In line with the celebration of International Women’s Day, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi honors and recognises women’s significant contribution, and leadership within the hotel and the society. Setting an exemplary standard in the hospitality industry and the capital of UAE, the hotel constantly acknowledges and empowers its’ inspiring female hosts, to continue drive and contribute in the hotel’s positive reputation and success by bringing together their outstanding leadership, unceasing efforts, passion, and expertise.

The lavishly appointed hotel celebrates women's empowerment, by living up to the St. Regis legacy of exquisite celebrations and rituals. Overlooking the wonderful views of Abu Dhabi Corniche, the Arabian Gulf, and Qars Al Watan Palace, Azura Panoramic Lounge welcomed a signature Afternoon Tea and recognized the efforts and initiatives of their women hosts. Gathering in a relaxed and friendly environment, the afternoon highlighted an engaging video of female hosts that expressed their strength point, their female role model inspiration and motivated the rest of the audience.

In the mid-1800s, Afternoon Tea has been introduced by the Duchess of Bedford, who adored gathering friends over a cup of tea and a bread. Eventually it became a favorite pastime of several luminaries including the matriarch of the St. Regis brand Mrs. Caroline Astor, which she later adopted as a tradition at The St. Regis New York. Today, the Afternoon Tea ritual remains a quintessential St. Regis tradition and was the perfect opportunity to gather all 122 accomplished female hosts of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi to celebrate International Women’s Day over an impeccable selection of fine teas and refreshments.

To leave a noteworthy remark on this celebration of women empowerment, some of the influential female leaders of The St Regis Abu Dhabi impart their inspiring words and own beliefs on how to live by and  continue their journey as a competent and successful female hoteliers. Maria Tsiomou, Director of Marketing Bringing more than 16 years of experience in different positions and countries, Maria Tsiomou joined The St. Regis Abu Dhabi 5 months ago as a Director of Marketing, recognizing her as  the only female host of the hotel’s Executive Committee. Prior in joining the competent team of the hotel, she started her career as a front desk agent and later as a Marketing Manager in Greece. . Continuing her career, she found herself in Brussels being the Brand Manager of The St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and The Luxury Collection Hotels of Starwood EAME and then transitioned as a Director of Marketing for two opening hotels of Marriott International in the Kingdom of Jordan. She believes that everything is a learning process and should always be embraced with kindness. Maria commenting on her journey as a well-experienced hotelier said, “I am grateful for all the people I have met along my professional career and all the good and not so good experiences I have come across with. It all helped me to grow professionally and understand the world of hospitality, the anticipation of guests needs, the value of providing exquisite service and memorable experiences , the power of luxury products, as well as the way to create and build a strong brand, name, and reputation for  the company you work for and for yourself.”

Taking her part in the celebration of International Women’s Day, she commented, “I believe a woman should always “Keep her heels, head and standards high”. She should be able to stand firm for her beliefs, be chic and walk proudly on her heels, even if she has to face and cross the most difficult paths. She needs to have faith in her strengths and power. She has to be proud of who she is, believe in herself and do not think of what the others say or think. She needs to keep her head high and stay faithful to her standards and the values she represents. Nobody and nothing can take these away from her.”

Lilia Dias, Assistant Director of Sales

Lilia Dias started at the hotel as an Account Director of business travel in 2017. After two years of gaining a firm and extensive experience in the field, she was promoted to an Assistant Director of Sales and is now in charge of the Business and Leisure segments of the hotel. For her, self-motivation is very significant for every woman and in every aspect of her lives. Sharing her own ways of motivating herself, she said, “I like my female shapes and that is why I am strong even in my heels. I am a person that never stops thinking and asking themselves for more, I am driven and I do not need anyone or anything to push me to be great and do great. My job is the results of my hard work and the surroundings motivate more and more each day.”

Carolin Henze, Account Director – Leisure Travel

Before joining the St. Regis Abu Dhabi in 2018, Carolin Henze started her hospitality career in the Sales & Marketing of One&Only resorts situated in her paradisiacal home island, Maldives. With her ambition to further grow in her career and to experience new challenges and adventures, she left her home island and joined The St. Regis Abu Dhabi as a Sales Manager before she got promoted to her current position of Account Director in Leisure and Travel. She is responsible for developing partnerships with tour operators and travel agents around the globe ensuring that clients intending to visit Abu Dhabi for their vacation will be staying at the city’s best address.

Sharing her experience and insights from working as an outstanding hotelier for years, she said, “Working in hospitality requires a healthy combination of mind and heart. Whilst there are standards, procedures to be followed, and rules to be obeyed, we as hospitality professionals should never forget the probably strongest and most essential pillar: human connection. Connecting and winning the hearts of our guests is one side, but engaging in every interaction with our business partners as well as our fellow hosts behind the scenes in a genuine, kind, compassionate and sincere way, equally essential. So let’s continue to make the hospitality world a kinder place.”

Daniela Hernández, Guest Relations Manager

With her ceaseless efforts and hard works, Daniela Hernández was promoted from Assistant Guest Relations Manager to Guest Relations Manager just after a year of joining The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. She is continuously thriving to succeed and is completely passionate about her mission, which is creating exquisite experiences, connecting with guests from all over the world and build strong relations with people. Commenting on her leadership she said, “I truly believe that a leader should inspire others. People around us focus on why we do things and what we believe, not on what we do.  For me, passion, happiness and genuine care in a workplace is what matter the most, having this perspective makes me different. I think there’s a powerful influence on supporting and encouraging young people to dream and to be better than me and I don’t see this as a challenge but as an everyday pleasure within my team.”

Anika de Jongh, Restaurant Manager of the Terrace on the Corniche

In 2014, Anika de Jongh joined the St. Regis Abu Dhabi as an F&B intern and with her passion and competency, she worked her way up to her current role as a Restaurant Manager for The Terrace on the Corniche Restaurant. In her role, she keeps an eye on the entire operation of the all-day dining restaurant and ensures that guests are consistently receiving an exquisite and excellent service on their visit. She believes that nothing is impossible with the right attitude and perseverance. For her, every moment is the right moment and if you want something, you just have to go for it and do it. She said, “I set goals, allow myself to make mistakes and take every day as a learning curve. Also, I’m grateful for the great mentors I had who have always guided me in the right direction that is based on my goals and not on my emotions.”

Commenting on this empowering celebration, the Area General Manager of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Moustafa Sakr said, “I am very proud and gratified to have and be surrounded by a strong, competent and dedicated group of successful female leaders and hosts that relentlessly drive the hotel’s continued success in a competitive market. I am a strong believer of encouraging women and ensure for them a confident environment to share and develop their capabilities, take leadership, and through their expertise, soar higher and greater heights.”