Seamless Elegance
Founded in 2013, The Emerald Collection is an Italian-owned group of luxury all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, East Africa and the Indian Ocean, led by the Scarapicchia family. Here, RLI spends some time with Aldo Scarapicchia, Partner & Managing Director and Simone Scarapicchia, Chief Commercial Officer to discuss the growth of the company and how it continues to offer five-star excellence across its portfolio.
With more than 40 years of experience in developing and operating luxury properties that are distinguished by a natural elegance in harmony with their surroundings, a focus on energy efficiency and an undeniable international touch, The Emerald Collection properties bring unforgettable stay experiences in settings of understated luxury with a genuine approach to hospitality thanks to a team of professionals from Europe, Africa and Asia.
“At present, we manage three resorts, two of which are situated in Raa Atoll in the Maldives and one in Zanzibar, Tanzania,” explains Aldo Scarapicchia, Partner & Managing Director at The Emerald Collection. “Each of our resorts is proud to be a part of The Leading Hotels of the World. Our goal is to further expand into new markets that resonate with our brand values and provide exceptional, unique experiences,” Aldo continues.
The company’s first resort, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, made its debut in the Raa Atoll back in August 2019 and is surrounded by 1.5km of white sandy beaches on a 20ha private island. The resort boasts 120 luxurious villas (60 on the beach and 60 on the water) that combine tropical scenery with modern design, offering the ideal setting for guests to build new and memorable experiences.
This fantastic destination won the inaugural ‘Unrivalled Luxury Leader’ award during the 2023 Annual Convention of The Leading Hotels of the World, a new category that celebrates the outstanding achievements of the highest-performing member hotels, as well as recognising the hotel that holds an unwavering commitment to the quality of the guest experience and operations.
This site was followed by the opening of Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa on the same atoll in October 2022. The resort lies on a lush and private seven-hectare island with 1.2km of beaches and is surrounded by a stunning 100ha lagoon with one of the finest coral reefs in the Republic of the Maldives. The island is home to 80 luxurious villas, 38 on the beach and 42 on the water, all championing a minimalistic, sophisticated design which incorporates natural elements of stone and wood.
This unique resort was also nominated in this year’s prestigious Awards and was listed among the top 10 properties from more than 400 worldwide.
Finally, Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa opened in December 2022 in Muyuni, Matemwe in the North-East of Zanzibar, one of the most beautiful locations with its white beaches, crystal clear sea and the absence of a low tide. Situated on a 10ha beachfront land on the shores of a turquoise lagoon, the resort features 250 suites with a mix of modern and exotic styles, creating an elegant, cosy and relaxed ambiance.
In terms of new resorts, they are actively seeking new opportunities for expansion in Zanzibar, the Maldives, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Meanwhile, the planning phase for a new 350 key, five-star resort in Zanzibar began in October and the opening is expected to take place on 1 October 2025.
Their expansion plan is driven by the desire to bring the international touch to more destinations and they are exploring potential locations in Saudi Arabia, Apulia, Sicily, Sardinia and ski resorts in the Dolomites.
“We are also in the process of furthering our presence in the Maldives, with a parallel project to Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa and Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa by creating a new five-star brand that will be positioned under the Emerald flagship,” highlights Simone Scarapicchia, Chief Commercial Officer at The Emerald Collection.
When assessing new destinations, the company looks to venture into well-established locations, exemplified by their entry into the Maldives. With over four decades of unparalleled expertise, they aim to elevate these locations by introducing innovative projects and offering the highest level of value propositions. Notably, their deluxe all-inclusive experience, previously predominant on a grand scale in the Caribbean, is now a hallmark of their commitment to excellence.
Recognising the importance of e-commerce and social media from both the marketing and sales perspective, The Emerald Collection integrates these channels into their overall strategy to enhance their guest experience, as well as keeping their audience engaged and informed. They not only showcase the experiences and activities awaiting their guests at their properties, but also delight in sharing content generated by their cherished guests, offering a glimpse into their unique and enjoyable moments at their resorts.
“Just as important in our ongoing business strategy is sustainability and this is a core philosophy across all Emerald resorts. We are committed to eco-friendly practices, from the elimination of plastic, making all resorts 100 per cent plastic-free, to the preservation of its surroundings and conservation of its diverse marine life through coral reef restoration projects, solar energy use, composting food waste and water purification initiatives,” says Aldo.
Discussing what has made the brand so successful over the past decade; Simone explains that the company’s rise lies in the embodiment of seamless elegance in their resorts, a perfect harmony with nature, a distinct touch of Italian charm, a dedicated commitment to eco-friendliness and energy efficiency and guaranteeing an unforgettable experience through their Deluxe All-Inclusive offerings.
“As a family, we take great care in managing our company, viewing each international client as our esteemed guest and we consistently aspire to extend a genuine luxury hospitality experience throughout every interaction,” explains Simone.
As our time with Aldo and Simone draws to a close, we discuss what lies ahead for The Emerald Collection and what they feel is the greatest challenge facing the business. Simone says to us that in reality, within the vast scope of their enterprise, they embark on expansive endeavours as a closely-knit family business. He continues by saying that achieving an exceptionally high-level of quality in both the construction and operation of their resorts demands an intense commitment and that this ambitious pursuit is far from straightforward, but it underscores their unwavering dedication to excellence.
“Looking to the future, we are acutely aware that our journey towards excellence is an ongoing one. We remain resolute in our commitment to expanding our business and delivering award-winning hospitality to diverse destinations while maintaining the essence of our family business mindset,” Aldo concludes.
