Sabreena Jacob has been appointed as the new General Manager of Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa. A highly experienced and accomplished professional with over two decades in the hospitality industry, Sabreena’s career with Marriott International began in 2003 at the iconic JW Marriott Cairo. She quickly advanced, becoming Director of Rooms Operations in 2006 and earning the prestigious Global EDGE Award in 2007, the first recipient from the MEA region. During her time in Dubai, she successfully led Marriott Executive Apartments through challenging circumstances, achieving impressive GOP margins, winning the Dubai Green Tourism Award in 2009 and receiving numerous Employee Engagement Excellence awards.
In 2015, Sabreena took on her first General Manager role at Marriott Executive Apartments Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok, where she achieved notable success across all business KPIs. Her leadership excellence at Le Méridien Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia, got her the General Manager APEC Mustang Award in 2019. Most recently, she led TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo as general manager, bringing her signature expertise to the forefront.
Exclusive Interview: Sabreena Jacob, General Manager of Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa
We were thrilled to have the opportunity to sit down with Sabreena Jacob for an exclusive interview, where she shared her vision and mission for Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa.
You’ve worked with some prestigious properties. How have these diverse experiences shaped your leadership style and approach to guest satisfaction?
Most times, personal Leadership styles remain consistent regardless of the property you work in. However, adapting to the market, the property's location, and the specific business requirements of that location could modify ones style. Intrinsic leadership qualities—such as working collaboratively with people, engaging with guests, knowing associates by name, and fostering a sense of fun with both the team and guests—remain unchanged. What does evolve is the strategy, as what works in Jakarta may not work in Bali, and what works in Bali will definitely not work in Lampung. Understanding the market and positioning the property appropriately is crucial for success.
What do you consider to be the key prominent feature of Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa that sets it apart from other properties?
What don’t we have at this beautiful Resort? While this is a new location for Marriott International and considered by some to be remote, it offers an unparalleled experience! From fantastic guest rooms with balconies and sea-facing villas with spacious terraces —an uncommon luxury in city hotels—to our stunning lobby, aptly named The Great Room, every detail is thoughtfully designed. Our culinary offerings are a highlight, featuring unique Sumatran inspired dishes. For example, our nasi goreng variations are quite unique: nasi goreng with lamb and pandan leaves, nasi goreng infused with ginger flower ( Kecombrang) the signature Nasi Goreng Hurun, named after this area, Kari Kambing, Iga Bakar Ballado are just some of the dishes that just fly off our menus!
Beyond the food, the location is serene and peaceful, complemented by natural beauty. Guests can enjoy calm blue waters, pristine white sand, and even a bird sanctuary with peacocks, hornbills, cockatoos, and parrots. Baby Black Tip sharks swim around peacefully waiting to be fed and we also have a baby deer that occasionally roams the property, adding a charming touch of nature.
Most importantly, our happy associates are the heart of this hotel. Their dedication and hospitality are what truly make this place special. Without the right people, it wouldn't be possible to create such a unique and memorable experience.
Who do you see as the primary target audience for Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa?
Our primary market is the domestic Indonesian market, and we are incredibly grateful for the unwavering loyalty of our Indonesian guests from day one. The support from Lampung, Palembang, Medan, Jambi and beyond has been phenomenal, with many guests frequently visiting from Jakarta.
While the domestic market remains our core focus, we are delighted to see a growing number of international guests. Recently, we welcomed our first guest from France, as well as visitors from Australia, US and Canada. It is exciting to see this expansion, but our biggest supporters will always be our loyal Indonesian guests.
What specific challenges did you face while managing Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa?
I don’t see anything as a challenge—everything is an opportunity to work towards. The opportunities at Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa are truly enormous. While Bali is a fantastic destination, Lampung is different.
You have to experience the property to see the difference! This unique piece of paradise offers a serene and family-friendly environment, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility. Definitely a place to switch off and recharge before going back to normal life!
Beyond leisure, we are well-equipped to cater to the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market, as well as weddings and group events. Our stunning ballroom is a standout feature, ensuring we can accommodate a diverse range of needs and provide an exceptional experience for all. In addition we have beautiful green outdoor space that are suited for social events like weddings, engagements and celebrations!
