Monthly Newsletters

From Europe to Africa, the new General Manager has embraced yet another unique local, The Sands at St Francis.

The Sands at St Francis is pleased to announce the appointment of Juan Marx, as the new General Manager. Juan credits his time travelling around countries such as Europe, Africa and Malaysia, to his successful career in the hospitality industry, strengthening his ability to listen and to see different points of view. He’s also held managerial positions in Namibia and Zambia.

Juan brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in all thing’s hospitality related and prides himself in his ability to create a welcoming environment for guests, setting the tone at The Sands at St Francis every day. Relishing his role in setting a genuine and welcoming tone wherever he is, he notes "you can’t smile on the outside and growl on the inside”.

He’s taken a whole new path to that of his father, who is an engineer, avoiding the world of design, in favour of what would become a more culturally enriching career.

Always open to new experiences from "The school of life and hard knocks”, and the lessons one can learn from taking ‘a completely new journey’ his eclectic career has offered up its fair share of sometimes comical cultural experiences. From Swakopmund (where he learned the German Slap dance wearing Lederhosen) to Zambia (where catching crocodiles as an activity was not uncommon), he values each destination’s unique traditions.

"Globe-trotting, and having an opportunity to be a part of a blend of professionals all working together to reach an objective, has changed me a lot” he says.

For Juan, though, the biggest challenge is in making the right judgment calls, he relies on his nearly two-decade experience to make the best decision. "When there is no right or wrong way, you have to make the right call for the right reason ".

Behind his composed facade lies quite a competitive sportsman. He is a keen team cyclist, with a tongue-in-cheek passion for anything that is endurance-based. In Namibia and Zambia, Marx took to the lush landscape through hiking, cycling and running, honing his skills at paddling, and taking up Lepidoptera, The collection of Butterflies.

After all, Juan is the first to recognise when it’s time to have fun: "We work hard, so it’s equally important to be able to let your hair down as well.” No matter where you are in the world or who you’re with, it’s a fitting mantra to live by.