Anja Bosken

Appointed to lead the pre-opening and launch of Ycona Eco-Luxury Resort Zanzibar, reporting to ownership, I am responsible for translating the development vision into a market-ready, internationally competitive eco-luxury resort. I oversee all aspects of the pre-opening phase, including positioning, operational design, team build, and commercial strategy. I ensure alignment between guest experience, brand identity, and financial performance, positioning the resort for a successful market entry and sustainable long-term growth. Key Awards & Recognitions World Travel Awards 2025 - Zanzibar’s Leading Villa Resort Booking.com Traveller Review Awards 2026 - Recognised for outstanding guest reviews and service excellence Honourable nominations Zanzibar’s Leading Luxury Resort 2025 Zanzibar’s Leading Resort 2024 Africa’s Leading New Resort 2024

As General Manager of Zuri Zanzibar, I was responsible for the overall performance of a complex, self-sustained operation with its own infrastructure. I led a large multicultural team, ensuring consistent delivery of high service standards while maintaining strong financial discipline. My focus was on strengthening the resort’s positioning within the international luxury market through targeted commercial efforts and enhanced guest experiences. I improved operational efficiency by controlling costs, developing the team, and implementing a structured performance management system. This balanced approach supported both commercial performance and Zuri’s continued recognition as one of the top resorts in Zanzibar. Key Awards & Recognitions Tanzania’s Best Resort Spa 2022 – World Spa Awards Honourable Nominations Africa’s Leading Boutique Resort – World Travel Awards (2022, 2023) Africa’s Leading Green Hotel – World Travel Awards (2022, 2023) Tanzania’s Best Resort Spa – World Spa Awards 2023

I oversaw the operational and financial performance of a portfolio of hotels across the UK during a period of rapid expansion. Working closely with the CEO and property General Managers, I established reporting structures, standardised operational practices, and strengthened financial oversight across the portfolio. I played a key role in implementing systems and processes to improve rate strategy, distribution, and overall operational efficiency, while also supporting team development and performance alignment across multiple properties. This role required a balance of strategic oversight and hands-on support to ensure consistency, profitability, and scalability across the portfolio.

As General Manager of The Residence Zanzibar, part of the internationally recognised Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts portfolio, I led a large-scale 66-villa resort spanning 23 hectares, with full operational infrastructure. I was responsible for aligning the property with brand standards while driving overall performance across operations, finance, and guest experience, with a focus on maintaining the resort’s positioning within the global luxury segment through consistent service delivery, strong team leadership, and effective commercial management. I collaborated with department heads to manage budgets, optimise resources, and enhance the guest journey in a highly competitive international market, while ensuring operational efficiency.

I managed this well-established boutique luxury hotel and wine estate in the Cape Winelands, overseeing all operational and commercial aspects of the business. The role required a strong focus on international leisure markets, with a large proportion of FIT business, alongside corporate and event segments.

I led the reopening and repositioning of Mandela Rhodes Hotel & Spa under the Three Cities Group, successfully transitioning the property from a 3-star to a 4-star offering. This included redefining operational standards, restructuring departments, and improving overall efficiency. Working within a group structure, I focused on aligning the property with brand expectations while improving financial performance and team stability. Within a relatively short period, the hotel achieved profitability and built a strong operational foundation supported by consistent training and team development.

As General Manager of Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa, a large-scale beachfront property with 229 rooms, suites, and apartments, I oversaw a complex operation with significant conferencing and leisure components. I focused on strengthening operational efficiency and aligning the property with group standards, while maintaining a balance between high-volume business and service delivery.

I managed this internationally branded 5-star resort, part of the Sheraton portfolio, featuring 145 rooms and suites, along with extensive leisure facilities including a golf course and spa. My role focused on maintaining international brand standards while ensuring operational consistency and financial performance. I worked closely with department heads to enhance the guest experience, introduce new revenue streams, and improve operational efficiency, while positioning the resort as a leading leisure destination in South Africa.

Table Bay Hotel & Spa