Banyan Tree Dubai, which opened its doors on Bluewaters Island in December 2023, has announced the appointment of Paul Stuart Sykes Riquelme as their first-ever general manager.
Sykes Riquelme has been with the Banyan Tree group since 2015, where he began as an F&B manager at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba. He has worked with luxury hotels around the world for over a decade, in locations including Mexico, Morocco, and the UAE. Sykes Riquelme was introduced to the hospitality industry at an early age, having been born into a family of culinary and wine connoisseurs.
Under Sykes Riquelme’s leadership the Banyan Tree Mayakoba received numerous accolades, including the including the Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Award for both the hotel and the spa, as well as Expedia’s Customer Excellence award from Expedia. He holds degrees in tourism and travel services management and in international tourism management, and speaks Spanish, English, and Italian.
Fuelled by a philosophy that time is one of people’s most valuable assets, Sykes Riquelme is committed to making Banyan Tree Dubai a standout property through data-driven technologies that can curate tailored experiences, collaborations with local artisans, designers and suppliers, and an environmentally-friendly ethos.
A repositioned resort that replaced Caesars Palace Dubai, Banyan Tree Dubai has 179 rooms, incorporating 30 suites, and a private-entrance four-bedroom villa with its own pool and beach. Wellness is one of its key offerings, including the signature Banyan Tree Spa, and Sykes Riquelme, who is known for his hands-on approach and dedication to wellbeing, seeks to ensure the property is seen as a holistic haven. “I look forward to curating unforgettable experiences for our guests, ensuring their stay is truly remarkable and distinguishes Banyan Tree Dubai as a unique sanctuary within the bustling city,” he says.
