Welcome to our exclusive interview with Gary Warnock, the esteemed General Manager of The RIYAZ Lavanya Langkawi. With over two decades of international experience in the hospitality industry, Gary’s leadership and visionary approach have been instrumental in steering some of the world’s most luxurious hotels to new heights. Join us as we delve into Gary’s journey, his insights on effective management, and the secrets behind the opulent success of The RIYAZ Lavanya Langkawi. 

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Gary, can you share with us your journey in the hospitality industry and how it led you to The RIYAZ Lavanya Langkawi? 

Gary Warnock: I started working in the hotel industry in China, where I spent 10 years moving around and developing new properties for the (then) Starwood group and IHG, to name a couple. I was then asked by the RIYAZ group to open their new hotel in Vietnam, which I managed for 3 years, only to be halted by the onslaught of COVID-19. I was then asked to move to Langkawi to oversee the final completion of The RIYAZ Lavanya Langkawi, where we are today. 

LLA: You’ve managed luxury properties in various countries. How do cultural differences influence your management style and approach? 

GW: My management style hasn’t changed that much, to be honest. It’s about treating other people, whether they be guests or staff, as I would want to be treated. Respect and honesty are the simple answers. Total transparency and being a mentor to anyone who wants to develop themselves into a better hotelier and person in general. 

LLA: The RIYAZ Lavanya Langkawi recently won the Luxury Lifestyle Award for Best Luxury Lifestyle Hotel in Malaysia. What do you believe sets this property apart from others in the region? 

GW: We are a brand-new property with an eclectic style. Our large all-king bedded rooms are the envy of others and set a new standard to be followed. Our pool deck on the roof offers some of the most amazing views, and the sunsets are to die for. DJ music on weekends and cool drinks are the order of the day up there. 

LLA: Effective communication and vision are central to your leadership style. Can you elaborate on how you implement these principles in your daily operations? 

GW: It’s all about inclusiveness. To achieve a goal, you need to have buy-in from the staff who are actually going to deliver the product. 

LLA: How do you approach mentoring and coaching up-and-coming managers in the hospitality industry? 

GW: During the bi-annual review process, I identify individuals who want to move up and learn more skills. If I can help, I allocate time for them each week to complete a structured plan, so all their learnings can be documented. 

LLA: What challenges have you faced while managing different 5-star properties, and how did you overcome them? 

GW: All challenges have solutions, and those who are prepared to go the extra step and think outside the box will usually come up with the answer. 

LLA: Can you tell us about a particularly memorable experience or achievement during your time at The RIYAZ Lavanya Langkawi? 

GW: I think it was achieving a record high occupancy of 89% for the month of July. I really got the feeling that business was starting to gain traction, and our future was looking promising. 

LLA: Looking ahead, what are your plans and aspirations for The RIYAZ Lavanya Langkawi, and how do you envision its future in the luxury hospitality sector? 

GW: I plan to build on the already great customer feedback we’ve received and lead the hotel to a new level of sophistication and opulence that such a development deserves. 

Conclusion: 

Thank you, Gary, for sharing your invaluable insights and experiences with us. Your dedication to excellence and passion for hospitality are truly inspiring. We look forward to witnessing the continued success and innovation at The RIYAZ Lavanya Langkawi under your exceptional leadership.