Mr Lugt, a Dutch and English speaker with some German, is known as a great communicator and motivator who extracts the most from his team.
Indigo Pearl General Manager Christopher Oakes said: "We are delighted to have Michiel on board. Every challenge he has encountered has been met, and that's why his is a career in ascent. Indigo Pearl is the ultimate in highly stylised luxury on Phuket's sheltered, more discerning northern end and given Michiel's pedigree at five-star hotels, the fit couldn't be better."
The Dutch native has been on a long and winding road that has seen him serve as Food and Beverage Director at Grace Bay Club Resort, Turks and Caicos Islands, The Hong Kong Jockey Club and De L'Europe in Amsterdam. His previous position, which concluded last month, was F&B Director at The Chedi Muscat in Oman. There, he managed a 100-strong team and seven department heads. "I'm very happy to be at such a strikingly unique resort," he said. "I've never seen anything quite like it. It really has drawn influences from its surrounds – the area's tin-mining history and rubber plantations, for example – in the most arresting way. Given my extensive F&B background, I'm equally excited to be at the pointy end of steering a resort with such outstanding F&B options." Located 10 minutes from Phuket International Airport, the all-suite and villa property is nestled in Srinath National Park next to a lambent, pristine beach and the azure wonder of the Andaman Sea. The raw sensuality, bold luxury, penchant for history and surreal twists that informed legendary designer Bill Bensley's vision is apparent at every turn. The resort has vast and beautifully landscaped grounds and its verdant gardens bear the Bensley touch. Its array of unique and buzz-worthy restaurants and bars include Rivet, Tongkah Tin Syndicate and Rebar.