop-up in The Royal Pavilion, a partnership with UK based artist Nat Bowen, and a new takeover of the resort retail space: Souk Secrets; with many more to be announced in the coming months.