On January 22, 2024, Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) is elevating Malaysia’s hospitality sector with the opening of PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort, its first contemporary upscale property in Alor Gajah, Melaka.This launch marks PPHG’s third resort in Malaysia and represents a significant milestone, expanding its portfolio to six properties nationwide.
Set amidst lush tropical gardens and just a 45-minute drive from the city’s UNESCO Heritage site, PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort introduces a new era of hospitality.The resort invites guests to immerse themselves in authentic local culture through a variety of activities and collaborations inspired by Melaka’s vibrant heritage.
Join us as we explore this charming resort in an exclusive conversation with the general manager, Anthony Quin.
On January 22, 2024, Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) is elevating Malaysia’s hospitality sector with the opening of PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort, its first contemporary upscale property in Alor Gajah, Melaka.This launch marks PPHG’s third resort in Malaysia and represents a significant milestone, expanding its portfolio to six properties nationwide.
Set amidst lush tropical gardens and just a 45-minute drive from the city’s UNESCO Heritage site, PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort introduces a new era of hospitality.The resort invites guests to immerse themselves in authentic local culture through a variety of activities and collaborations inspired by Melaka’s vibrant heritage.
Join us as we explore this charming resort in an exclusive conversation with the general manager, Anthony Quin.
Can you briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Anthony Quin, and I am the General Manager at the PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort. I’m 53 years young, Australian born and bred, happily married with two wonderful young sons.
I embarked on my journey in the hospitality industry right after finishing school. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in eight different countries, including New Zealand, Canada, Qatar, Dubai, Vietnam, China, and now Malaysia.
Prior to my current role, I managed the PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort for a brief period and the PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Hanoi, Vietnam. I am now proud to be here in Malaysia, continuing my career as the General Manager of this esteemed resort.
What aspects of Melaka’s rich historical heritage resonate with you the most?
The first aspect that comes to mind is Melaka’s rich Peranakan multicultural history, which is prominently exemplified by its unique and authentic Nyonya cuisine. Known for its aromatic, spicy, and herbal flavours, Nyonya cuisine represents a fusion of Chinese ingredients with Malay spices and local cooking methods, a tradition influenced by Chinese immigrants since the 15th century. This culinary heritage remains vibrant today, and at our Spice Brasserie, we proudly showcase a variety of these traditional dishes, inviting guests to experience the rich culinary tapestry of Melaka first-hand.
The vibrant Peranakan colours, including yellows, golds, and pinks, are elegantly reflected throughout the PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort. The architecture, characterized by its straight lines, resonates with this heritage, and becomes apparent as soon as you enter the resort.
Furthermore, our menus are infused with Nonya influences, featuring ingredients like shrimp chili paste, ginger, and shallots. I am confident that when guests dine at Spice Brasserie, they will appreciate the harmonious blend of Nonya and Chinese culinary traditions, resulting in a unique and delightful dining experience.
What influenced Pan Pacific Hotels Group to choose Simpang Ampat, Alor Gajah, Melaka, as the location for expansion?
The foremost reason for our location choice is its alignment with PARKROYAL’s core value of providing an authentic gateway to local experiences. Melaka, with its UNESCO World Heritage status, rich blend of cultures, diverse cuisine, vibrant street art, and historical influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and Peranakan ascendancy, is a compelling destination for those seeking a unique and immersive travel experience.
The prime location offers easy access to Melaka’s main attractions and tourist destinations, including the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, making it highly sought-after. The resort, in its first phase, has already opened with 213 rooms, and we plan to add another 200 rooms by the end of this year.
Nestled within tropical gardens and a 27-hole championship golf course designed by R.C. Watson, the 213-key resort is an excellent choice for both corporate and family travellers. Guests can enjoy a peaceful stay while having the option to play nine holes in the morning and another nine in the afternoon.
What unique features distinguish PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort from its competitors in the local and international markets?
First and foremost, our commitment to service excellence is paramount, characterised by genuine service from the heart. Our associates are dedicated to providing top-notch service, always accompanied by a sincere smile.
One of our standout features is our Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 700 guests in banquet style. It is one of the largest venues of its kind in Melaka. Additionally, our all-day dining restaurant caters perfectly to families, while our YA YUEN specialty Chinese Restaurant serves both local and corporate clientele. With seven private dining rooms, YA YUEN offers a distinct experience that sets us apart from competitors.
Furthermore, our resort’s facilities cater to both corporate and leisure markets. For corporate guests, we offer a club lounge, while families can enjoy our kids’ room, playground, and a separate kids’ pool area complete with two water slides.
As an international brand under the Pan Pacific Hotels Group, PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort marks its first property in Melaka and is one of six in Malaysia. We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of our award-winning Suasana Spa in July, further elevating our appeal to local and international guests. Embracing local culture and traditions, we are committed to giving back to the community.
How does PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort cater to the needs of both business and leisure travellers?
We offer comprehensive facilities under one roof for both business and leisure travellers, including family getaways.
