The Man On The Wings

On the virtual ‘eve’ of a resort’s opening, Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore’s general manager contemplates the virtues of the decision to hold back.

- Eric Piatti

Even before the pandemic broke out, Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore had already put in place a comprehensive digital and contactless strategy, claims general manager Mr Eric Michel Piatti. The thinking was to layer the upcoming resort’s world-renowned service with increased efficiency through technological interfaces. “This proved to be a valuable strategy, given the climate today,” Piatti surmises. He is visibly excited about the new resort’s launch, but he is biding his time. With three decades of hospitality experience, he knows things that are done the right way takes time.

The soft opening of Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore is likely to take place in the fourth quarter this year, an official communique announces – a short delay from the earlier target of 3Q owing to the circuit breaker. The resort is scheduled to open in phases. “Right now, the safety and comfort of our guests and residents are a number one priority,” Piatti explains. His team has been undergoing extensive training, but Piatti is taking no chances. “We want to ensure that when we open, our full bandwidth will focus on ensuring that hygiene protocols and our signature Thai-inspired hospitality are integrated into the heart of the luxury urban resort’s operations.”

Located within the Laguna National Golf & Country Club precinct in the eastern part of Singapore, the resort is hard at work, together with the gold club, in overseeing the development and implementation of extensive hygiene, cleanliness, and distancing protocols. An estimated S$1.5 million investment is in place to ensure the safety of guests, residents, and club members, through decreased contact (via digitalization), and heightened hygiene, from arrival to departure, Piatti reveals.