A glimpse into the lives of female hospitality heroes around the world as we celebrate International Women’s Day

In honor of International Women’s Day 2022, we celebrate the beautiful, powerful energy of all women and the tremendous role they play on this planet. On this special day, we honor the female hospitality heroes, each performing unique and inspiring roles at various hotels around the world. From caring for wildlife, trailblazing in the dining scene or bringing ancient practices to the present day, Anantara Hotels & Resorts celebrates and honors women today and every day.

Emilia Fulgido, Marine Biologist and Sustainability Manager

“Since I started my career as an enthusiast marine biologist, I have always been committed to conservation and sustainability. My background is wide and various, but science and nature have always been a constant in my life,” shared Emilia Fulgido, marine biologist and sustainability manager at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort and Naladhu Private Island Maldives.

“In my role as Sustainability Manager, I oversee biodiversity preservation related projects like coral reef restoration as well as sustainability programs like waste management and environmental initiative implementations, in a very holistic approach. Immersed in the Maldivian paradise, I can start my day with a dive at our coral nurseries for collecting data or planting some new corals and end it with an interesting chat with guests while enjoying the sunset at the Marine Corner. I share my passion to create progress together and inspire care for the planet.”

– Emilia Fulgido, Marine Biologist & Sustainability Manager at Anantara Veli & Dhigu Maldives Resorts

Ashton Ballakistin, Activities Supervisor

Since joining Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara four years ago, Ashton has been part of the team caring for the resort’s herd of camels as well as leading desert excursions such as safari drives, fat biking and camel trekking for guests to explore the majestic Liwa Desert.

Ashton is the only female guide in the department. She also acts as a job coach, assisting and training new team members who all live on site, in the middle of the desert.

A South African native, Ashton said, “Life in the desert is never lonely or boring. Every day brings new challenges as well as incredible rewards. Desert trekking or Berber culture has been considered a male lifestyle for centuries and generations, but I love to put my own spin and bring a fresh perspective for guests seeking to experience a taste of this culture today.”

– Ashton Ballakistin, Activities Supervisor at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Dr. Nissa and Khun Ou, Elephant Experts

Taking care of the gentle giant residents at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort are Dr. Nissa Mututanont, Head Elephant Veterinarian, and Laddawan Yonthantham (Ou), Elephant Camp Manager.

“I’m proud to be part of a very strong team of female vets and scientists in Thailand, improving the lives of Thai elephants through direct veterinary treatment and leading the world in pushing forward our scientific understanding of their needs,” said Dr. Nissa.

“As a female leader in a male dominated world, it’s satisfying to be breaking stereotypes both in my role as Elephant Camp Manager and leading conservation projects for the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation,” added Khun Ou.

travel-asia-now-Dr Nissa & Khun Ou, Elephant Experts at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort — *Dr. Nissa and Khun Ou, Elephant Experts at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort*

Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Nissa & Khun Ou worked around the clock despite restrictions and closures to care for the elephants in residence, even fostering three homeless elephants.

Maren Kuehl, General Manager

Maren Kuehl has just been appointed as General Manager at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, the highest luxury resort in the Middle East and amongst the highest in the world.

“I feel honored to have been appointed General Manager at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort. The possibilities for combining uncompromising luxury with bold ambitions in sustainability and guest wellness presents opportunities I am eager to pursue. The addition of a water bottling plant and drive to better manage waste, particularly to reduce plastic waste, are initiatives I consider the essential responsibility of luxury resorts around the world. A responsibility which is particularly apparent in a beautiful and unspoiled landscape such as the fabled green mountains of Oman.”

–Maren Kuehl, General Manager at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

Nutawan Jumpanak (Khun Nuch), Head Sommelier

“In its own unique way, wine has more personality than any other drinks, there is wine at every occasion and celebration, wine can also enhance every dining experience and conversation. For me, there is always happiness when wine is involved,” said Khun Nuch, Anantara Siam Bangkok’s first female Head Sommelier.

travel-asia-now-female-hospitality-heroes-Anantara Siam Bangkok’s First Female Head Sommelier

For the past decade, Khun Nuch, has been finessing her knowledge and skills in the world of wine and has been part of Thailand’s emerging wine making movement. Khun Nuch is now one of the leading female sommeliers in Thailand and organizes high profile events to celebrate women in wine in Thailand, uniting female sommeliers from across Bangkok at wine paring dining events hosted at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.

– Nutawan Jumpanak (Khun Nuch), Anantara Siam Bangkok’s First Female Head Sommelier

Ibu Jero, Balinese High Priestess

Ibu Jero is a native Balinese healer at Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort offering traditional therapies combined with the wisdom of both Asian and Western ideology. Fifth in a long line of Balinese healers, she brings the extensive knowledge and experience of her ancestors to bear on her enlightening work. Ibu Jero offers a channel between the spiritual and our physical selves, and her power is rare, being one of only a few High Priestesses in Bali. Following a life-threatening experience, Ibu Jero devoted herself to spirituality.

“The human being is a complex system of mind, emotions, spirit, body and soul. When we want true healing and liberation to occur, we need to go deeply into each level.”

Ibu Jero’s ability to act as a channel for healing energies to flow through is greatly influenced from her ancestors.