Rainer Steinhilber

Dynamic and award-winning hospitality executive with more than 30 years of international luxury hospitality leadership experience across the Maldives, Kenya, Malaysia, Tunisia, Egypt, Germany, France, and the United States. Specialized in luxury island resort management, pre-openings, operational restructuring, guest experience excellence, financial optimization, team leadership, and strategic business development. Recognized for successfully leading high-performing multicultural teams, driving profitability, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering exceptional guest satisfaction standards for internationally recognized luxury hotel and resort brands.

Founder & Co-Owner at Reset Studio Watamu (2025-06 – 2026-05)

Took a break from Hospitality to pursue longtime goal of entrepreneurship

• Developed and operated a boutique fitness and wellness studio focused on community wellness and functional training.
• Managed all day-to-day operations including staffing, marketing, customer service, scheduling, and financial administration.
• Created and launched group fitness programs and wellness initiatives.
• Built strategic partnerships and increased local brand visibility through community engagement.

General Manager at Diamonds Malindi Kenya | Planhotel Hospitality Group (2024-11 – 2025-05)

• Directed overall resort operations including Rooms Division, Food & Beverage, Engineering, Housekeeping, Finance, and Guest Services.
• Implemented operational restructuring strategies to improve efficiency and guest satisfaction.
• Managed budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and operational performance.
• Led recruitment, mentoring, and training initiatives across departments.

General Manager (incl. Pre-Opening) at Amari Raaya Maldives | ONYX Hospitality Group (2022-06 – 2024-01)

• Successfully led the pre-opening and operational launch of a luxury island resort.
• Directed recruitment, SOP implementation, operational readiness, and team development.
• Coordinated with owners, consultants, contractors, and corporate teams during development and launch phases.
• Drove revenue optimization and strategic positioning within the Maldives luxury market.

General Manager at Sandies Bathala Maldives | Planhotel Hospitality Group (2021-06 – 2022-05)

• Managed all resort operations with a strong focus on service excellence and operational efficiency.
• Directed departmental leadership and improved team engagement initiatives.
• Maintained financial performance through budgeting and cost control measures.

General Manager (incl. Pre-Opening) at Innahura Maldives Resort | Crown & Champa Resorts (2018-08 – 2021-01)

• Managed the complete resort pre-opening process from construction completion through operational launch.
• Recruited, trained, and developed the operational workforce.
• Established SOPs, operational systems, and quality standards.

Resident Manager / Acting General Manager at Kuredu Island Resort & Spa, Maldives | Crown & Champa Resorts (2014-08 – 2018-07)

• Oversaw daily operations across all major operational divisions.
• Supported strategic planning, operational execution, and guest satisfaction initiatives.
• Acted as General Manager in the absence of executive leadership.

Executive Assistant Manager at Gayana Eco Resort & Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa | Malaysia (2013-06 – 2013-07)

• Oversaw daily operations across all major operational divisions.
• Supported executive leadership in operational and guest service management.
• Acted as General Manager in the absence of executive leadership.

In-Ocean Villa Manager at Angsana Velavaru (Banyan Tree Group) | Maldives (2011-06 – 2013-05)

• Oversaw daily operations across all major operational divisions within the Overwater Villa Section.
• Managed luxury villa operations and premium guest services in charge of Rooms Division, F&B Operations and Wellness Spa.

Front Office & Guest Relation Manager (incl. Pre-Opening) at Constance Moofushi | Maldives (2010-08 – 2011-05)

• Implemented and led all front office and guest service operations during resort pre-opening phase and into operation of the resort.

Front Office Manager at Coco Palm Bodu Hithi

Guest Service Manager at Island Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

Assistant Front Office Manager at Robinson Club Soma Bay

Managing Director at Forum International Tunisie

Front Office Manager at Robinson Club Tabarka

Front Office Manager at NH Hotel Group

Rooms Division Management Training Program at Hilton Chicago

Food & Beverage & Rooms Division at Disneyland Resort Paris