Minor Hotels announces the appointment of new Hotel Managers and Executive Chef at their hotels in Zambia and Mozambique. The hotels welcome HM Longa Mulikelela, HM Beatrice Ellis, EC Tuwan Halikeen and GM Christian Sanchez. Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator, and investor with more than 540 hotels in 56 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas.

New Hotel Managers & Executive Chef in Zambia

Longa Mulikelela at Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls

The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara welcomes Longa Mulikelela as their new Hotel Manager.

With nearly 20 years of experience in hospitality management, Mulikelela is an award-winning professional known for his exceptional leadership. He holds qualifications from Cornell University, ACCA, UNICAF University Zambia, and The Hotel and Tourism Training Institute.

Mulikelela’s career includes senior roles at hotels across Africa, with expertise spanning hotel pre-opening, operations, revenue management, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects. As a member of the Institute of Hospitality and ACCA, he combines academic excellence with practical expertise.

Beatrice Ellis takes up her new role as the Hotel Manager of Avani Victoria Falls Resort.

Renowned for her customer-centric approach and operational brilliance, Beatrice has a stellar record in luxury hotels, resorts, and unique hospitality settings worldwide.

Her career includes roles at Mount Grace in South Africa, Anantara Dhigu Maldives, and the Prince of Wales Hotel in the UK. With Cornell University credentials in Business Strategy and Executive Leadership, she excels in boosting profitability and guest satisfaction.

Beatrice’s innovative initiatives, such as launching a sustainable garden for fresh, organic produce, have elevated guest experiences and promoted eco-friendly practices.

Known for her exceptional leadership and passion for hospitality, Beatrice is set to bring exciting new energy to Avani Victoria Falls Resort.

Beatrice Ellis at Avani Victoria Falls Resort
Tuwan Halikeen at Avani Victoria Falls Resort

Chef Tuwan Halikeen Mohamed takes up the position of Executive Chef at Avani Victoria Falls Resort.

With over 23 years of culinary excellence, Chef Tuwan brings a wealth of experience from some of the world’s 5-star and 7-star hotels. He brings a fresh perspective to Avani Victoria Falls Resort, emphasising the use of locally sourced ingredients and contemporary culinary techniques to create extraordinary dining experiences. Chef Tuwan honed his skills in environments, from Raffles and Fairmont in Doha, Qatar to Burj Al Arab in Dubai. His journey includes leading roles at the One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives and Uga Ulagalla in Sri Lanka.

Chef Tuwan is eager to infuse his culinary expertise into Avani Victoria Falls Resort. With a passion for learning and a commitment to excellence, he is set to elevate our Victoria Falls hotel.

Laurie Burr will continue to oversee both The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel By Anantara and Avani Victoria Falls Resort as Complex General Manager.

Elevating Hospitality in Mozambique

In Mozambique, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort Christian Sanchez has been appointed as our new General Manager.

With a background spanning Senegal, Portugal, and Spain, Christian is a seasoned hospitality professional with a multicultural perspective. Educated at the Les Roches Hotel School of Management in Switzerland, Christian launched his career with management training at Topnotch Resort & Spa in the USA, one of the top 10 ski resorts globally.

His career highlights include key roles at the Montauk Yacht Club in the Hamptons and with prestigious brands such as Accor, Melia, and Hilton. Christian has a passion for boutique hotels, notably driving Bella Luce Hotel to a top-three position in its first year as part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. His African ventures include managing the award-winning Zuri Zanzibar Resort.

Before taking up his new role at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, Christian excelled as the Resort Manager at Anantara Maia Seychelles. Now, he brings his leadership to Anantara Bazaruto, poised to enhance the resort’s guest experience on Bazaruto Island.

Christian Sanchez at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort

A New Era of Excellence

“We are excited to welcome these talented leaders to our team,” says Lindi Mthethwa, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing in Africa of Minor Hotels. “Their exceptional skills and passion for hospitality will undoubtedly enhance our guest experience and set new standards of service and culinary excellence in our Zambia and Mozambique properties. We are confident they will make a significant impact.”

These appointments underscore Minor Hotels’ commitment to driving innovation and excellence in hospitality. With this new leadership team in place, our hotels in Zambia and Mozambique will continue to lead in guest satisfaction and culinary creativity.

Avani Victoria Falls Resort
The Royal Livingstone Hotel
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort