Experienced GM heads to Anantara Vacation Club [VIDEO]

PHUKET: Talking to Lyndon Ellis, it is easy to see how his great sense of hospitality makes him perfect for the position of General Manager of the newly opened Anantara Vacation Club. Mr Ellis brings a wealth of management experience to bear on this brand’s new signature resort in northwest Phuket, which offers a truly luxurious escape amid fantastic tropical scenery.

Mr Ellis graduated from the William Angliss Institute in Melbourne, Australia and majored in Business and Hospitality, leading him to pursue a career in the international hotel industry. Since then, he has amassed extensive experience, previously working in Australia, Thailand, Cambodia and before that in the paradise island of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. Namely, Hayman Resort Queensland Australia, Le Meridien Port Vila Vanuatu, Le Meridien Angkor Cambodia, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort and Spa.

“The opportunity comes up and you get a new offer then you follow your career. Luckily, I’ve been able to follow my career around the world.”

As General Manager of Anantara Vacation Club, Mr. Ellis aims to develop the hotel to make it more successful.

“My goals are to build the business, develop the team and ensure we are true to the Anantara core values that have made the brand so successful.” he revealed.

At Anantara Vacation Club’s Grand Opening day, Mr. Ellis told the Phuket Gazette that he sees some challenges in his new role, such as getting to know the local area, becoming aware of local customs, getting to know the local and regional business trends and networking, as these are crucial elements in effectively managing a hotel. Regardless of these small hurdles, Mr Ellis said he thinks that a positive attitude is the answer for any challenges.

“With positive attitude you can do anything and you can make anything happen. So, just do it”, he said.

“I love my job as I can meet people; both guests and the associates who work at the hotel. I also like the dynamic of working in a hotel, there is always something happening and it’s not the same thing everyday. Everyday you come to work and you have your schedule duty or your tasks, but you know that half your day is going to be dealing with situations that arise, and that can be anything, so it makes a little bit more, exciting than a normal job”, he added.

Stand up paddle boarding and snow skiing are his favorite hobbies. On his days off Mr Ellis likes to go to the beach with his stand up paddle board or sometimes just to lie on the sand at Panwa Beach. To him, the biggest attractions of Phuket are the island’s lifestyle, the good business environment, great people and a wonderful natural environment, especially at his favorite sport – Mai Khao Beach.

Despite his constant motivation to be a great GM, which garnered him two South East Asia Property Awards in 2010, Mr Ellis also recognizes the importance of family and he said he is never too busy to spend time with his children.

“My happiness is a day off with my children”, he said.