What does it take to be a Hospitality Leader? In an industry that never slows down, it takes utmost dedication and a mindset for continuous innovation to deliver quality guest experiences day in and out. Gulf Insider highlights leaders of the hospitality industry in Bahrain to understand what’s new, what’s next, and what makes them the best.
In this exclusive interview, Jason Rodgers, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay dives deep into the several innovations at the luxury five-star hotel. He gives us an insight into his journey around the world as a hospitality leader and his experience working in the region for over a decade.
Can you discuss a recent successful innovation that has made an impact on your guests, your team, or the larger hospitality sector?
We continuously work to exceed our guests’ expectations and offer them personalized service. Our guests seek meaningful memories, reconnect with their loved ones, and immerse themselves in authentic experiences. At Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, our team members have a unique way of establishing a connection with every one of our guests and offering them the best experience.
We focus on the variety and dynamism of our offerings and being a trendsetter. We turned our successful beach pop-up into Byblos, a beachfront Lebanese Cuisine restaurant. We are about to launch an elevated private dining experience by Byblos at our beach, so stay tuned for that. With its stunning décor, views, and special menu, our guests will have the perfect setting for a memorable experience.
Our events and guest chef collaborations at CUT by Wolfgang Puck and re/Asian always create excitement in the market, and our guests love coming back to our restaurants for new and surprising tastes. Wellness is also of utmost importance for our guests, and we continuously elevate our offerings, such as the Biologique Recherche treatments, which start with a skin analysis and Ayurvedic Treatments. From unique room setups to authentic destination experiences, our guests can now book the perfect amenity, special-themed décor, or experience before they arrive at the hotel.
Sustainability is crucial to the hospitality industry and we have implemented several initiatives at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. These include water and energy-saving systems and practices. Approximately 40% of our five-hectare (12-acre) environment-friendly island is covered with trees and plantations. 100% of our wastewater is treated to irrigate our gardens. Water conservation measures are in place, including water consumption and decreasing filters in guest rooms. The Green Option offers changing linens and towels every third day unless otherwise requested. Single-use plastic bathroom amenities in guest rooms and the spa have been replaced with large-format bathroom amenities. A recycling program for cardboard, plastic, and aluminium is in place. We support local charities, including the Bahrain Breast Cancer Society, through donations during Pink October and the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital through employee blood donation drives.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped your approach to hotel management?
I moved around a lot growing up, and I always had a strong desire to travel and discover destinations and cultures. Working in hotels seemed to complement my mindset, and it was a natural way to pursue my calling. I am attracted to hotels because they present interesting challenges daily and are fun settings to connect and collaborate with a team.
I had the opportunity to work in Kuala Lumpur, Dublin, Hampshire, Mauritius, Doha, and then in Bahrain. Every destination I have worked at has enlarged my vision and given me a new perspective, so I have had more than one defining moment in my leadership journey. I have been in the GCC for 10 years now, and I feel a very strong connection with the region. Working with so many great people from all around the world in our region was one of the most enriching experiences of my hospitality career. Bahrain, with its rich culture and warm, welcoming people is a very special chapter in my life.
What future trends in hospitality do you envisage, and how is your Hotel preparing for them?
Exclusivity and personalization are of the utmost importance in luxury travel. We see an increasing shift towards wellness experiences and wellness travel. Experiential travel, immersing in the local culture, and bespoke itineraries are also among the important luxury travel trends. Consistent, mindful service and continual product enhancement at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay set our property apart. We follow the trends and expectations of all our guests from different markets and create new experiences accordingly. Our guests desire personalized experiences, and our brand supports tailoring their time with us.
What, in your opinion, is the one major quality every hospitality leader must possess?
In hospitality, genuinely caring about people is the first thing, and this starts with your team members. Our company’s leading philosophy, the Golden Rule – treating others as you want to be treated – defines our roadmap: primarily, how we work and how we treat each other. This culture is at the core of our business. Empathy, adaptation, flexibility and thinking outside the box are a must for a hospitality leader.
