There are leaders who manage hotels, and then there are leaders who reshape them. Since arriving in El Quseir in 2018, our TOP 100 Hotel General Managers of the World, 2025 winner, Mr. Alec De Wieuw, has done far more than guide Mövenpick Resort El Quseir through renovations, expansions, and strategic upgrades;  he has reconceived what a responsible Red Sea resort can be. Alec stepped into a destination rich in heritage and ecological beauty, and with equal parts courage and care, transformed it into Egypt’s benchmark for sustainable luxury.

Mövenpick Resort El Quseir today feels like a living expression of Alec’s philosophy: beauty should never cost the planet, and hospitality should honor its community. The resort’s achievements speak volumes — 13 consecutive years of Green Globe Platinum status, the International Sustainability Award 2025, recognition from Safe Hotels, and an impressive collection of guest satisfaction awards from Booking.com, TUI, Hotels.com, and more.

Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, leads our interview, bringing over 17 years of expertise from the Luxury Lifestyle Awards and deep insight into the evolving world of luxury.

Alexander Chetchikov: Alec, you inherited a resort with strong foundations but immense potential. Can you take us back to 2018 and describe the moment you realized what Mövenpick El Quseir could become under your leadership?

Alec De Wieuw: When I first arrived in El Quseir, I felt an immediate connection to the place. There was a genuine charm in the architecture, the landscape, and the warmth of the people. Nothing about it felt forced. It had an honesty that is rare to find in the industry today. I remember thinking that this resort did not need dramatic change. It simply needed someone to polish what was already beautiful and bring forward its true identity. I saw an opportunity to celebrate its heritage, elevate the guest experience, and let the authenticity of El Quseir shine. That moment stayed with me and guided every decision that followed.

AC: Many leaders avoid renovations that risk operational disruptions — yet you completed a full property transformation without closing the resort. What strategic decisions or leadership principles made this possible?

ADW: A renovation of this scale is only possible when everyone works together with the same goal in mind. We planned it very carefully, always asking what the guests would feel and how we could protect their experience. We divided the work into phases and aligned it with the natural rhythm of the season to keep things smooth. The team knew exactly what was happening and why. Regular conversations, transparency, and celebrating small wins kept the spirit high. What made it work was trust. Everyone trusted the process, and I trusted the team. Our guests continued to enjoy their stay, and sometimes they even became curious supporters of the journey.

AC: The resort’s evolution toward wellness is inspiring. What personal experiences or philosophies influenced your decision to introduce yoga platforms, a racket center, and a renewed focus on holistic wellbeing?

ADW: El Quseir has a calming energy. It is the kind of place where you naturally breathe a little slower. I have always believed that a holiday should not only be enjoyable but also restore something in you. The yoga platforms were created to bring guests closer to the serenity of the sea and the desert. The racket center came from the idea that well-being also comes from joy, movement, and friendly competition. Wellness is not a trend for us. It reflects how we want people to feel when they are here: balanced, connected, and refreshed.

AC: Geb’s Garden has become a defining feature, but a storytelling element for the resort. What does “farm-to-fork” mean to you personally, and how has this initiative reshaped the guest experience?

ADW: Geb’s Garden represents our belief in simplicity and authenticity. For me, farm to fork means respecting the land, growing with intention, and sharing that story with our guests. What began as a garden has evolved into a full organic farm and craft center that goes far beyond food. Today, Geb’s Garden is home to our beehives managed by a local beekeeper who supplies all the organic honey to the hotel, a composting machine that transforms the little food waste we produce into fertilizer for the farm, and our growing animal family—from goats that will soon allow us to produce homemade goat cheese to our cage-free chickens, whose farmer is preparing to supply 100% of the hotel’s egg needs. The crafts center has become another cornerstone of this vision, hiring and training local talent in the art of pottery and giving them the skills to build their own future businesses. Guests can experience this firsthand in our pottery workshop, where they learn from local artisans and shape their own piece of art. It’s an experience that connects everything: guests pick vegetables in the morning, taste them at lunch, and spend the afternoon creating something with their own hands. It brings them closer to the land, to the community, and to the essence of who we are—offering a memory that stays long after their stay.

AC: Sustainability awards often recognize long-term commitment, but yours reflect ambition, innovation, and measurable results. Which sustainability achievement feels like the clearest reflection of your values and why?

ADW: Eliminating single-use plastics is the achievement that means the most to me. It forced us to rethink long-held habits and find new ways of working that were kinder to the environment. We introduced filtration systems, refillable amenities, and completely changed how we looked at waste. It required determination and collaboration, and I am proud of how our team embraced it. Our long stretch of Green Globe Platinum certification feels like a confirmation that sustainability is not a project here; it is a mindset. It reflects who we are and what we want to stand for.

AC: With more than 90% of your team recruited locally, it’s clear you believe in nurturing regional talent. What have you learned from the people of El Quseir, and how has their heritage shaped the resort’s identity?

ADW: The people of El Quseir have taught me the true meaning of genuine hospitality. Their kindness and pride come naturally and create the warm atmosphere our guests feel the moment they arrive. Their traditions and stories influence every aspect of the resort, from the way we welcome guests to the cultural touches in our experiences. The community is not separate from the resort; it is part of it. Investing in local talent has shaped our identity in the most beautiful way. It brings authenticity and heart to everything we do.

AC: Guest satisfaction at Mövenpick El Quseir consistently ranks among the highest in the region. If you had to name one “non-negotiable” standard that sets your guest experience apart, what would it be?

ADW: Genuine care. That is the foundation of everything. Our guests should feel that we are not just serving them but truly looking after them. We encourage our team to connect naturally, to be present, and to listen. There are no scripts, just sincerity. When guests feel that warmth, they feel at home. Many return year after year, and that loyalty is the greatest reward we could ask for.

AC: Looking toward 2030, your sustainability roadmap is ambitious. Can you share an upcoming initiative or project that excites you personally, something that represents the next era of responsible hospitality at El Quseir?

ADW: What excites me most for 2026 is seeing 6 months of hard work come to life. Over the past months, we have conducted an in-depth study on how to significantly improve the resort’s energy efficiency and reduce our carbon emissions. This has resulted in major investments, primarily in upgrading our HVAC systems and installing new photovoltaic cells. If our projections hold true, these upgrades will reduce our overall energy consumption by up to 50%. The installation is planned to be completed in April 2026, and I’m particularly eager to begin measuring the real performance data. For me, this marks the beginning of a new era of responsible hospitality at El Quseir—one where sustainability is not an add-on, but a measurable, transformative part of how we operate.

Our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Alec De Wieuw for sharing his insight, passion, and unwavering belief that hospitality can uplift both people and place. His work continues to set a global benchmark for responsible luxury.

Experience the destination shaped by Alec’s vision, where Red Sea heritage, eco-conscious design, and genuine warmth redefine luxury.
Discover Mövenpick Resort El Quseir:
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