JA Resorts & Hotels has appointed three senior leaders across its flagship destination, JA The Resort, reinforcing its long-standing people-led hospitality strategy.
Saskia Evraert joins as Hotel Manager of JA Palm Tree Court, Natalia Gecziova takes over as Hotel Manager of JA Lake View Hotel, and Joao Garcia has been named Executive Chef across JA Beach Hotel and JA Palm Tree Court.
The appointments come as the heritage UAE brand continues to evolve its leadership structure while preserving its four-decade legacy in resort hospitality.
Saskia Evraert to Lead JA Palm Tree Court
With more than 20 years of international hospitality experience, Saskia Evraert brings operational depth across city hotels, multi-property clusters and luxury resorts.
Originally from Germany, she began her career at Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel before moving to Dubai. She later held senior leadership roles at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre and within the wider Jumeirah portfolio.
At Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Evraert managed five hotels within the complex. The role required balancing operational scale with guest-centric service delivery.
At JA Palm Tree Court, she will focus on enhancing the property’s tranquil, spacious character while modernising guest experiences through collaborative leadership and team mentoring.
Natalia Gecziova to Elevate Luxury Service at JA Lake View Hotel
Natalia Gecziova assumes leadership of JA Lake View Hotel with a mandate to refine luxury service standards and strengthen operational consistency.
Her career spans Europe and the Middle East, including experience at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and cluster leadership roles with Hilton at Al Seef, overseeing Canopy, Curio Collection and Hampton by Hilton properties.
Most recently, she served as Hotel Manager at Studio One Hotel, where she oversaw full-spectrum operations. During her tenure, the hotel secured Green Key certification and the DET Sustainable Stamp, reflecting a stronger sustainability focus.
At JA Lake View Hotel, Gecziova will prioritise sports, wellness and lifestyle positioning while ensuring seamless integration within the wider JA ecosystem.
Joao Garcia to Strengthen Culinary Identity
Joao Garcia brings over two decades of culinary experience shaped by classical training and international exposure. A graduate of Culinary Institute of America and the Alain Ducasse School, he has worked in Michelin-recognised kitchens across Europe.
Earlier in his career, Garcia served as Group Executive Chef at Meraas. He most recently held the role of Executive Sous Chef at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, contributing to flagship beach dining concepts.
As Executive Chef across JA Beach Hotel and JA Palm Tree Court, Garcia will focus on culinary consistency, seasonal produce and team development, strengthening each property’s distinct dining identity.
Leadership Commentary
Rene D. Egle, Cluster General Manager of JA The Resort, noted that the appointments reflect the brand’s commitment to blending heritage with fresh perspectives.
JA Beach Hotel, the group’s original property, remains central to its story. However, continued relevance in today’s competitive hospitality landscape requires adaptive leadership and operational innovation.
A Legacy Brand With Global Footprint
Founded in 1981, JA Resorts & Hotels operates nine properties across the UAE, the Maldives and Scotland. In the Indian Ocean, the group manages JA Manafaru in Haa Alifu Atoll. In the UK, it operates JA Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort and JA The Bruntsfield.
The brand is also a member of the Global Hotel Alliance, whose GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme generated US$2.7 billion in member hotel revenue in 2024.
With new leadership across operations and culinary strategy, JA The Resort appears positioned to balance heritage hospitality with evolving guest expectations.
