Every week we’ll introduce you to a talented concierge from one of our hotel partners to give you their top 10 insider tips.
This week we meet Ravinder Dhesi, Hotel Manager at The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa, who is sharing his travel tips to Fiji.
Ravinder joined the Starwood group in Fiji in 1999 as Financial Controller from PwC and was transferred to Queensland Australia where he worked in Sheraton Noosa and Sheraton Gold Coast for 8 years. He was transferred back to Fiji in 2008 as Director of Finance for the complex to reopen the Sheraton Fiji after its refurbishment.
He was promoted to Hotel Manager in Mar 2011 at Sheraton Fiji and later transferred to Westin in July 2012. The opportunity to meet people prompted him to make the move from finance into operations.
One of my favourite things about the hotel is:
The unique traditional Fijian village look and feel which provides a warm environment in which we deliver the modern Westin brand facilities and offerings – allowing for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay.
One of the things I love most about my job is:
Everyday is a new day – new guests, new opportunities to create memories and make a difference. The commitment from my team to ensure each guest leaves feeling better than when they came makes my job easier.
One of my favourite memories as a concierge is:
There are many that I have assisted our guests created special memories, but one that stands out is, Creating a “WOW” proposal for a nervous young man – on our private Akuilau Island with Champagne and nibbles and “Will you marry me written on the beach with shells” of course the answer was YES.
The question I’m most regularly asked is:
What can we do today – it all depends on how much or how little one wants to do – as little as sitting by the pool reading a book and sipping cocktails or as adventurous as going on a Jet Ski safari or shark diving – The Westin & Fiji overall can provide the perfect platform for any experience.
The most common item people leave behind at the hotel is:
Electrical device chargers.
One of the strangest questions I’ve ever been asked is:
In the hospitality industry, no question is strange –we have to be prepared to be asked any question.
The main pool at The Westin.
The activity/attraction/tour I encourage all our guests to do while here is:
The Cultural Show at Coco Palms at The Westin – learn about our Fijian Heritage, watch the fire walkers in awe and enjoy some sumptuous food cooked in the traditional Fijian earth oven (lovo).
Don’t leave without eating or drinking:
Sipping cocktails at Meke Lounge watching the sunset and our evening ritual of fire dancers and when in Fiji do try some kava.
On my days off you would find me:
With my family, family is important to me so the day is spent doing something with family, going to movies, cooking a new dish, or just being together.
I recommend that keen shoppers visit:
the local handicraft shops to take some souvenirs of Fiji, this supports the “Buy Fiji Made” initiative which helps the local artists.