Rania Experience Appoints New Resident Manager
FEBRUARY 5, 2007. The Rania Experience, Maldives, Asia's first and only private island sanctuary has appointed Karen Merrick as the Resident Manager. Based in the Maldives, Karen will handle all day to day operations, overseeing training, development, handling bespoke guest experiences and implementing the standards associated with creating The Rania Experience's unique concept. Karen will also assist General Manager, Vijai Singh with all other matters.
Karen (35) joins The Rania Experience from White Sands Resort & Spa, Maldives, part of Na"iade Resorts Ltd, Mauritius, where she spent nearly two years as Executive Assistant Manager, responsible for the efficient operation of the busy 141-bedroom resort. Her duties included implementing departmental training, goal setting for managers and staff as well as having an active and hands on interest in improvements within all departments to ensure guest satisfaction.
Karen has considerable and extensive knowledge of the Hospitality industry with nearly 20 years experience. Born in the Scottish Highlands, Karen started her career within Taste of Scotland Hotels, Millennium Copthorne. She then joined leading boutique operator, Malmaison Hotels, firstly as Brasserie Manager before being promoted to Food & Beverage Manager, and latterly as Sales Manager for both the Edinburgh and Glasgow properties, with an emphasis on caretaking the brand and concept. In 2001, Karen was appointed Director of Food & Beverage for the award- winning, Lace Market Hotel in Nottingham. Here she was responsible for three individual and bespoke Food & Beverage Operations as well as the associated Private Members Club with full control over recruitment, training and development and all associated matters.
Commenting on her new role, Karen says, "I am very excited to be part of The Rania Experience team. This is truly a unique and individual product where we set the benchmark for service standards. I genuinely love what I do and this is a great opportunity for me to be energetic and dynamic in the industry at the highest level in creating the true meaning of hospitality."
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Rania Experience is a private island that comes with its own 86ft luxury yacht. The private use of the island and the yacht is sold on an exclusive use basis (one booking at a time) and is available for two - 15 guests at any one time. The Rania Experience is Asia's first private Island sanctuary with a luxury yacht.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
