Hein Broekhoven
Driving global hospitality success through strategic leadership and operational excellence.
Marriott Int. Colony Club
St James . Barbados
The Resort:
As General Manager of The Colony Club, I led daily operations, strategic renovations, and brand conversion at this luxury Barbados resort. Celebrated for its tranquil ambiance and innovative guest experiences, the resort blends modern luxury with island heritage. Through strategic planning and strong team leadership, I elevated the guest experience while preserving the iconic Barbadian charm. I spearheaded cross-functional efforts to execute a Q2 2024 renovation and introduced new amenities like the boutique Rum Vault, ensuring the property remained a premier destination.
My Method and Achievements:
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Challenge: Overseeing daily operations of a 96-room luxury resort while maintaining guest satisfaction, team development, and operational excellence.
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Key Achievement: I spearheaded strategic renovations planned for Q2 2024, ensuring operational continuity without compromising guest satisfaction.
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Innovation: I introduced curated epicurean experiences, elevating our culinary and beverage offerings to provide unforgettable moments for our guests.
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Pride Point: Successfully balancing long-term strategic vision with day-to-day operational demands has been deeply fulfilling. This role allowed me to enhance the property’s reputation in a highly competitive luxury market.
The Result:
This forward-thinking approach fostered a dynamic team culture, enhanced guest engagement, and strengthened The Colony Club’s standing as a luxury destination. By blending modern hospitality standards with deep respect for Barbados’ cultural heritage, the resort set a new benchmark for excellence, delighting guests and solidifying its reputation in a competitive market.
L'Amandier
Ouirgane . Marocco
The Resort:
L’Amandier Hotel Marrakesh, nestled in the stunning Atlas Mountains of Morocco, offers a soulful retreat that strips back common luxury trappings to create timeless, authentic experiences. The property features a boutique hotel with six suites, 13 rental villas, an on-site spa opened in 2017, and an extensive activities and hospitality program—all designed to honor the local environment and culture.
Hein's Method:
As Pre-Opening General Manager, I oversaw every aspect of quality and service. I led the pre-opening of 13 villas, a 6-suite hotel, and a 50-seat restaurant, introducing a sustainable culinary concept by collaborating with local villages for fresh ingredients and supporting a French chef. By implementing cloud-based reporting for London stakeholders and guiding a local team of 15, I ensured operational transparency, excellence, and a balance between luxury and local traditions.
The Result:
This strategic leadership fostered a culturally authentic guest experience, blending modern hospitality standards with Moroccan heritage and sustainable practices. The focus on detail, cultural integration, and innovative technology positioned L’Amandier Hotel as a premier destination that delivers soulful, sensuous escapes while honoring the region’s rich traditions.
Montagne Alternative
Commeire . Switzerland
The Resort:
Montagne Alternative is a sustainable mountain lodge hotel nestled in the Valais region of the Swiss Alps. Comprising 30 rooms across 7 renovated barn-style chalets, this 28-room lodge (plus six meeting rooms) sits at an altitude of 1500 meters in the tranquil village of Commèire, home to only 11 inhabitants. The hotel offers a unique mountain guest experience focused on sustainability, harmony with nature, and a peaceful refuge from the modern world.
My Method:
As the full-time Hotel Manager/Director of Operations, I integrated food & beverage services with guest rooms to create a modern, sustainable hotel operation. I was responsible for 24/7 operational oversight, managing a team of 12 associates, compiling monthly reports for the owner, preparing the 2015 budget, and planning seasonal staffing. I organized corporate and team-building events, implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs), and developed training programs in line with Swiss regulations and B Corp standards. Notably, I spearheaded the hotel’s journey to become the first B Corp-certified hotel in Switzerland in 2014.
The Result:
My leadership ensured the successful operation of Montagne Alternative through both summer and winter seasons, fostering a positive and productive team culture. By prioritizing sustainability and exceptional guest service, I enhanced the lodge’s reputation as a tranquil mountain refuge. The implementation of rigorous SOPs, effective training, and sustainable practices not only elevated the guest experience but also cemented the hotel’s standing as a pioneer in sustainable hospitality in Switzerland.
Ijseldelta Centre
Lummen . The Netherlands
The Facility:
The Ijsseldelta Centre is a unique joint venture between Soccer Club PEC Zwolle and Hotel Lummen in the Netherlands. It features 25 meeting rooms spanning over 1200 square meters, a full-service event center with accompanying food & beverage operations, and proximity to the PEC Zwolle soccer stadium, which can seat up to 15,500 visitors. With over 120 permanent staff, the simple goal was to create a solid, flexible, and profitable enterprise unlike any other.
My Method:
As Manager of Operations, I was tasked with leading a strategic reorganization of this multifaceted facility on a tight budget. I steered the transformation of the conference and event center—adjacent to a 127-room hotel and a 13,250-capacity stadium—into a financially healthy operation. Through long-range financial planning, innovative food engineering, and workforce flexibility, I rebuilt a leaner, more adaptable organization. By managing a dynamic team ranging from 25 to 150 employees, I established efficient processes and fostered cross-functional collaboration between partners.
The Result:
This strategic restructuring ensured operational excellence and profitability, positioning the Ijsseldelta Centre for sustainable future growth. The transformation blended quality service with financial resilience, creating a robust, flexible enterprise capable of adapting to evolving market demands while maintaining a high standard of hospitality and event service.
Four Points by Sheraton
Setif . Algeria
The Resort:
Four Points by Sheraton in Sétif, Algeria—a 191-room luxury hotel uniquely positioned atop Park Mall Setif—offers unmatched city views and world-class amenities. Guests can enjoy a 24-hour gym, two distinct restaurants (including an Italian tapas-style rooftop terrace), and four flexible meeting rooms accommodating up to 400 attendees. The hotel provides seamless access to shopping and is now known as Parkmall Hotel Setif, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.
My Method and Achievements:
As General Manager, I led the pre-opening of this complex property in a challenging Algerian market.
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Challenge: Managing the pre-opening of a 191-room luxury hotel, from recruitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
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Key Achievement: I successfully launched the property, introducing unique offerings such as a rooftop Italian restaurant and multifunctional event spaces, which quickly became hallmarks of the hotel.
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Team Development: Building and mentoring a high-performing team was a critical aspect of this role. It was incredibly rewarding to see the team embrace and deliver on our guest-centric philosophy.
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Pride Point: Navigating the complexities of a pre-opening project while setting a high standard for quality and innovation was one of the most rewarding challenges of my career.
I leveraged strategic planning, cultural adaptation, and innovative solutions to overcome operational complexities and assemble a strong, locally integrated team. My approach centered on effective team leadership, market understanding, and the seamless introduction of amenities that catered to diverse guest needs while preserving local charm.
The Result:
My leadership not only overcame market challenges but also positioned the hotel as a premier destination in the region. The strategic introduction of distinctive amenities, along with a high-performing team, set a new standard for excellence. Today, as Parkmall Hotel Setif, the property continues to thrive on operational excellence, innovative guest experiences, and a legacy of quality established during its successful pre-opening phase.
