PATINA MALDIVES, FARI ISLANDS ANNOUNCESANTONIO SAPONARA AS NEW GENERAL MANAGER
Seasoned luxury hospitality management professional and operations
maestro takes the helm at Patina Maldives.
Following its first anniversary, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands has confirmed
the appointment of seasoned hospitality professional Antonio Saponara
as its new general manager. With an impressive track record of managing
flagship hotels for luxury brands including Aman, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts,
Jumeirah and Ritz-Carlton, the gregarious Neapolitan will use his extensive
experience, clarity of vision and sure-footed mastery of hotel operations toshape Patina Maldives as it matures through its second year and beyond.
“It is a tremendous privilege to have been entrusted with the stewardshipof one of the most inspiring, forward-thinking pioneers of next-gen
Maldives hospitality; I am excited to bring fresh impetus as Patina
Maldives embraces the next stage of its perpetual journey to positively
impact people and place.” - Antonio Saponara
After starting out in Food and Beverage Operations, Antonio moved toPhuket, Thailand to take up the role of Executive Assistant Manager ofAman flagship Amanpuri, Phuket, overseeing operations and launching a
new restaurant in partnership with two Michelin star Chef Naoki Okumura,
before taking over as Hotel Manager in 2008. After his time at Amanpuri,Antonio joined The Surin Phuket as General Manager, renovating theresort with famed architect Ed Tuttle and relaunching it following acomplete rebranding and repositioning exercise.

info.maldives@patinahotels.com
www.patinahotels.com/maldives@patinamaldives@patinamaldivesFollowing his experience in Thailand, Antonio moved on to China,
joining The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong and later stepping up as
the opening General Manager of the Bulgari Hotel Beijing. Remarkably,
Antonio achieved profitability for Bulgari Hotel Beijing within the firstmonth of operation, maintaining an unprecedented level of colleague
and guest satisfaction throughout his tenure - including in 2020,
despite the onset of Covid-19.
Prior to joining Capella Hotel Group, Antonio was the pre-opening
General Manager of Bulgari Hotel & Residences Moscow, slated toopen in December 2022
END

ABOUT PATINA HOTELS & RESORTS
Patina Hotels & Resorts is the latest hospitality concept from Capella
Hotel Group. Born out of guests’ desire to honour individuality,
Patina appeals to a new generation of travellers who seek deeper
connections with themselves and the world around them. The humancentred design flows with the natural modes people are in, gently andintuitively providing for each guest’s individual needs, ensuring that notwo stays are exactly the same. A five-star, sophisticated lifestyle brand,Patina Maldives, Fari Islands will be the first launch, with a property
in development in Ubud, Bali and opportunities in China, Japan andSoutheast Asia also being pursued.
ABOUT FARI ISLANDS
Fari Islands is an elevated Maldivian resort experience that celebrates
nature, craft and connection. A Pontiac Land Group development
anchored by three world-class hospitality brands, Fari Islands is locatedin the North Malé Atoll within the Maldives, a 45-minute luxury boattransfer from Malé International Airport. The archipelago also features
the picturesque Fari Marina Village, built around a vibrant BeachClub, charming boutiques and a selection of handpicked, upscale
food and beverage options. Spaces have been masterfully designedby renowned architects from Studio MK27 (by Marcio Kogan), Kengo
Kuma & Associates, and Kerry Hill Architects, to bring about adelicate balance of serene and social. One of the islands is home to athoughtful hospitality campus; Fari Campus is a dedicated island forstaff with a focus on community, education, and engagement, and is
the first of its kind in the Maldives.

For further press information or images
on Patina Hotels & Resorts, please contact:
Luann Alphonso (luann.alphonso@patinahotels.com)
Zainab Shihab (zainab.shihab@patinahotels.com)
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands
Fari Veli Huraa
North Malé Atoll, 20026