Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has recently introduced two new General Managers in Europe. Gaudéric Harang assumes leadership at the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel in France, while Wael Soueid now heads the Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort in Portugal.
Gaudéric Harang, a French national, takes on the role of General Manager at Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, marking the brand’s inaugural venture in France. With over five years of expertise in luxury hospitality within Anantara and Minor Hotels, Gaudéric notably served as General Manager at the eco-conscious Anantara Sir Bani Yas Resorts in the UAE.
His journey with Anantara began in 2016 as Resident Manager overseeing Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli, and Naladhu Private Island in the Maldives—a period when the latter was recognized as the world’s premier resort in the esteemed Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. Progressing to the role of General Manager, Gaudéric relocated to Northern Thailand to lead Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, where he pioneered the innovative “Jungle Bubbles” concept, allowing guests to slumber beneath the stars amidst rescued elephants.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be part of Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, a landmark property in the heart of the French Riviera. This hotel is a true gem, combining the elegance and charm of a historic building with the contemporary design and comfort of a modern luxury hotel,” said Gaudéric. “I am excited to work with the talented team here and to offer our guests an unforgettable experience of Anantara’s signature hospitality and service. I am also very happy to be back in my native France and to help Anantara’s expansion in Europe, a market with great potential and opportunities for the brand.”
Gaudéric holds an MBA in Hospitality Management at ESSEC Business School in Paris. He enjoys extreme sports, cars, motorcycles and motor racing.
Luxury hotelier Wael Soueid, who is also a French national, joins Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort in Portugal from Anantara Tozeur Sahara Resort in Tunisia, where he was credited with creating innovative guest experiences such as the Berber Nights experiences and horse riding as well as introducing a Green Zone, offering guests a chance to immerse themselves in the desert landscape and culture.
In addition to holding various executive positions at properties in the UAE between 2011 and 2019, such as Area General Manager for Abu Dhabi properties including the iconic Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort & Spa by Anantara, one of the brand’s flagship properties in the Liwa Desert, and at Paramount Hotel Dubai and Marriott International, Wael served as Executive Director at Infinity des Lumières between 2021 and 2022, lending his creativity and vision to establish the project as the largest digital art centre in the Middle East.
