Rachid Bakas is the driving force behind one of the region’s most buzzed-about openings: Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat. In a saturated luxury market, he introduced a new benchmark for exclusivity, sustainability and high-net-worth guest engagement, delivering not just a resort, but a transformative hospitality concept. His story is one of determination, grit and vision, rising from his early days as a bellboy at Shangri-La Dubai to becoming a General Manager who has reshaped the rules of ultra-luxury.
Over the past year, Rachid has steered Anantara Santorini into the spotlight, launching the adults-only retreat with impeccable timing, precision and performance. From transforming a private residence into a boutique sanctuary to cultivating a product that speaks to the most discerning of guests, he has demonstrated an uncanny ability to combine creative vision with financial and operational discipline. Under his leadership, the retreat achieved AED 22 million in revenue, surpassing its AED 16.5 million target by 33% and contributed to 25% of the overall profit. F&B revenues exceeded AED 8.1 million, while spa revenue topped AED 752,000, each outperforming their respective targets by a considerable margin. These aren’t just numbers, they are the result of a carefully engineered strategy rooted in exclusivity, team empowerment and guest-centricity.
But what truly sets Rachid apart is his ability to lead with heart. He’s not a distant executive. He walks the floor. He hosts “Coffee with the GM” sessions where team members can voice feedback directly, fostering a culture of openness and growth. Over 12 team members have been promoted in just 12 months, a testament to his commitment to internal development and mentorship. At the same time, he has pioneered CSR initiatives, introduced sustainability measures like a hydroponic greenhouse and future plans for a resort-owned chicken farm, and actively contributed to creating a property that is as responsible as it is luxurious.
His leadership has made the retreat a magnet for iconic global brands, securing multimillion-dirham buyouts from names like Louis Vuitton, Range Rover and Luxottica. The property’s unique model where access is granted only through confirmed bookings has preserved its prestige and aura, drawing a repeat high-value clientele and creating one of the region’s most coveted hospitality experiences.
Rachid’s journey is not only defined by his achievements at Santorini but by a career that has been steadily rising through the industry’s ranks. After progressing through various operational roles from receptionist to departmental trainer, duty manager and then hotel manager at Anantara Sir Bani Yas, he consistently demonstrated a capacity to lead with clarity, compassion and results. His academic background in mathematics has given him a razor-sharp edge in analytics and strategy, while his frontline experience keeps him deeply connected to people, both guests and staff.
In less than a year, Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat has become a case study in what modern luxury can and should look like rooted in purpose, powered by people and shaped by a leader who never lost sight of where he started. Rachid Bakas is not just a General Manager; he’s a hospitality heavyweight whose story continues to inspire and evolve.
