Sardar Mohamed

A seasoned Hospitality Expert with over 15 years of international experience in luxury boutique hotels, beach resorts, and lifestyle hospitality concepts across Asia and the Middle East. Strong background in Food & Beverage operations, pre-opening projects, and end-to-end hotel management. Proven track record of optimizing performance, enhancing guest satisfaction, and creating exceptional dining and leisure experiences.

Hands-on leader passionate about sustainability, wellness, and delivering immersive, culturally rich guest journeys.

General Manager at The Fort Printers & The Kurulu Bay (2024-04 – Present)

• Responsible for the full operations of two unique luxury boutique hotels, The Fort Printers –located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle Fort with 13 rooms and Kurulu Bay an eco-conscious lakeside luxury boutique hotel with 15 rooms, spa and wellness programs, managing a team of 70 staff across both properties.
• Leading daily operations across front office, housekeeping, maintenance, guest services, and F&B to ensure service excellence and profitability.
• Directing financial planning, cost control, forecasting, and vendor negotiations to achieve budgetary goals.
• Overseeing all Food & Beverage operations including concept creation, seasonal menu design, and guest culinary experiences, increasing in-house dining revenue by 20%
• Curating and expanding wellness offerings at Kurulu Bay including private yoga retreats & classes, ayurvedic treatments and in-room spa treatments.
• Developing sustainable practices such as local sourcing, waste reduction, and plastic-free initiatives.
• Driving guest engagement, OTA performance, and direct booking strategies to boost occupancy and ADR.
• Recruiting, training, and mentoring department heads and line staff to maintain high level of service and operational standards

Food and Beverage Manager at AMAN Resorts, Amanwella (2022-12 – 2024-03)

• Managed all F&B outlets including Main Restaurant, The Beach Club (Restaurant & Bar), Lounge Bar, In-room Dining, Private Beach Dining & Buyout Events, Pool Terrace and Coconut Grove at the beach.
• Led a team of 28 staff, ensuring premium service standards, staff training, and daily operational efficiency
• Directing financial planning, cost control, forecasting, and vendor negotiations to achieve budgetary goals.
• Implemented new restaurant policies & procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to promote positive guest experience.
• Upgraded the tea and coffee service by introducing Organic Tea varieties, new High-Tea presentation, quality coffee machines and locally roasted coffee beans.
• Created and delivered new F&B orientation and trainings for newly hired team members and personal development programs for senior associates.
• Updated and created new beach wedding proposals, private group beach dining packages and special romantic beach dinner for honeymooners and anniversary celebrators.
• Evaluated and analyzed levels of guest feedback & satisfactions and focused on contentious improvements.

General Manager at Illusion Cove (2019-12 – 2022-03)

Managed full operations of a luxury beachfront property with 11 rooms, private beach, restaurant, lounge, rooftop, and in-room dining, leading a team of 42 staff. Delivered 100% guest satisfaction through hands-on leadership across service, housekeeping, and F&B. Created weekly sunset DJ sessions and pop-up dining events to drive bar and restaurant revenue.

Pool & Beach Bar Manager at InterContinental Hotel & Residence (2018-09 – 2019-09)

Efficiently managed F&B operations of two pool bars and a beach bar with 26 staff, handling up to 200 food and 500+ beverage covers on weekends. Increased F&B revenue by 20% through new sales techniques, weekly promotions, and a weekly beach party concept. Collaborated with the chef to develop new menus and special beach dining packages.

Bars Manager at RIXOS, Bab Al Bahr (2017-09 – 2018-05)

Oversaw the operations of seven bars with a team of 33 staff within the prestigious ultra-luxury resort, managing all beverage-related functions hotel-wide. I introduced new cocktails and house-pouring brands to optimize cost and quality, and organized training for bar staff with support from external vendors. I also worked with senior management to secure beverage sponsorships and supplier deals, while maintaining high hygiene standards in line with health and safety regulations.

Operation Manager at Waters Beach Lounge & Grill (2013-02 – 2017-08)

Managed operations of a high-volume restaurant and two bars with a team of 53, overseeing nightlife events featuring international DJs and major beach club activations. Coordinated after-parties for festivals like Sunburn and Supersonic, and branded events for Harley-Davidson and Royal Enfield. Secured beverage sponsorships, implemented promotions to boost off-peak revenue, and managed social media and guest engagement to enhance the club's reputation.

Restaurant & Bar Manager at Divan Erbil Hotel (2011-10 – 2012-10)

Oversaw all pre-opening activities, including equipment procurement, staff recruitment, and training. Supported the Director of F&B in developing and refining SOPs, while managing daily operations with a team of 23. Supervised restaurant and bar staff, led performance reviews, and introduced a standard beverage manual with department-wide bartender training. Managed sales analysis, inventory control, and launched successful concepts like Weekly brunch and wine promotions.

Assistant Nightclub Manager at Grand Hyatt Dubai (2003-03 – 2011-08)

Assisted the Nightclub Manager in overseeing operations of a high-capacity venue with 3 bars, dining areas, two dance floors, and a VIP Cigar Lounge, serving up to 1,800 guests with a team of 52 staff. Handled beverage inventory and par stock management, led staff hiring and training, and supported event programming with guest DJs, musicians, and license coordination.

Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Management – Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management

General Certificate of Education – Zahira National College