Kazem Shamas, General Manager at Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha, shares his take on the true meaning of luxury, building unforgettable experiences and maintaining work-life balance.

Al Messila is part of the Luxury Collection. How would you define luxury both in hospitality terms and what you personally consider true luxury?
The Luxury Collection is about creating exceptional, customer-first experiences for global travellers in some of the world’s most iconic destinations. Tucked away the heart of the city, Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa evolved in 2018 from a former palace built on a farm into a unique retreat featuring private pool villas, suites, hotel rooms and the largest ladies’ spa in Qatar.
For me, true luxury is not only about beautiful surroundings or refined service — it is about creating a feeling that stays with guests long after they leave. For local guests, it’s about a sense of belonging and familiarity; for international travellers, it’s about discovering an authentic yet elevated resort experience that reflects the culture and spirit of the destination.

You’ve spent much of your career within Marriott International. What is it about the company ethos that commands such loyalty?
What has kept me with Marriott International throughout my career is the strong people-focussed culture and the opportunities for continuous growth and development. The company encourages individuals to evolve, take on new challenges and bring their own leadership style and creativity into the business.
I also value the importance placed on integrity, consistency and genuine hospitality. In an industry that is constantly evolving, there is a strong balance between respecting tradition and embracing innovation to meet changing guest expectations.
Most importantly, there is a real understanding that hospitality is ultimately about people — both guests and associates. Creating a supportive environment for teams naturally translates into better experiences for guests, and I believe that mindset is one of the key reasons many people build long and fulfilling careers within the company.

Having started out in events and F&B (food and beverage), is this an area that’s still close to your heart and do you still have time to get involved in this side of the business?
Absolutely – food and beverage and events remain very close to my heart. My background in these areas has given me a deep appreciation for how memorable dining and curated experiences can truly define a guest’s stay.
At Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, our collective aim is to create unforgettable experiences, and I continue to work closely with the team to encourage creativity while ensuring everything remains aligned with the authentic identity of The Luxury Collection brand. We constantly challenge ourselves to elevate our offerings and position the resort as a true destination within the market.
From the moment guests check in to the time they depart, every touchpoint should feel seamless and meaningful — whether they are dining at our restaurants (Deli Kitchen, Taj Rasoi or Parisa), enjoying the tranquility of our lush oasis or embracing the wellness experiences across the resort. We want every guest to leave feeling as though they have experienced a complete luxury and wellness retreat.

You list civil rights, social action and the environment as causes of interest – how do you think these things can be addressed within the context of the luxury hospitality sector?
I believe the luxury hospitality sector has a unique responsibility and opportunity to create meaningful impact — both socially and environmentally. At Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, we are actively positioning the resort as a holistic wellness destination, focussed on transforming guest expectations through a complete 360-degree wellness experience.
Sustainability and well-being go hand in hand. Our team takes great pride in maintaining more than 140,000sq/m of greenery with over 20 types of trees, creating a true oasis in the desert that also supports local birdlife and biodiversity. With experiences such as our two-kilometre running track and personalised wellness journeys, we aim to promote both personal wellbeing and a stronger connection with nature.

On a more personal note, hospitality is notoriously tough on personal/family life with long and antisocial hours. How do you maintain a work-life balance and encourage your teams to do the same?
Hospitality is certainly a demanding industry, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is something I take very seriously – both personally and for my team. I believe balance starts with creating a positive and supportive work culture where people feel respected, motivated and empowered.
For me personally, wellness, family time and moments of reflection are essential in staying energised and focussed. As a leader, I encourage my teams to prioritise their well-being, take time to recharge, and maintain balance wherever possible. Open communication, teamwork and recognising achievements also play an important role in creating a healthy working environment.