Planhotel Hospitality Group has announced the promotion of Jaco Steenkamp to Cluster General Manager for the Maldives, now overseeing Diamonds Athuruga, Diamonds Thudufushi, and Sandies Bathala. This well-earned advancement recognizes Jaco’s consistent dedication, strong leadership, and his unwavering commitment to enhancing both guest experience and team culture across Planhotel properties.
Jaco, who joined the company in 2021 as General Manager at Diamonds Thudufushi, has made a significant impact on the Maldives team through his integrity, vision, and collaborative approach. With this new role, he steps into a unique opportunity to unite three distinct islands under one strategic vision, while preserving their individual character.
“It is an honour to take on the responsibility of overseeing Sandies Bathala alongside Thudufushi and Athuruga,” Jaco shared. “Each island has its own rhythm and charm, and I see this as a unique opportunity to build synergies while celebrating their individual identities. It feels incredibly rewarding to be entrusted with shaping the guest journey and Team culture across three very different yet complementary properties.”
His approach to leadership is grounded in clarity, consistency, and purpose.His main priorities in this expanded role include strengthening operational consistency, elevating service delivery through team empowerment, and implementing sustainable practices that support long-term resilience. He is especially focused on enhancing inter-island collaboration, boosting guest satisfaction, and nurturing a sense of purpose and pride within each team.
Of the three properties, Sandies Bathala presents a particularly exciting challenge. “Bathala is authentic and unpretentious, offering a beautiful simplicity that appeals to divers and adventure seekers,” he said. “It has an incredible house reef, and there is great potential to grow its appeal through curated marine experiences, lean luxury touches, and its vibrant Team culture. My goal is to foster Bathala’s identity as a barefoot, experience-rich destination while uplifting the Guest journey without losing its soul.”
His leadership style is deeply rooted in servant leadership. He believes in empowering team players by giving them the tools and confidence to excel, and values integrity, humility, and accountability in every layer of management. “Each island team has its own heartbeat, and I aim to listen, learn, and lead with intention, creating a culture where innovation, care, and ownership thrive. My philosophy is simple: lead with purpose, stay grounded, and always place our Guests and Team experience at the centre.”
Looking ahead, guests can expect thoughtful, personalized stays that reflect the unique spirit of each destination—from the refined elegance of Thudufushi to the natural charm of Athuruga and the untamed energy of Bathala. “Together, we are building destinations that don’t just deliver holidays, but unforgettable memories and experiences,” he concluded.
