Mario Stanic appointed GM at Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa

Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa is the latest property in the southern coast and will open its doors on 1 November 2011. A total investment of Rs. 1.2 billion has been infused to transform the old Coral Gardens to Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa.

The 150-room resort will house superior and deluxe rooms and suites; all with direct sea views and new gazebo style balconies.

The facilities of the resort will ensure a fully refurbished main restaurant, speciality crab restaurant, bars and lounges as well as a roof top spa. Moreover the group will make Chaaya Tranz its base for whale watching off the coast of Mirissa.

Mario Stanic is the new General Manager for the property. He begins his stint at the John Keells Hotels Group with the newly-refurbished property, bringing in a wealth of experience having worked in many resorts in different parts of the world, including properties which are a part of chains such as Hyatt and Hilton International.

Mario started his career at the Regent in Sydney in 1982 as part of the opening team of this hotel which was voted ‘The Best Hotel in Australia’ in 1982. Following this he moved onto the reopening of award-winning Hayman Island. He then joined Hyatt International as Assistant Manager of Food and Beverage for the pre-opening of the award-winning Park Hyatt Canberra in 1990.

He had his first international posting with Hyatt to Santiago Chile and then moved to the Hyatt Regency Guadalajara Mexico as Director of Food and Beverage following five years with Hyatt International.

Mario then moved onto his next challenge, the opening of the Tunjung Rhu Property in Langawaki, Malaysia as Food and Beverage Director. Following this he moved on as EAM of the Leela Kempinski in Mumbai. He then moved to London, to start his five year stint with Sheraton International; and from London to Jordan and then on to Sheraton Doha in Qatar. Dubai was his next location as the Director of Operations for the Jebel Ali Group, heading the opening of the Montgomerie Hotel, a five-star deluxe hotel on the golf course.  

Mario was then promoted as Deputy General Manger of Makadi Palace for Red Seas Hotel Group in Egypt. In February 2007 Mario started with Sunland Hotels, as the Island Manager of Dhuni Kolhu, the first five star hotel in The Coco Collection. Following a successful period he was promoted to General Manager of Coco Palm Bodu Hithi in February 2008 where he continued prior to joining the John Keells Hotels Group.

He is looking forward to the reopening of this property under the flagship of Chaaya Hotels and Resorts. Asked about his plans for the resort, he stated: “Our mission is to make Chaaya Tranz the best four star resort in Sri Lanka.”