Juan Losada Returns as General Manager of Regent Phu Quoc, Poised to Lead the Resort’s Next Phase of Growth

In an exciting development for Regent Phu Quoc, the luxury resort has appointed Juan Losada as its new General Manager. This marks a significant milestone for the resort as it enters a new phase of growth following its successful launch and recognition as one of Vietnam’s finest hotels. Regent Phu Quoc has been lauded by prestigious travel publications such as MICHELIN, Tatler Asia, and Robb Report Vietnam, thanks to its serene beauty, luxurious amenities, and commitment to offering an unforgettable experience.

Juan Losada brings over 15 years of luxury hospitality experience to his role, having demonstrated a deep commitment to service excellence and a unique ability to lead diverse teams across global destinations. Known for his hands-on leadership style, Juan has a proven track record in driving operational success, boosting guest satisfaction, and managing high-profile events with utmost professionalism.

A Homecoming for Juan Losada

This appointment is particularly significant for Losada as it marks a return to Regent Phu Quoc, where he previously served as the pre-opening and opening general manager between 2019 and 2022. During his previous tenure, Juan played a pivotal role in the hotel’s strategic development, shaping the resort’s vision and positioning it as an ultra-luxury brand in both the Vietnamese and Asian markets.

As the hotel prepared for its opening in 2022, Regent Phu Quoc garnered attention from global travel publications, including Forbes, Condé Nast Traveler, as one of the most anticipated luxury hotel openings of the year. Losada’s return to the property comes at a time when it is poised to expand its influence and solidify its place as a top destination for luxury travelers in Vietnam.

Extensive Experience Across Global Destinations

Juan Losada’s international career has taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands. His expertise spans across Dubai, Barcelona, and Phu Quoc, where he’s led both city and resort hotels to success. His ability to enhance both the operational and guest experience aspects of any property he oversees has earned him widespread recognition in the hospitality industry.

At Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay, where he most recently served as General Manager, Juan led the hotel to exceptional growth in market share and year-on-year performance. His role also included strengthening brand standards and aligning the property with its owners’ vision, reflecting his capacity to blend operational success with brand integrity.

Losada’s career also includes senior roles at Holiday Inn Sydney St Marys and Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, where he oversaw several pre-opening and renovation projects. His leadership in launching new properties has resulted in the successful integration of both luxury service and operational efficiency across a range of markets.

Driving Regent Phu Quoc’s Growth Strategy

As General Manager of Regent Phu Quoc, Juan Losada will be responsible for the resort’s end-to-end operations, including managing the 352-key hotel, which features 22 suites and a diverse selection of food and beverage outlets. The resort also includes meeting facilities, catering to both leisure and corporate guests with convenient access to local retail and dining options.

One of the key highlights of the property is its distinct food and beverage offerings, including a Chinese restaurant with an adjoining Tea Room that celebrates local flavors, an all-day dining venue serving international cuisine, a lobby lounge, and the SEEN Rooftop Bar. Guests can also unwind at the rooftop infinity pool and take advantage of the 24-hour gym and four meeting rooms, all adding to the hotel’s appeal as a holistic destination for relaxation and business.

Under Juan’s leadership, Regent Phu Quoc will continue to focus on enhancing guest engagement, refining revenue-generating opportunities, and driving operational efficiencies. His vision will be instrumental in maintaining the resort’s luxury standards, while introducing innovative approaches to engage both returning and new guests.

Orchestrating High-Profile Events with Precision

A key moment in Juan’s career came when he was instrumental in organizing the APEC 2017 Summit, which hosted 21 heads of state, including President Trump, President Xi, and President Putin. The event showcased Juan’s ability to manage large-scale, high-profile events with meticulous attention to detail. His experience in handling such complex undertakings, from coordination to execution, highlights his exceptional organizational skills and his ability to create memorable and elevated guest experiences.

His success in overseeing such events has made him a recognized leader in the hospitality industry, especially in managing the operational needs of high-caliber clients and ensuring discreet professionalism throughout. This expertise will undoubtedly prove valuable in driving Regent Phu Quoc’s growth as it continues to attract high-profile guests and luxury travelers.

Elevating Regent Phu Quoc to New Heights

With Juan Losada back at the helm, Regent Phu Quoc is primed for its next phase of growth. The resort’s luxury brand has already set a high standard for hospitality, and under Losada’s guidance, it will continue to offer an exceptional and refined experience to every guest who walks through its doors.

As the property continues to gain international recognition, Losada’s leadership will ensure it remains at the forefront of Vietnam’s luxury hospitality market. His vision for operational excellence, along with a deep focus on the guest experience, will help Regent Phu Quoc continue to be a benchmark for the industry.

The resort’s future looks promising with Losada’s strategic direction, focusing on strengthening the property’s global appeal, fine-tuning guest services, and ensuring that every guest experience is as luxurious as the surroundings. As Regent Phu Quoc moves into this exciting new phase, Juan Losada’s leadership will be the driving force behind its continued success.

