- Bernard de Villèle, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain.
INTERVIEW WITH EXECUTIVE CHEF, JOERGEN SODEMANN
WHAT WERE THE MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN IN 2024, AND HOW DID THE HOTEL ADAPT TO MAINTAIN ITS POSITION AS A TOP LUXURY AND CULINARY DESTINATION?
As 2024 ends, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain celebrates a year of milestones and challenges that have shaped us into an even stronger leader in luxury hospitality and culinary excellence. Highlights include renovated rooms and villas that redefine modern luxury, the relaunch of Primavera’s menu, and hosting prestigious events like the Arab Summit and royal weddings. Marking 30 years of excellence, the resort introduced immersive dining concepts and partnered with renowned chefs. From curated events like the Winter Chalet by the Beach to exceptional service and personalized experiences, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain continues to set the standard for luxury destinations.
THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN IS CELEBRATED FOR ITS DIVERSE AND EXQUISITE DINING EXPERIENCES. HOW DO YOU CURATE MENUS THAT BALANCE LOCAL FLAVORS WITH INTERNATIONAL CULINARY TRENDS TO CAPTIVATE THE PALATES OF YOUR DISCERNING GUESTS?
At The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, curating menus that captivate our discerning guests is both an art and a science. Our approach is guided by three principles: embracing local flavors, staying ahead of culinary trends, and crafting immersive dining experiences. We believe in showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Bahrain and the region by incorporating locally sourced ingredients, traditional spices, and time- honored techniques into our menus. To stay relevant and exciting, our culinary team continuously explores international trends, such as plant-based cuisine, experiential dining, and sustainability-focused gastronomy. Each of our restaurants offers a distinct concept, from the elegance of French gastronomy at La Table Krug to the vibrant, interactive experiences at Cantina Kahlo and the authentic Middle Eastern flavors of our beachfront dining. Together, these create a diverse portfolio that ensures every guest discovers something memorable. In 2025, we will be working on new exciting concepts and project. I will keep our Ritz-Carlton Mystique alive – and only say, I cannot wait.
HOW HAS THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN INTEGRATED SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES INTO ITS OPERATIONS? WHAT SPECIFIC INITIATIVES HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKEN TO MINIMIZE THE HOTEL’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?
In 2024, we took significant steps to minimize our environmental footprint and support our local community. Partnering with the Bahrain Food Bank, we donated surplus buffet food to help those in need while reducing food waste. We transitioned 75% of our takeaway containers to eco-friendly materials, introduced reusable bento boxes at Thai Lounge and Beach, and implemented advanced oil filtration technology to reduce waste and improve efficiency. Our Culinary team adopted hydroponic micro herb grow bags, providing fresh, on-site herbs while lowering food miles.
To enhance sustainability across the property, we recycled coffee grounds for landscaping compost, enriching soil and reducing waste, and installed occupancy sensors in fire exit stairs to optimize energy use. We collaborated with New Horizon School to recycle food scraps into compost for their garden, hosted four annual farmers’ markets to support local agriculture, and focused on sourcing regional ingredients at Le Jardin to reduce carbon footprints. Additionally, we advanced toward Green Key certification and were proud to receive the Verified Responsible Hospitality Badge, recognizing our sustainability efforts.
HOSTING ROYAL WEDDINGS AND HIGH- PROFILE EVENTS LIKE THE ARAB SUMMIT REQUIRES A DISTINCT LEVEL OF CULINARY FINESSE. CAN YOU SHARE HOW YOUR TEAM RISES TO THESE OCCASIONS TO DELIVER UNFORGETTABLE GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCES?
Our team works closely with guests to craft bespoke menus that reflect their vision, cultural preferences, and the event’s significance. Whether it’s honoring Bahraini culinary heritage with locally inspired dishes or creating a global gastronomic journey, we ensure every plate tells a story. Our culinary and service teams undergo extensive pre- event training and rehearsals to ensure flawless performance, no matter the event’s scale. The synchronized efforts of our kitchen, banquet team, and event planners guarantee every guest feels like royalty. It’s the attention to small details that creates lasting impressions. For weddings, we craft signature dishes inspired by the couple’s story, while at the Arab Summit, we showcased Bahrain’s culinary heritage through elegant, sustainable dining options that highlighted the region’s rich flavors. By blending creativity, precision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, our team ensures every guest at these prestigious events leaves with unforgettable memories.
INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES, RASHA GHOUL
WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN IN 2025, PARTICULARLY IN TERMS OF EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT, GUEST SATISFACTION, AND OVERALL PERFORMANCE?
My vision for The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain in 2025 is to position it as a beacon of excellence in luxury hospitality, where a focus on employee engagement, work-life balance, and guest satisfaction creates an exceptional experience for both our Ladies and Gentlemen and our guests. In 2025, we will focus on bringing our Employee Promise to life, ensuring our Ladies & Gentlemen, who are the most important resource in our service commitment for our guests, feel valued and supported. We are proud of our team members and are dedicated to helping our employees grow and succeed by providing opportunities for learning and development. We will work closely with our parent company to offer training programs and use new recruitment tools, including Artificial Intelligence, to strengthen our hiring process and highlight our hotel’s culture.
HOW DO YOU PLAN TO BUILD AND LEAD A HIGH-PERFORMING TEAM THAT EMBODIES THE RITZ-CARLTON BRAND VALUES? WHAT STRATEGIES WILL YOU IMPLEMENT TO FOSTER A POSITIVE AND COLLABORATIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT?
Building and leading a high-performing team that reflects The Ritz-Carlton brand values starts with a shared vision of excellence and service. Our approach is centered on three pillars: purpose- driven leadership, empowerment, and collaboration. We create our Culture of Excellence by embracing our motto: “We are Ladies & Gentlemen serving Ladies & Gentlemen.” This legendary service extends to all our guests by empowering our team, who are the heart and soul of the company. Our Take Care program plays a crucial role in supporting our employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being, helping them maintain a healthy work- life balance. To bring this vision to life, we lead with authenticity and purpose, ensuring that each team member understands their role in delivering on the brand’s promise.
WITH EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION REACHING NEW MILESTONES THIS YEAR, WHAT INITIATIVES OR CULTURAL VALUES DO YOU BELIEVE HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS ACHIEVEMENT?
Employee satisfaction is the foundation of our success at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. This year’s milestones reflect a culture built on respect, recognition, and empowerment. By fostering a workplace where every team member understands their role in delivering exceptional guest experiences, we ensure that excellence is woven into everything we do. We take pride in celebrating diversity and treating every team member like family. Through cultural celebrations, wellness programs, and open forums with leadership, we create an environment where every voice is valued. What sets us apart is our commitment to both emotional and professional well-being. Our team members are not just employees; they are ambassadors of the Ritz-Carlton legacy, and we are committed to continuously make a difference in their lives.
LUXURY HOSPITALITY THRIVES ON PERSONALIZATION AND EMOTIONAL CONNECTION. HOW DO YOU EMPOWER YOUR TEAM TO CREATE UNIQUE, MEMORABLE GUEST EXPERIENCES WHILE MAINTAINING A BALANCE BETWEEN SERVICE EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION?
Luxury hospitality is built on recognizing that each guest is unique, and their experience should reflect that. To help my team create memorable moments, I focus on three key areas: training, autonomy, and inspiration. First, we prioritize training that encourages empathy and helps anticipate guest needs. At The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, we teach our Ladies and Gentlemen to truly listen and pick up on subtle cues, allowing us to exceed expectations and provide personalized service. Next, I believe in giving the team the freedom to innovate and take ownership of guest experiences. When they feel trusted, they’re more likely to take creative risks— whether it’s surprising a family with a beachside picnic or customizing a child’s meal based on
their favorite cartoon. Lastly, we inspire through storytelling. I share examples of exceptional service from our property or the brand globally, sparking a passion for creating emotional connections with our guests. By empowering the team to lead with heart and creativity, we can deliver unforgettable moments that guests will cherish long after their stay. I am proud to be with Ritz-Carlton, as this iconic brand has the strongest culture, we do not only understand and believe it, but we do live it.
