In January 2019, the separation of LIR and TLC became effective, with the Mauritius Regional office Team as well as office spaces, clearly differentiated between both entities. The change has been very smooth for both sides, and the 2 teams continue to enjoy the conviviality of commonly shared facilities. In parallel, we completed the move to the new Global HQ in Singapore, and today the small dedicated team of 7 people (including 2 Admin), is fully in place.

With this new structure, the focus on significantly growing the business as well as elevating the guest experience within all our TLC-branded portfolio, continues to be the core of our attention. The introduction of regular EXCOM meetings between Mauritius & Singapore, chaired by the CEO, and covering all areas of the business, commenced on 8 January 2019, the second one being on 29 January, and offers a useful platform for sharing & discussion, ensuring at the same time close monitoring. January also saw the completion of the individual Objectives Review with all Executives reporting to the CEO, and a follow up is planned for April.

On the Development front, the Global Development Team is in place and the focus continues to be on executing new management contracts on high quality projects and bringing the projects currently in the pipeline to successful opening. In addition, different functional departments’ support has been integrated to create a TLC repository of growth-related master documents, to be used at various stages of a deal process, from pitching to opening. The toolkit will include TLC Development Book, Product Guidelines across the different brands, Pre-opening checklists, as well as Operational, Technical and Service standards. Development is actively working on establishing a healthy deal flow to pursue globally. The first half of the year should lead us to the execution of several MOU’s. The whole Development team is excited and optimistic in growing TLC’s brand distribution.

NEW OPENING – LUX*

The much-anticipated opening of our 2nd Maldives property, LUX* North Male Atoll, is now open! The whole team is 100% geared up to welcome our first guests on 1st February 2019, and the hotel is already fully booked just 3 days later. The average occupancy for the first month is currently at 60% and guests are paying an average of $1400 per room to stay at the resort (including HB). We expect to reach financial targets for February and the first quarter. Bookings are mainly from China, followed by Russia, UK and our other traditional markets. We expect LNMA to become a new benchmark in the Maldivian resort sector thanks to its unique design and the branded recognizable LUX* Shining service.

The #firstontheisland event held from 26-29 January, was a great success. It was hosted by Alesha Dixon, with the presence of over 55 social media celebrity influencers and VIP press from all key markets. The LNMA Instagram account has already reached 100,000 fans even prior to the hotel’s official opening, far exceeding any of our other Instagram channels! Pictures from the event can be seen at https://www.firstontheisland.com

SALT

SALT was in London on 25th January, with 20 partners & journalists invited by Nitesh for a brunch at Bourne & Hollingsworth Garden Room, during which a presentation of SALT was done.

The response and interest from all our Trade partners continue to be extremely positive and we are happy to report that SALT of Palmar is already ranked within the Top 3 on Trip Advisor, within only 3 months of operations.  We are close to signing a second SALT property in China.

TAMASSA

Tamassa Bel Ombre will be closed as planned on 15 May 2019 for 4 months, with all 214 rooms as well as the SHOW restaurant to be renovated. The flooring at the Lobby, Bar, Teens club and Spa Arrival Area will all be refreshed, and we expect to re-open on 15 Sept 2019.

We are close to signing a new Management Contract for a second Tamassa branded resort, on the west coast of Mauritius, in Flic-en-Flac. We are currently reviewing the number of keys and the area allocation.

SOCIO

We are happy to share that we have successfully registered the brand in Europe, and it is now a European Trademark. We continue to be actively engaged with the owner of the first Socio property to open in Trianon and remain confident that we will create the most exciting and innovative Urban hotels in Mauritius.

These are exciting times ahead for all of us at TLC and we are thankful for the tremendous support from all our stakeholders, and in particular from our Board of Directors, as we continue relentlessly on our Company’s growth journey.

Thank you.

Paul Jones – CEO at LUX* Resorts & Hotels