HIND Management has appointed hospitality leader Ali Appelman as the new Hotel Manager at its Sudima Queenstown Five Mile hotel. Appelman has an extensive background in the hospitality industry with experience across New Zealand and the United Kingdom. She recently served as General Manager and Area General Manager for JUCY Snooze Queenstown and Christchurch and previously held management roles with IHG, Heritage and Mantra group.
As a hotel manager, Appelman combines industry expertise with a passion for the spirit of Queenstown that she is excited about sharing with guests. The best holiday locations are the ones you never want to leave, and Appelman is a traveller turned manager, having first visited Queenstown in 2007 as a backpacker.
"I love the seasons, the colours, the views from every window. You can ski in the morning and ride bikes in the afternoon; it's a town of opportunity. This region has something for every traveller, whether you're on a family adventure, couples' getaway, food and wine holiday, golf, mountain biking, hiking, skiing - we really do have something for everyone!" said Appelman.
"In Queenstown, we've had a unique opportunity to evaluate and refine our visitor experience in the past two years. Every business has had to look at what they offer and the standards they operate. I believe this will make our new visitor experience among the best in the world. Every business owner is invested in the region, and we are all more passionate than ever to show it off."
Phillipa Gimmillaro, HIND Management's Chief People Officer, shared that HIND Management and Sudima Hotels are delighted to welcome Appelman to the family.
"Her role is key, as the hotel manager of our newest property. Her deep familiarity with the Queenstown area and wealth and breadth of experience, from the customer and tourism side to people management and revenue and other financial responsibilities, has prepared her perfectly for the Sudima Queenstown Five Mile manager role and steering the hotel through the tourism recovery and regrowth of visitors."
In December 2021, Sudima Queenstown Five Mile opened in the Five Mile retail precinct of the bustling Frankton area. The 4.5-star contemporary hotel reflects the surrounding mountains in its architecture, while its 120 guest rooms are designed for comfort with panoramic views of Queenstown's scenic landscape. With the recent relaxation of border restrictions, the hotel is the ideal location for travellers to access Queenstown's airport, ski fields, restaurants and bars, the wineries of Central Otago and popular nearby destinations such as Wanaka.
Sudima Queenstown Five Mile's signature restaurant, Podium, offers guests and visitors a prime venue to savour a delicious meal or unwind with a drink indoors or in the outdoor mezzanine with views of the mountains.
Appelman will also oversee Queenstown's newest spa, Moss Spa, located beside the hotel, offering wellness, rejuvenation and relaxation with high-quality professional spa treatments. Moss Spa has three purpose-built treatment rooms, including a twin room with a signature spa immersion bath delivering the ultimate luxury spa experience. The contemporary space caters to Sudima Hotels guests, Queenstown locals, and other travellers.
Appelman assumed her role as Hotel Manager in mid-April and said her team highly anticipates the arrival of domestic and international guests in time for Queenstown's famous winter season.
