January 26 2023 – Oetker Collection is delighted to announce Imelda Shllaku has been appointed General Manager of its first Italian Masterpiece Hotel, Hotel La Palma, which will open its doors in 2023. Shllaku will commence her role on March 6th 2023.
With a career in the luxury hospitality industry spanning almost three decades, Shllaku brings with her an impressive global perspective. The Italian native has previous opening experience, having undertaken her first Hotel Manager role with Sina The Gray in Milan, before stints in Dublin and Krabi Island with The Ritz Carlton. She then spent seven years with Bulgari Hotel & Resorts, overseeing properties in London and Milan in various positions. She subsequently enjoyed tenures as Director of Rooms at the Armani Hotel, Dubai and One & Only in the Maldives.
A year as a performance consultant overseeing 15 major luxury hotels followed, before undertaking the General Manager role at Baglioni Hotel London. Most recently, she served as Global Director of Rooms & Guest Experiences for Kerzner International.
Of her new appointment, Shllaku comments: “I am elated to embark on my role as General Manager of Hotel La Palma. I believe my vast experience, both in-house and as a performance and operational specialist, will enable me to lead the teams of this beautiful property to deliver an impeccable guest experience. We very much look forward to opening the doors of this special place, welcoming both our local community and guests from all corners of the world.”
Timo Gruenert, CEO Oetker Collection adds: “As we celebrate the forthcoming official opening of Hotel La Palma, Capri, we are delighted that the teams will be guided by Imelda as General Manager and are excited to have her join the Oetker Collection family. In Imelda, we have found a seasoned luxury hospitality professional and a true brand ambassador who embodies our values.”
Hotel La Palma, Capri’s first hotel which was originally built in 1822, is being transformed and reimagined by Oetker Collection and its owners, Reuben Brothers, into a true masterpiece hotel. Conceived as an elegant Mediterranean retreat on the fabled Italian island, the room count of the hotel is being markedly decreased from 80 to 50, including 18 suites, each complete with its own private balcony or terrace, and interiors by award-winning design maestro, Francis Sultana. This marks the first hotel by AD100 designer Sultana, who is collaborating with acclaimed Italian craftsmen and artisans. Located mere steps from the famous Piazzetta, Hotel La Palma will comprise a rooftop restaurant and bar under the culinary direction of legendary Italian Chef Gennaro Esposito. In addition to the property’s first ever pool and spa, in nearby Marina Piccola, Hotel La Palma will have its own private beach club, Da Gioia by La Palma, which is a buzzing day-into-night destination.
