This week LATTE chats with the General Manager in charge of newly opened The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Brendan Corcoran.
Corcoran’s industry experience spans over 20 years in a variety of leadership positions. After completing his studies at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Ireland and Harvard Business School, USA, Brendan embarked on his professional journey at the Hilton Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. From there, his passion for embracing new opportunities and experiences saw him excel in positions with some of the world’s leading hospitality brands, including Marriott International, InterContinental Hotels Group and Per Aquum Hotels and Resorts. Prior to his appointment at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, his role as General Manager at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Baa Atoll Maldives saw him successfully oversee the refurbishment and reconstruction of the property and gather meaningful insights and knowledge of the region.
Brendan, you’ve been in the hotel business since 1997, working around the globe in cities including Munich, Johannesburg, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur before finding your footing in the Maldives 10 years ago. What is the appeal of the hotel industry for you?
I have a great passion for travel and adventure, and the hotel industry has allowed me to indulge this. I have had the privilege to live and work in over 10 different countries and been enveloped by a variety of cultures and life experiences. This, for me, is the great attraction.
Your time in the Maldives since 2008 has seen you working with luxury hotel groups including PER AQUUM, IHG, Coco Collection and now Marriott International and The Westin brand. What drives your passion to work in the luxury segment of the hotel industry?
The platform to create great guest experiences and exceed expectations is an attractive one. Maldives is a dream destination for a huge number of people and we are privileged to be entrusted in making dreams come true on a daily basis.
What is it that appeals to you about the Maldives?
The location, climate and culture are all huge attractions, as is the quality of experience delivered by the destination. Tourism is the major industry here and it is exciting and thrilling to be involved in building new opportunities and experiences.
There have been, and continue to be, a number of new hotel and resort openings in the Maldives lately. What makes The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort stand out from the pack?
As a global brand Westin is uniquely suited to this location. Our focus on wellness through our brand pillars of Eat Well, Sleep Well, Work Well, Play Well, Feel Well, Move Well are brought to life in this unique environment leaving guests refreshed and rejuvenated.
What markets will The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort target? Couples, families, honeymoon/wedding market? All of the above, and more?
The property appeals to a wide variety of markets — all of the above— and it has the ability for these to co-exist without intrusion on each unique experience.
What elements and characteristics of this property are you most excited to boast about and why?
The special design links to the location.
Can you describe the Miriandhoo region and what makes it unique?
Miriandhoo Island is located on Baa Atoll, Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve which houses amazing marine experiences, not least of which is Hanifaru Bay, home to whale sharks, manta rays and an abundance of marine life. Because it is removed from Baa Atoll the area is less densely populated with resorts and offers is a quiet haven of tranquility.
While the Resort has only just opened to the public, what are the key inbound markets The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo is targeting and where does Australia fit in that mix?
The resort targets a variety of geographic sources to give a cosmopolitan and eclectic mix of customers. Australians are known as avid travellers and adventure seekers and we look forward to their unique contribution to the cultural mix at our resort.
Where is your favourite coffee shop/outlet, and what do you order?
Naturally, morning coffee (flat white) at The Hawker beach stall overlooking the azure waters of Baa Atoll.