Ivan Giles (far right) with some of his guests at a wine tasting session
Meet Ivan Giles – the general manager of the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi.
Hailing from Mexico, It is indeed very rare to find a Mexican national working in Malaysia.
He first came to Langkawi in 2015 to take up a job offer at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi.
We lined up a list of questions to get to know him better –
Q. How long have you been working in Malaysia?
A – This marks my second visit to Malaysia. Previously, I served as the Resort Manager from 2015 to 2017. Now, I have returned as the General Manager, assuming this role in 2022.
Q. How did you end up working in Langkawi?
A – For the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working with Four Seasons across the globe, from enchanting locations like Costa Rica, Hawaii, and the Maldives, all within resort settings. Now, I consider myself fortunate to seize the opportunity to oversee the management of this exquisite property.
Q. What is your favorite local food?
A – While it may not fit into a specific culinary category, I do have a fondness for Sambal Udang. Hailing from Mexico, where “salsas” play a pivotal role in enhancing flavours with their spicy kick, Sambal Udang has become my local salsa substitute, infusing dishes with that same level of zest and extra dimension of flavour.
Q. Have you picked up basic Bahasa Malaysia?
A – I only know some basic numbers and phrases, just enough to navigate through the few places in Langkawi where English isn’t widely spoken.
Q. Where were you posted before coming to Langkawi?
A – I spent the last 5 years at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru in the Maldives overlooking the property’s full renovation.
Q. Which city do you come from in Mexico?
A – I was born in Toluca, a bustling industrial city in central Mexico, situated just an hour away from the vibrant metropolis of Mexico City. Despite this urban backdrop, my passion always lay in the kitchen, eventually leading me into the realm of hospitality. Prior to venturing abroad, I honed my skills with various brands across Mexico, spanning cities such as Mexico City, Acapulco, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, and Puerto Peñasco. It was in Costa Rica where I embarked on my first international stint, marking the beginning of my journey with Four Seasons.
Q. How do you unwind after a long day at work?
A – Following a demanding day at work, I seek comfort in the simple pleasure of returning home to prepare dinner for my daughter and wife.
Q. Do you have any hobbies or follow any sports ?
A – I enjoy doing Origami to relax. While in the Maldives, I trained as a rescue diver. However, I haven’t had the opportunity to explore diving spots in Malaysia yet. My main focus has been restoring the resort to full capacity after the pandemic.
Q. Any other information you might want to share ?
A – The resort is embarking on a comprehensive renovation project. This endeavour will span the next three years. In 2024, our initial focus involves creating mock-up rooms and updating the resort’s color scheme.
“Meanwhile, we continue to ensure our guests experience the warmth and authenticity of Malaysian culture, immersing them in the island’s rich heritage. Our resort is a getaway where unforgettable memories are created amidst the natural wonders of the UNESCO Global Geopark,” he added.
The Four Seasons Resort Langkawi offers some 91 villas and private pavilions along the Tanjung Rhu beach stretch overlooking the Andaman Sea. Their interior decorations are inspired by Moorish, Malay and European influences.
In the meantime, Penang Hyperlocal wishes Ivan Giles all the best in his endeavours.