The beachside boutique lifestyle resort is the idyllic setting for guests to enjoy a unique and trendy getaway, with an infinite top level of service from the hotel’s exemplary team. The property has welcomed key leadership appointments, made up of highly experienced, hand-picked individuals who have been tasked with leveraging their creative talents, interpersonal skills and operational expertise to elevate the hotel’s hip and luxurious offering, and place it firmly on the map as a must-visit destination on Palm Jumeirah.
Th8 Palm, managed by Accor is led by Resort Manager, Grant Budde, culinary delights and surprises come from the creative Executive Head Chef, Margarita Vaamonde, and the Fluid Beach Club, Envy and EllaMia are headed up by F&B Manager Keegan Payne who is bringing an accolade of fresh flair to the contemporary resort.
Grant Budde – Resort Manager
A highly experienced and respected figure within the UAE’s busy hospitality sector, Grant Budde has been instrumental in shaping the unique offerings and five-star services at some of Dubai’s most notable hotels. Described by his colleagues as a distinguished, detail orientated hotel professional and with comprehensive knowledge of the complexities of hotel operations and high-end guest services, Grant excels in establishing venues as unique destinations and delivering creative solutions with a positive impact. The majority of Grant’s hotel career has been based in Dubai, however, his career also includes exotic tenures in Bali and Fiji.
Highly driven, Grant’s role as Resort Manager, will see him take a hands-on approach to delivering first-rate hospitality and services to guests from across the UAE, the region and beyond and establish the hotel as one of the Emirate’s premium and must-visit, destination properties. Him and his team will ensure that each guest has a chic and unique experience. Underlining what he aims to achieve, he said: “I am delighted to be taking the reins at this landmark property which further establishes this boutique hotels footmark. As resort manager, I intend to lead by example, and guide the team to position the hotel’s authentic and unconventional ways, assemble the best team possible and empower them to use their talents.”
Margarita Vaamonde – Executive Head Chef
Award winning chef, Margarita Vaamonde brings a world-class flair for fine food to her role at Th8 Palm With a wealth of culinary experience that spans across three continents from South America to the US and the Middle East, having overseen the opening of famed Catch Dubai and Catch LA, one of the hottest celebrity spots in West Hollywood, Margarita is infinitely adaptable with a strong culinary background. She is instrumental in creating carefully curated menus across the hotel’s dining venues, offering up an exciting selection of culinary masterpieces designed to delight the tastebuds of well-travelled guests and food aficionados. Known for having created a menu featuring winning dishes at famed Master Chef, alongside its representation in the region, doing live appearances with celebrity judges Matt Preston as well as Gary Mehigan, Margarita will bring her experience of global cooking cultures to create an exceptional F&B experience for guests dining at the Palm Jumeirah’s newest boutique hotel.
Keegan Payne – F&B Manager
A lively hospitality professional, Keegan has made a habit of striving for excellence and the concept of limitlessness which is inspired by the ‘8’ infinity symbol, that the Th8 Palm represents. With a strong F&B background in renowned establishments in both South Africa and Dubai, including various successes at Barbary Deli and Cocktail Club, TRYP by Wyndham Hotel as well as Andaz the Palm, Keegan has been awarded the Caterer Middle East Awards “Bar Manager of the Year” title, with judges referring to his relentless drive and ability to go the extra mile in all aspects. Known for his natural leadership, infectious enthusiasm, and meticulous attention to detail, he holds a deep-seated belief in the benefit of coaching and mentoring individuals and teams to reach their potential. As F&B Manager across Fluid Beach Club, Envy and EllaMia, Keegan will bring a whole host of skills and accolades from his years in the industry, to create an exceptional service for all guests, in particular establishing Fluid Beach Club as a sought-after destination for beach lovers, partygoers and cocktailistas alike.