44 February 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview Frank Normann Eikeland Nestled in the heart of Manama’s Diplomatic district, overlooking the island’s beautiful coastal landscape, is The Domain Hotel & Spa, a 36-storey venue that aims to help guests and visitors work, rest and play. Having arrived on the island less than a month ago, new general manager, Norwegian Frank Normann Eikeland, has been spending his time getting acquainted with the hotel, its staff and the island in general. So far, his impressions have been good and this is a trend he sees continuing. He says: “The first time I saw the hotel I was blown away. I’m already going through everything from top to bottom to see what works and what doesn’t. I want to make our standards crisp so that when people come they feel the true soul of the hotel. “My job here is to make sure people get to know The Domain. I don’t want to come across people who haven’t heard of it, because it deserves to be known. It’s unique and spectacular.” Frank is no stranger to the region and, having previously lived in Saudi Arabia, he knows all too well the appeal Bahrain has for our neighbours across the causeway. He explains: “My time in Saudi has made me aware that, during weekends, regardless of what’s happening, there will always be a flow over the causeway and one of my goals is to make sure our brand is known in Saudi and to other expats who come to Bahrain, too.” Not only is Frank prepared for the challenges that await this year, he is eager to tackle them head on with the flair and focus that has cemented his glowing reputation in what he affectionately calls ‘a demanding industry’. He says: “Oil prices have had an impact on everything; you can’t deny it. For sure we will have ups and downs, but I’m prepared for a bumpy road. I know it won’t be easy but, with FRANK’S NEW DOMAIN the right focus, and a professional team, we will make sure we take more than our fair share of the market.” Frank has chosen to live in the hotel in order to find its pulse and be able to respond to any situation quickly, but that’s ‘Work Frank’. He explains: “Private Frank is passionately involved in Italy. It’s funny, as a Norwegian, growing up in a cold country where all social activity takes place inside, I love Italy for all its charm, food, culture, people and, of course, landscape. “Around 15 years ago I bought a house there and my passion has been restoring it. It’s a project that never ever ends; it’s fun to find new ways of making it better, much like I plan to do here with The Domain.” The Domain’s impressive selection of food and beverage outlets is a point of pride for Frank, who beams as he describes his last dinner at the hotel’s Imari Japanese restaurant. “I was having my dinner and there was a strong Japanese crowd, which lets me know we’re on the right track.” Frank knows that authenticity and hard work are the key to success when it comes to in-house dining. In fact, he got his start in the food and beverage industry and has worked his way up the ranks – a feat that he says has given him an essential knowledge of how the hospitality sector operates. “This sector allows you to do that, to grow and change,” he says. “It gives you an added CHARLIE HOLDING This beguiling five-star lifestyle hotel has a new man at the helm and he’s confident that the best is yet to come for the landmark property. advantage to work your way up from the bottom, because now I know what triggers behaviours related to staff or the guests.” One of the more pleasant surprises Frank has had since arriving on the island is the concept of Friday brunch. “I must admit, until recently I’d never been to a Friday brunch, but I was amazed by the way it’s done at The Domain,” he explains. “This is a brunch for adults that go out to have a fun, relaxed time while enjoying spectacular views and fantastic food that is freshly prepared. Our buffet goes on through both restaurants and you can see the passion the chefs have by the presentation of the food. A lot of time and effort goes into it. “We recently upgraded our brunch by adding more dishes, a magician and twopiece band as well as an organic salad counter and new gluten-free items to ensure we cater to all tastes.” Being a lifestyle hotel ensures The Domain is unique from other properties on the island. Differentiating itself from competitors is of great importance and, in order to stay a step ahead, the hotel has recently launched a mobile app, which Frank says is a reference point for people. “It’s a tourist app that allows guests to see what’s happening in Bahrain and coordinate with our concierge to book tickets for events. This is a new added value feature; it’s an ongoing process but is available for free download on Android and iPhone.”
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