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Winston Gong Appointed General Manager at Avani Kota Kinabalu, Leading the Hotel’s Growth Strategy

In a move that strengthens the leadership at Minor Hotels, the global hospitality group has appointed Winston Gong as the new General Manager of Avani Kota Kinabalu. This appointment comes as the hotel accelerates its commercial strategy and prepares to open its doors in the second quarter of 2026. Gong’s extensive international hotel leadership experience across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East makes him the ideal candidate to lead the 352-key hotel and oversee its operations.

A Strong Leadership Legacy

Minor Hotels, known for its diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, and branded residences, operates properties across 59 countries. With the appointment of Winston Gong, the group is reaffirming its commitment to operational excellence and a superior guest experience at Avani Kota Kinabalu. This new role will see Gong leverage his deep experience in hotel openings, operational turnarounds, and performance-driven results, ensuring the hotel’s smooth launch and long-term success.

Gong’s career spans over several prestigious hotel brands, where he has been consistently recognized for his ability to drive revenue growth, enhance guest satisfaction, and manage high-impact stakeholder relationships. Prior to this role, he was the General Manager of Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay, where he played a key role in driving year-on-year growth and strengthening market share while maintaining brand standards. Gong’s leadership in operational turnarounds and pre-opening projects is a significant asset as he takes the helm at Avani Kota Kinabalu.

A Hotel Designed for Both Leisure and Business Travelers

Avani Kota Kinabalu is set to become a significant player in Malaysia’s vibrant hospitality landscape. Located in the Luyang district, the hotel is strategically placed for both leisure and corporate travelers, offering convenient access to retail, dining, and airport connectivity. With its 352 keys, including 22 suites, the hotel aims to attract a wide range of visitors. This blend of luxury and convenience will make it an ideal destination for both short breaks and extended stays in the region.

One of the highlights of the hotel is its integrated food and beverage offerings. The hotel will feature a Chinese restaurant with an adjoining Tea Room that celebrates the region’s rich culinary heritage. Guests can also enjoy a selection of international cuisines at the all-day dining venue, relax in the lobby lounge, or indulge in drinks at the rooftop SEEN Rooftop Bar. The rooftop infinity pool offers stunning views, while the 24-hour gym and four meeting rooms ensure guests have everything they need for both relaxation and business needs.

A Focus on Operations and Guest Experience

As General Manager, Winston Gong will lead the overall operations of Avani Kota Kinabalu, ensuring that every aspect of the hotel aligns with Minor Hotels’ vision of delivering high-quality experiences. Gong’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the hotel’s guest service strategies, operational efficiency, and stakeholder management.

With his proven track record in improving revenue performance and guest satisfaction, Gong is poised to elevate Avani Kota Kinabalu into a leading destination within the region. His hands-on approach to leadership and his ability to integrate innovative ideas into day-to-day operations will play a crucial role in achieving the hotel’s strategic goals. Additionally, Gong will work closely with the team to enhance the property’s brand presence in the competitive Kota Kinabalu market, focusing on delivering memorable experiences for all guests.

Avani Kota Kinabalu: A Perfect Blend of Luxury and Convenience

Avani Kota Kinabalu is designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of travelers. The hotel’s location ensures easy access to the city’s top attractions, while its amenities are tailored to offer comfort and convenience. Whether visiting for business or leisure, guests can enjoy a peaceful retreat after a busy day of exploring the city or attending meetings.

The hotel’s contemporary design, combined with its comprehensive service offering, will provide a welcoming environment for both business and leisure travelers. The integration with The Logg development further enhances the hotel’s appeal, giving guests access to premium retail, dining, and entertainment options right at their doorstep. With its convenient proximity to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the hotel is set to become a hub for international visitors and local guests alike.

A Bright Future Ahead for Avani Kota Kinabalu

Winston Gong’s appointment comes at a time of great anticipation for Avani Kota Kinabalu. As the hotel approaches its grand opening in Q2 2026, Gong’s leadership will be pivotal in ensuring that the property successfully integrates into the local hospitality market. His deep understanding of both city and resort environments, combined with his experience in pre-opening operations, will allow him to oversee a smooth launch and foster lasting relationships with key stakeholders.

Minor Hotels’ strategy for Avani Kota Kinabalu is clear: to create a hotel that serves both the leisure and business segments, offering seamless connectivity, exceptional service, and a luxurious yet accessible environment. Under Gong’s leadership, the hotel is poised to become a significant addition to the thriving hospitality landscape in Kota Kinabalu and beyond.

Looking Forward to the Grand Opening

The launch of Avani Kota Kinabalu is expected to be a major event for the city and the region. With Gong at the helm, the hotel is set to deliver an outstanding guest experience, further cementing Minor Hotels’ position as a global leader in the hospitality industry. The hotel’s strategic location, impressive facilities, and strong leadership make it a promising new addition to the city’s hospitality offerings.

As Avani Kota Kinabalu prepares to open its doors, it promises to offer an exceptional blend of modern luxury and traditional Malaysian hospitality, setting a new standard for hotels in the region. Winston Gong’s leadership will undoubtedly be key to ensuring the hotel’s continued success as it begins its journey in Kota Kinabalu.

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