Page 158 - Masala Weddings in Thailand 2019

ASK THE EXPER TS

"It’s vital to listen, truly listen to
the wedding couple, their families

and their guests to ensure
maximum satisfaction."

What is the most difficult aspect of an Indian wedding?
How do you cope with it?
Often, we receive multiple and simultaneous requests
from many sides of the family. To deal with this politely
and efficiently, we usually suggest that the wedding
planner be the main point of contact, so that conflicting
ideas can be settled with ease.
John O’Shea What was the biggest Indian wedding you
accommodated?
We hosted the largest Indian wedding in Thailand’s
Managing Director of Cordis Resort and Villas history this last December, which involved 1,300 guests!
and Splash Beach Resort, Mai Khao. Needless to say, our 615 rooms were fully booked. While
we have had these big fat Bollywood weddings, we have
John O’Shea started his career in the hospitality industry also accommodated beautiful medium-sized ceremonies.
in 1984 in a managerial position at the Sheraton Brisbane
Hotel. He went on to work in leading positions at Sheraton Have you ever had any unusual requests from the
properties around the world, including places like Fiji, wedding couple?
Alice Springs, Labuan, Wuxi, Phuket, Tokyo and Shanghai. Once, we were asked to plant 20 trees to replace every
Due to his excellent performance, he was promoted to tree we needed to cut or trim for the events.
Asia Pacific Sheraton Brand Committee Leader, Brand
Champion, and was eventually appointed as the General What attracts Indian couples to Splash Beach Resort?
Manager of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Shanghai Pudong A variety of things. We are located very close to the Phuket
Property. In 2012, he was given charge of Langham airport, enabling a convenient and easy transfer experience
Hospitality Group's flagship property in China. He now for guests. We are situated directly on the beachfront on
works in Phuket as the Managing Director of Cordis Mai Khao, which offers magnificent sunsets. We have no

Resort and Villas and Splash Beach Resort, Mai Khao. noise restrictions, so the party can continue through the
night. We provide a huge variety of indoor and outdoor
spaces, ensuring that the wedding stays fresh and exciting
How does your team ensure a successful as the days go on; one of our most popular features is our
Indian wedding? in-house Splash Jungle Water Park, providing a thrilling
Flexibility is the key to having a great wedding. It’s vital setting for pool parties. Most of all, our staff are flexible and

to listen, truly listen to the wedding couple, their families dedicated, so guests are sure to have a bespoke experience
and their guests to ensure maximum satisfaction. that exceeds expectations.
However, it’s also important to lead the dance – we try
to make decisions and suggestions that are impressive Do you have any absolute no-nos at your hotel regarding
and memorable. Indian weddings?
Anything goes!

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