The Chedi Al Bait in Sharjah appoints...

Marilu Olvera brings 20 years of luxury hospitality experience to UAE hotel

Dubai-headquartered Chedi Hospitality has appointed Marilu Olvera as General Manager of The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah in the UAE.

In her new role, Olvera will oversee the 65-key five-star property, which she describes as a “true gem” where history, culture and understated luxury merge to create a “deeply memorable guest experience”.

Nestled on the edge of Sharjah’s Corniche and old souk, the property which opened in 2018 is made up of seven century-old heritage houses once occupied by local families and offers luxury rooms and suites, pool villas, calming courtyards, fine dining and a swimming pool.

The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah

With nearly two decades of international experience in luxury hospitality, spanning America, Asia and the Middle East, Olvera has a strong track in not only implementing operational strategies across all areas of resort management but also in delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Over the last 20 years, she has held multiple management roles across some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands, such as Anantara, Six Senses, Fairmont and Jumeirah Group, in the region – UAE, Saudi and Oman – and beyond (Costa Rica, the Maldives, Jamaica and Mexico) and has successfully overseen luxury and ultra-luxury pre-openings.

Originally from Spain, and bilingual in English and Spanish, Olvera most recently served as Resort Manager at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, where she led strategic initiatives that significantly enhanced guest satisfaction and operational performance.

Prior to this, she served in senior positions at Six Senses Zighy Bay and Cheval Blanc Randheli by LVMH, and was involved in the successful launch of Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection and the Zabeel House brand by Jumeirah, Al Seef in Dubai.

She holds an MBA in Tourism from IMF Business School.

Commenting on the appointment, Olvera says: “My focus will be on preserving the authenticity that defines The Chedi Al Bait while continuing to elevate the service and standards our guests have come to expect. I believe in leading with purpose and cultivating a team culture built on trust, passion, and attention to detail, because it’s the people who bring a destination to life.”

The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah is one of five Chedi properties in the Middle East, including The Chedi Muscat in Oman, which was the the first branded property outside Asia when it opened in 2003.

The newest Chedi to open in December 2024, The Chedi Hegra in AlUla’s Unesco World Heritage Site, Hegra, in Saudi Arabia is set against the backdrop of ancient Nabataean rock formations, and built around an old railway station and fort.

The Chedi Hegra, AlUla, Saudi

There are now seven Chedi hotels, including luxury properties in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Oman, plus Switzerland and Montenegro.

Recently rebranded owner Chedi Hospitality plans to move beyond luxury hotels with a new hotel brand, Serai, that blends immersive entertainment and active wellness experiences and also focus on high-end living, experiential travel and one-of-a-kind destinations.

For more information, visit www.thechedialbait.com and www.chedihospitality.com

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