SHMS Alumni Hotelier of the Month

At the helm of Ambre Mauritius, SHMS Alumnus, Teeshan Gutty, embodies contemporary hospitality excellence. This passionate hotelier combines technological innovation, environmental commitment, and talent development. A portrait of a leader who proudly champions Mauritian hospitality.

For more than two decades, Teeshan Gutty has shaped hospitality excellence with remarkable consistency. His journey began at Swiss Hotel Management School, followed by a formative experience at the prestigious Beau-Rivage Palace, where he developed a deep understanding of uncompromising service.

Returning to Mauritius in 2005, he contributed to the repositioning of several of the island’s iconic hotels. Most recently, his efforts were crowned with five distinctions at the Sun Excellence Awards for Ambre Mauritius.

Innovation in the Service of Authenticity

What influenced your management style and your vision of hospitality?
The COVID-19 pandemic was a true turning point. It taught us the importance of agility, emotional intelligence, and collaboration. We were forced to develop new skills and embrace innovation at every level. My management style today is shaped by empathy and adaptability—understanding that success comes from collective resilience.

What three essential pieces of advice would you give someone starting a career in luxury hospitality today?

• Follow your passion – hospitality is an industry where passion defines success.
• Lead with kindness – genuine care remains the foundation of excellent service.
• Embrace lifelong learning – every experience, challenge, and guest interaction is an opportunity to grow.

How do you build and maintain a culture of excellence within your property?
Excellence begins with proximity—staying closely connected to both our guests and our teams. At Ambre, we measure guest feedback daily, capturing over 65% of responses, which allows us to react quickly and effectively. This constant engagement keeps our service culture alive and evolving.

I also lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and commitment to high standards every day. Recognising and rewarding outstanding performance is another key pillar. Celebrating achievements, even small ones, motivates teams and reinforces positive behaviours.

The Future Challenges of Luxury Hospitality

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge luxury hospitality will face in the coming years?
For island destinations like ours, coastal erosion is one of the most pressing challenges. Our beaches are central to our destination’s identity, and proactive action is vital. While awareness has increased, the pace of response must accelerate—sustainability can no longer be a conversation; it must be an immediate commitment.

In a destination like Mauritius, where natural beauty and warm hospitality are already strong assets, another challenge lies in balancing high guest expectations with sustainability and authenticity. Today’s luxury travellers seek more than comfort and exclusivity; they want responsible, personalised experiences that reflect the destination’s DNA while minimising their carbon footprint.

What sets Teeshan Gutty apart is his ability to anticipate industry shifts. He places innovation at the heart of his strategy, blending modern technology with the human touch that defines Mauritian hospitality. At Ambre, guest satisfaction survey response rates reach 65% daily, enabling exemplary responsiveness.

For him, sustainability is a non-negotiable obligation. Energy-efficient systems, water conservation, and waste reduction initiatives translate convictions into concrete action. He pays particular attention to coastal erosion, which he views as one of the greatest threats to island destinations, calling for urgent and proactive measures.

Mentorship as a Philosophy

One of his most remarkable qualities is his ability to reveal and nurture talent. His mentoring approach, based on empowerment and accountability, inspires confidence and performance.

“Mentorship is about guiding people to discover their potential and lead with pride,” says the General Manager of Ambre Mauritius, whose management style—reshaped by the pandemic—now prioritises empathy and adaptability.

A passionate advocate for Mauritian authenticity, Teeshan Gutty believes true luxury lies in the details—the small gestures that transform a stay into an unforgettable experience. His vision carefully balances local traditions with contemporary luxury standards, delivering responsible experiences that reflect the soul of the destination. A hotelier who is shaping the future of Mauritian excellence.

A Career Shaped by Passion and Purpose

What was the defining moment that inspired you to pursue a career in luxury hospitality?
From childhood, I was fascinated by the beach and the elegant architecture of hotels. I often told myself that one day I would be “on the other side of the beach.” After obtaining my Higher School Certificate, I decided to follow that dream and pursue a career in hospitality. My research led me to the Swiss Hotel Management School in Switzerland—then recognised as one of the world’s leading hospitality schools. That is where my journey truly began.

Is there a project you are particularly proud of that reflects your vision of hospitality?
Every stage of my career has been a milestone, but a defining moment dates back to 2000 when, during my studies, I was selected to join the prestigious Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, a Leading Hotel of the World. This experience shaped my understanding of uncompromising service and refined hospitality.

Since returning to Mauritius in 2005, I have been fortunate to contribute to several key projects: the repositioning and renovation of a five-star resort in the North, the transformation of a boutique-style luxury resort in the South, and the post-COVID repositioning of Ambre Mauritius—where we rebuilt strong foundations of consistency, service culture, and team pride. Our efforts were recently rewarded with five Sun Excellence Awards, a true collective success.

Sustainability, Talent, and Guest Experience

How do you balance service excellence with sustainability challenges?
Balancing service excellence with sustainability is not a choice—it is an obligation. The key lies in resilience and innovation. Today’s travellers value transparency and genuine sustainability efforts over greenwashing. It is our responsibility to integrate these principles seamlessly into our service culture.

We have invested in energy-efficient systems, water conservation technologies, and waste reduction initiatives, ensuring guests enjoy their comfort without disruption. At the same time, we actively communicate our sustainability efforts and invite guests to participate. By embedding sustainability into our core values and daily operations, we elevate the guest experience while contributing positively to Mauritius’ future.

What is your approach to mentorship and talent development?
I believe in coaching through empowerment and accountability. My priorities include agility, resilience, data management, recognition, and innovation. I encourage my teams to take ownership of their performance—for example, by presenting and defending their monthly dashboards. Seeing confidence and results grow is deeply rewarding. Mentorship, for me, is about guiding people to discover their potential and lead with pride.

How do you anticipate and respond to changing guest expectations?
Mauritian hospitality remains our greatest asset. Today’s guests seek simplicity, authenticity, and meaningful cultural connection. They value ease of experience, sustainable practices, and transparent communication. With growing awareness around climate change and beach erosion, guests also want to understand how hoteliers contribute to environmental responsibility.

Meeting these expectations requires adaptability and honesty. Technology plays a key role—digital check-ins, contactless services, and personalised communication channels ensure convenience and comfort. Yet we always preserve the human touch that defines Mauritian hospitality.

The Power of Detail

Can you share an anecdote where attention to detail made a real difference?
Luxury is not defined by architecture or branding—it lives in the smallest gestures. I recall a guest celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary. Our team discreetly recreated the menu from their wedding 20 years earlier, accompanied by the same song they had danced to. When they entered the restaurant, the emotion on their faces said it all. That is the power of attention to detail—creating moments that touch hearts and last a lifetime.

Republished from Ile Maurice Tourism & Lifestyle.