Lampung is emerging as a travel destination. What are your plans for positioning Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa as a premier destination for both domestic and international travelers?
Positioning this hotel in the market is one of my prime responsibilities and it’s a very exciting and interesting venture. It is crucial to ensure that travelers and guests are aware of Lampung as a destination and of the exceptional property located here. Introducing ourselves to the market involves not only understanding Lampung but also reaching out to neighboring markets like Palembang, Medan, Jambi and Jakarta.
To achieve this, we are actively engaging with media partners, travel organizers, corporate companies, and bookers to create awareness. Being the first Marriott resort on the island of Sumatra is a significant milestone, and it’s essential to position ourselves effectively and ensure our presence is recognized in the market.
Having worked in various countries and settings, how have they influenced your decision-making in managing hotels and resorts?
Decision-making is a critical skill in hospitality and it often requires adaptability and speed. There are moments when decisions need to be made independently and others where collaboration with the team is essential. While circumstances, guest expectations, and demands may vary across properties, the priority remains consistent: ensuring that decisions benefit our guests, associates, and the business.
As leaders, we are accountable to our owners, and it’s vital to consider all stakeholders when making choices. At times, we may make mistakes, but that’s part of the learning process. What matters is recognizing those mistakes, learning from them, and continuing to improve.
Sustainability is increasingly important in hospitality. How do you plan to implement eco friendly practices at Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa while maintaining high standards of luxury?
Sustainability is a core focus at Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa, reflected in every aspect of our operations. For instance, we do not offer straws unless requested, and when we do, they are made from cassava, avoiding single-use plastics. Across the hotel, you won’t find single-use plastic items. In guest rooms, we provide glass bottles, supported by our own bottling plant and filtration system.
We’ve replaced single-use shampoo and conditioner bottles with residential bath amenities, and other items like toothbrushes made from bamboo. Even our guest room key cards are crafted from sustainable materials rather than plastic.
Our commitment to genuine sustainability extends beyond guest-facing initiatives. Educating our local associates so in turn they can educate their families, working with local schools and showing them what plastic can do to our oceans and seas is something we are working with. Leftover rice and fruit from our associate canteen is used to feed local birds rather than being discarded. This holistic approach aligns with our owners’ vision of creating a destination that embodies true sustainability, rather than merely using it as a buzzword.
What advice would you give to young hospitality professionals looking to develop international careers like yours?
I think Marriott International offers incredible opportunities for young hoteliers looking to build a career in hospitality. The company is expanding rapidly and whether the interest lies in marketing, rooms division, or someone aspiring to become a general manager. I often ask my team who envisions themselves as a general manager because I believe you are the CEO of your own career, with the ability to shape it as you desire.
Hospitality is a unique career path where every day brings new experiences. Guests andsituations vary constantly, providing opportunities to learn, adapt, and think on your feet.
Having a balance between your head and your heart is truly important. This dynamic environment, combined with the chance to meet diverse people and solve challenges, makes the profession both exciting and rewarding.
When you work with a great team, it’s not just about achieving goals; it’s about having fun while doing so. In my view, there is no other career that offers the best of every world quite like hospitality does.
How do you like to spend your free time to unwind and stay balanced, and do any of your personal hobbies?
I have a deep passion for reading, traveling to explore new places, and watching good TV shows—occasionally enjoying Netflix. However, my biggest passion remains reading and listening to music.
In recent years, I’ve also embraced meditation, which I’ve found to be incredibly beneficial for mental health. It’s a practice that helps balance the body, mind, and soul, and I believe it’s essential to give yourself that time. Personally, meditation has been a tremendous help to me, offering clarity and calm in the past few years.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa, and how do you plan to create a unique guest experience?
My goal is to put this resort on the map, ensuring that we attract the right kind of business and position the hotel in the best possible way. I also want to make Lampung an attractive destination for young professionals to come and work, thanks to the opportunities provided by this hotel.
For the next few years, my focus is on achieving this vision. We have an exciting and challenging journey ahead, and that’s where my attention and energy are directed.