Craig Gemmell

I am a dynamic hospitality leader with a proven track record in luxury hotel and resort operations, specializing in strategic management, guest experience, and financial performance. With over 20 years of global experience across Relais & Châteaux, Michelin-starred restaurants, Leading Hotels of the World, and remote ultra-luxury resorts, I have successfully managed award-winning operations in Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and Australasia

As General Manager at Sterrekopje Farm, Franschhoek, I oversee a wellness-focused, sustainable hospitality experience. Previously, as Area General Manager at Miavana, Madagascar, I led a post-COVID brand relaunch, overseeing 220 staff and securing Condé Nast Gold List 2024 and Robb Report 50 Best in the World 2023. I implemented operational efficiencies, enhanced guest satisfaction scores by 7%, and introduced two new F&B concepts.

At Soneva Jani, Maldives, I managed the expansion of F&B operations, launching four new dining outlets and driving guest satisfaction, revenue growth, and staff development. I was also Acting General Manager, leading the resort through the initial COVID response. As well as achieving the annual Soneva -Manager of the Year Award (Innovation)

My leadership style is hands-on and results-driven, shaped by early career experience in guest services, kitchen, F&B service, and wine & beverage operations. Managing large, diverse teams in remote, logistically complex environments has strengthened my ability to optimize operations, drive profitability, and create exceptional guest experiences.

I have been privileged to contribute to properties earning:

-Condé Nast Gold List – Miavana, Soneva Jani (Manager of the Year-Innovation)

-TripAdvisor’s Best Resort in the World – Gili Lankanfushi

-Michelin 2-Star – Campton Place (Manager of the Year)

-World’s Leading Luxury Resort – Gili Lankanfushi

-Hotel of the Year- Conde Nast – Cape Grace

2000-2001

Varsity College-South Africa

Diploma in International Hotel Management-Distinction

Affiliated with the ICHM Hotel School Adelaide -Australia

2005-IRT Human resources-Cape Town

Certificate in Hospitality Industrial Relations-Distinction

2009-2011

Brighton Business School- UK

Diploma in International Sales and Marketing-Distinction

2011

Court of Master Sommeliers-Culinary Institute of America-Napa-California

Certified Sommelier-Merit

2012-2013

PMI Project Management

Diploma in Project Management-Distinction

2014

WSET Certified Sommelier- UK

Advanced Higher Certificate-Distinction

Short Courses and certificates-

• Financial Management
• Leadership and Development 
• Succession Planning
• Wine Appreciation
• HACCAP
• Guest services, 
• Health and Safety
• First Aid 
• Fire Fighting
• Environmental Officer
• Train the Trainer Training
• Disaster Management 
• Duty Manager -New Zealand 2016
• PADI Advanced and NITROX

Excel, Word, Fidelio, Materials Control, Fusion HR, Opera and Micros and various hospitality specific operating systems.