For corporate travellers, our Club Rooms and Premier Suite provide premium accommodation, combining comfort with additional benefits and a unique experience at our Club Lounge. Corporate guests can enjoy a hassle-free check-in, unwind in their rooms, and then return to the Club Lounge for evening cocktails. This semi-private area allows for flexibility in conducting small meetings or online conferences, which are increasingly common. Additionally, corporate travellers can enjoy breakfast and check-out services in the Club Lounge.
For leisure travellers, especially families and couples, we offer a variety of flexible room options, including numerous interconnecting family rooms that are popular with leisure guests. Families will particularly enjoy our swimming pool, 24-hour gym, kids’ room, outdoor playground, and dedicated kids’ pool area with water slides. We also have daily activities organised by our recreational department to ensure children are entertained and several activities for the whole family.
Our resort is conveniently located near A’Famosa Water World and A’Famosa Safari Wonderland, both just a five-minute drive away. Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Freeport A’Famosa Outlet and Coach Airways, which offer excellent shopping opportunities.
Finally, our loyalty program, Discovery, offers a range of benefits, including complimentary upgrades to the next room category, depending on your tier status. We encourage all guests to become Discovery members to take full advantage of these benefits when staying at PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort.
How do you identify and develop talent within your team to ensure exceptional service delivery?
Identifying talent can sometimes be challenging, so we have several programmes in place to help us recognise and nurture it. Every new staff member at PARKROYAL undergoes a comprehensive three-day orientation that emphasises our core values.
For me, the key is simple: every associate must provide genuine service from the heart. This philosophy is instilled from the top down, and if asked about their job, I want every team member to respond that they are here to provide heartfelt service, regardless of whether they work in housekeeping, food and beverage, or front office.
While I can’t teach someone to have a genuine passion for service, it’s a quality that naturally aligns with a career in hospitality. To support this, we offer numerous online training programmes and opportunities for our talented associates to gain experience at our sister properties in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. For instance, our front office manager recently completed a Discovery Course in Singapore. Each associate undergoes evaluations at three months, six months, and twelve months, allowing us to identify areas for further development.
I strongly believe in promoting from within and ensure all job vacancies are posted internally first. This practice fosters a sense of growth and opportunity within the property. Additionally, we organise frequent motivational workshops and grooming classes to prepare them mentally and physically.
Our hotel opened on January 22, 2024, and I feel incredibly blessed by the dedication of our pre-opening and opening teams. Their support has been crucial to our success, and we have exceeded many expectations. I want to personally thank my team for their hard work and commitment.
What are your priorities and strategies for advancing the resort in the coming months?
My top priority is to establish PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort as the number one international five-star resort in Melaka by focusing on sales and marketing, intensive training, and improving our food and beverage quality and standards.
To achieve this, clear communication is essential. I ensure that my team understands our goals and how to reach them. I strongly support cross-training and exposing key staff to our sister properties in Malaysia, allowing them to gain valuable knowledge and skills that can be implemented here to enhance the guest experience.
I believe that if we prioritise everything for the guests, we cannot go wrong. Our focus on guest satisfaction will help solidify our reputation as the premier international five-star resort in Melaka.
Additionally, we must ensure that phase two of our development remains on schedule. This includes adding another 200 rooms, featuring eight themed family rooms with unique decorations such as aquarium, space, and jungle themes. I am particularly excited about these upcoming room categories and the enhanced experiences they will offer our guests.
Moving forward, we aim to win local and international awards, gaining recognition as one of the top-notch resorts in the world.
What is your vision for the future of the resort, and what legacy do you aim to leave through your leadership?
My vision for the future of PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort revolves around ensuring that every guest who walks through our doors feels genuinely valued and respected. While it’s a priority for us to become the leading resort, what matters equally to me is that each guest’s experience is characterised by a profound sense of genuine care and appreciation.
Aligned with the vision of the Pan Pacific Group, we aspire to be the most Trusted Global Hospitality Group. At PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort, we pride ourselves on leading rather than following, setting new standards of excellence in hospitality. It’s an honour to have been part of the preopening team and witness the dedication and loyalty of every team member in ensuring the successful opening of the resort on January 22, 2024.
As for my personal legacy, I see myself as a humble ambassador for Simpang Ampat, dedicated to promoting and elevating this area. If I can contribute to raising awareness and recognition of this region, I would consider it a privilege.
I believe that my leadership style, which encompasses shaping the work environment, setting strategies and goals, allocating resources, developing managers, and overcoming challenges, has contributed to the increasing popularity of our resort since its opening in January. It’s been a true accomplishment, and I hope to continue nurturing future leaders within our team.
In conclusion, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the owners, the board of directors, and the owners’ representatives for their unwavering support in getting the resort operational. I also extend my thanks to the local government authorities and the community for their invaluable assistance and collaboration. Together, we have created a truly special place to work, and I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to its success.
I genuinely believe that you will be pleasantly surprised by what awaits you here in the Simpang Ampat area. It truly is a remarkable destination, and I invite you to experience it for yourself. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
For more information or inquiries, please call +606-908 8888 or visit PARKROYAL A’Famosa Melaka Resort’s official website.