Spotlight On Ralph Porciani

What drew you to JA Resorts & Hotels?
JA Resorts & Hotels represents a rare blend of heritage and innovation. What initially attracted me was the brand’s authenticity as a homegrown UAE success story and the diverse portfolio it offers. Its strong foundation, built on over 40 years of nurturing hospitality, offers a meaningful connection to its roots as it continues to evolve. The opportunity to lead such a dynamic team, where tradition meets forward-thinking, aligns perfectly with my passion for creating experiences that genuinely resonate with guests.

What sets JA Resorts & Hotels apart from other international brands?
JA Resorts & Hotels is unique in its blend of local heritage and its ability to cater to diverse traveller preferences. We celebrate the culture and individuality of our locations - whether it’s the vibrant cityscape of Dubai, the serene natural beach of JA Manafaru in the Maldives, the rugged beauty of the Hajar Mountains at JA Hatta Fort Hotel, or the authentic Seychellois charm of JA Enchanted Island, where Creole architecture and natural beauty come together in harmony. What truly sets us apart is the breadth of our experiences. At JA The Resort for instance, guests can enjoy around 40 varied activities, including world-class golf, horse riding, shooting, watersports, tennis, football and more ensuring there’s something for everyone. This diversity extends across our portfolio, offering tailored experiences from family-friendly, all-inclusive stays to secluded, luxury retreats in breathtaking locations. Our deeply personal approach to hospitality, combined with the intimate size of our portfolio, has resulted in exceptional guest loyalty, with some properties achieving return rates as high as 70 to 80 per cent. This ability to deliver enriching, personalised experiences across diverse settings, while remaining true to our heritage and values, makes JA Resorts & Hotels a truly distinctive hospitality brand.

Take us back to the start, how did you get into the hospitality business?
My journey began in Dumbarton, Scotland, at my family’s 85-year-old fish restaurant, where my father and grandmother taught me the values of hard work, quality and genuine hospitality. These early experiences shaped my approach to creating memorable guest interactions and instilled a passion for service. Initially inspired by my father to become a hotelier, I pursued studies at the Glasgow College of Food & Technology, where I discovered my love for the culinary arts.

This passion took me to kitchens at Le Méridien Piccadilly in London and Le Maison Talbooth in Essex. A career milestone came when I joined the Craigendarroch Resort in Scotland as Executive Chef, where I earned both AA and Michelin recognition for The Oaks Restaurant. These achievements deepened my understanding of culinary innovation and operational excellence. My journey evolved into broader leadership roles, eventually leading to a transformative period at Trump Turnberry, where I progressed from Executive Chef to Director of Operations and later General Manager. Overseeing a £160 million renovation, I worked closely with ownership to reposition the resort and achieve Forbes Five-Star accreditation. Each step, from my family’s restaurant to luxury hospitality, has been about balancing operational excellence with meaningful connections - a philosophy that continues to guide my leadership today.

You have worked in hospitality in the UK; have you noticed any differences between the regions’ approaches to hospitality?
While the fundamentals remain largely similar such as the competitive landscape for city hotels and the location-specific and seasonal challenges faced by resorts, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside amazing people in both countries. One of the most pleasant surprises in Dubai has been the significant investment and unwavering commitment from the Department of Economy and Tourism to promote the destination on a global scale. Their efforts to continuously elevate Dubai’s appeal are truly inspiring and a testament to the city’s ambition and forward-thinking approach.

Sustainability is a major topic for all businesses around the globe; can you tell us about some of the initiatives at JA Resorts & Hotels?
Sustainability is at the core of JA Resorts & Hotels, shaping our commitment to responsible tourism across all properties. Our focus on reducing environmental impact, supporting local communities and fostering long-term ecological balance ensures meaningful guest experiences while preserving the destinations we call home. JA The Resort leads by example with initiatives aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as solar energy for water heating, reverse osmosis desalination and water recycling. The resort also reduces plastic waste with reusable glass bottles and biodegradable materials, while local sourcing and tree planting help minimise emissions. By embracing circular economy principles like food waste recycling and biofuel creation, JA The Resort demonstrates its global commitment to both environmental and social responsibility.

Similarly, JA Manafaru focuses on sustainability through initiatives that reduce its carbon footprint and support local communities. The resort sources sustainable seafood and partners with local suppliers, supporting the regional economy. Ocean-bound plastic is repurposed into fabric for laundry bags and beach bags, and reverse osmosis is used to desalinate seawater, producing clean drinking water stored in glass bottles. The resort also preserves fragile reef ecosystems and participates in beach clean-up campaigns. Through partnerships like Parley for the Oceans, JA Manafaru is committed to fighting ocean waste and promoting sustainability in its operations. As a group, JA Resorts & Hotels combines luxury with environmental and social responsibility, tailoring initiatives to each destination to ensure a positive impact on local communities and ecosystems.

Looking ahead to 2025, are there any exciting plans for JA Resorts & Hotels you would like to tell us about?
For 2025, JA Resorts & Hotels has undertaken extensive work to refresh our brand positioning, aligning ourselves with leading global brands while retaining the personal touch that sets us apart. We are also looking at a significant investment in refurbishing some of our properties. We are focused on growing brand awareness and enhancing customer loyalty. Our plans include leveraging technology to improve guest experiences, integrating sustainable practices across our properties, and expanding into new markets while strengthening our presence in existing ones. These efforts will solidify our commitment to delivering exceptional, personalised hospitality worldwide.