Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Welcomes Sjefke Jansen as New General Manager
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has announced the appointment of Sjefke Jansen as the resort’s new General Manager, effective from April 1st, 2023. Sjefke will oversee the day-to-day running of the luxury island property, bringing with him four decades of hands-on experience in the hospitality industry.
“I am delighted to return in the Maldives and taking part of one of the flagships and most iconic MINOR properties. I felt the urge to reconnect with this captivating destination and its mesmerizing nature. It was like coming back home.” Jansen said. “I plan to continue building on the legacy of Anantara Kihavah. I, together with my passionate and dedicated team, will be focusing on the importance of making guest experiences authentic and most enjoyable.” he added.
Sjefke’s illustrious career started as a kitchen trainee in Germany in 1983, where he worked his way up the hospitality ladder. He has worked in various operational roles at hotels in Germany, Australia, South Africa, and Singapore. He first worked in the Maldives in 2002 as a Resort Manager at the One & Only Reethi Rah Resort and Spa, before moving to The Oberoi, Mauritius, where he took his career to the next level as a General Manager. In 2010, Sjefke moved to Le Touessrok, Mauritius, where he spent another four years as General Manager before spending a similar period in the same position at Belmond Grand Hotel Europe at St Petersburgh in Russia.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is located within the Baa Atoll in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, featuring 80 private pool villas and residences nestled along the private beach or over crystal-clear waters. The resort has six restaurants and bars, including the underwater SEA restaurant, an outdoor cinema, a kids’ club, a watersports center, and a dive center. For relaxation, guests can rejuvenate at the Anantara Spa, offering Asian therapies, aesthetic treatments, detox programs, immunity-boosting Medi-spa, and ancient Ayurvedic wellness.
With his vast experience in the industry, Sjefke is expected to take Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas to even greater heights and provide guests with an unforgettable experience.