Jean-Luc Naret joins Aman as General Manager for upcoming Amanolu Maldives resort

Jean-Luc Naret, former Chief Executive of the Michelin Guide and former General Manager of One&Only Reethi Rah, has joined Aman as General Manager for its upcoming resort in the Maldives, Amanolu, marking his return to the country’s luxury hospitality industry.

Naret announced his appointment on LinkedIn on Tuesday, confirming that he had officially joined Aman to work on the development of Amanolu, the brand’s first resort in the Maldives.

“A new chapter begins today. I am delighted to share that I am joining Aman officially today for their new project in the Maldives, Amanolu opening late 2027,” Naret wrote.

“The Maldives has always held a special place in my heart, and joining Aman, one of the world’s most extraordinary hospitality brands, makes this new adventure even more meaningful,” he added.

Naret brings more than four decades of experience in luxury hospitality, having held senior leadership positions across hotels, resorts and international hospitality organisations in Europe, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, Asia and the Middle East.

His appointment marks a return to the Maldives, where he previously served as General Manager of One&Only Reethi Rah from November 2014 to October 2017. During his tenure, he focused on strengthening the resort’s international positioning, guest experience and operational performance.

Prior to joining Aman, Naret served as President of World of Volvo in Sweden from March 2025 to October 2026. In this position, he oversaw the development of the brand’s visitor experience, bringing together hospitality, design, innovation, gastronomy and cultural activities.

He also operated his own luxury hospitality advisory firm, JLN & CO, from November 2019 to October 2026, working with hotel owners, investors, developers and luxury brands on hospitality concepts, brand positioning, operational strategies and the development of luxury destinations.

Between November 2017 and October 2019, Naret served as Chief Executive Officer of La Réserve Hotels & Spas, overseeing the luxury hotel collection’s international positioning, service standards and guest experience.

Earlier in his career, he was Managing Director of Heritage Resorts in Mauritius from August 2011 to July 2014, where he led the development and repositioning of the hospitality group’s properties in Domaine de Bel Ombre.

Naret is also recognised for his leadership of the Michelin Guide, serving as Managing Director from September 2003 to August 2011. During this period, he oversaw the guide’s international expansion, including its development in North America and Asia, extending the reach of the restaurant rating system beyond its traditional European markets.

His earlier hospitality career includes senior leadership positions at Serena Hotels in East Africa, Sandy Lane in Barbados, The Residence Mauritius, Trianon Palace Versailles in France and One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius.

He began his career in hospitality in the early 1980s, working with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express before taking on food and beverage management responsibilities at Hotel Bora Bora in French Polynesia. He subsequently held the position of Executive Assistant Manager at Le Bristol Paris.

Naret studied hotel management at École Hôtelière de Paris between 1976 and 1979 and completed the General Management Programme at Cornell University in 1992. He was awarded the Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur, one of France’s highest honours, in recognition of his contribution to the travel industry.

His appointment at Aman comes as the luxury hospitality group prepares to introduce its first property in the Maldives.

Set to open in early 2028, Amanolu is being developed in Vaavu Atoll, at the eastern edge of the Maldivian archipelago. Designed by Kerry Hill Architects (KHA), a longstanding architectural partner of Aman, the development will comprise a 52-key luxury resort alongside 16 Aman-branded private residences, each occupying its own island.

The resort’s architecture will draw inspiration from the surrounding marine environment, including the white coral beaches, turquoise lagoons and natural landscapes of Vaavu Atoll. The design will incorporate open spaces and indoor-outdoor living areas intended to connect guests with the island setting.

Each of the 16 Aman Residences will feature five bedrooms, private beaches, expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces, a 25-metre swimming pool, dedicated staff accommodation and a private arrival berth. The residences will be fully serviced by Aman, with owners also having access to the resort’s dining, wellness and recreational facilities.

Amanolu will include dedicated islands for wellness and recreation. Its wellness facilities will feature an Aman Spa, signature Spa Houses, a fitness centre, Pilates studio, yoga pavilion and other treatment facilities.

A separate activity island will accommodate recreational facilities, including a racquet club, diving centre, water sports pavilion and Discovery Centre for younger guests. Marine experiences will include diving, snorkelling and exploration of the surrounding waters.

Dining facilities are planned to include several of Aman’s culinary concepts, including Arva, Akari and other venues offering Japanese and international cuisine.

The development is expected to introduce Aman’s approach to personalised luxury hospitality to the Maldives, with an emphasis on privacy, wellness, architecture and experiences connected to the natural environment.

Naret’s appointment brings a hospitality executive with previous experience in the Maldives and extensive involvement in luxury resort development, international brand management and guest experience to the project as Aman prepares for its debut in the country.