Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort is entering an exciting new chapter as we welcome Dumisani Sakuinje, who is stepping into his new leadership role as General Manager following the remarkable legacy of Kirsty and Launce Roberts. With decades of global experience and a deep passion for people, sustainability, and authentic hospitality, Dumisani brings both fresh energy and grounded mindset to the Hamanasi family. We sat down with our new general manager who is affectionately known as Dumi, and he shared with us his perspective and approach on the way forward while at Hamanasi.
Background
Dumi in India.
Dumi’s journey in hospitality began at ground level, rooted in both conservation and guest experience. Originally from Zimbabwe, “I started my career in the safari industry as a safari guide, which was my entry point and foundation in hospitality and conservation,” he shares. “From there, I gradually grew into leadership and management roles.” Over the years, his path has taken him across some of the most respected names in the industry. “Early on, I worked with Conservation Corporation Africa (CCA), now known as &Beyond Safaris. In management roles, I’ve had the privilege of working with brands such as Singita, African Bush Camps, and Aman Resorts, just to name a few.” Dumi brings a depth of perspective shaped by diverse roles and environments— experience that continues to inform his thoughtful, people-centered leadership approach.
Dumi describes his arrival in Belize as something truly special. “Yes, I am very excited to be here. It’s a privilege to join Hamanasi and to begin this new chapter in Belize,” said Dumi. From the start, the connection felt natural.
What drew him to Hamanasi and to Belize, was a strong alignment of values. “What Hamanasi represents strongly resonates with my personal values,” he shares. As an eco-resort deeply committed to sustainability and regenerative tourism, Hamanasi reflects his own beliefs as “a nature lover and someone who feels deeply about protecting our planet.” Belize’s “rich biodiversity and strong environmental consciousness” only deepened that connection.
With more than 25 years in the tourism industry, Dumi describes his leadership style as “transformational.” He believes in “developing people, empowering leaders, and creating an environment where individuals feel trusted, accountable, and inspired to perform at their best.” His international experience has reinforced a simple but powerful truth: “Respect, clear communication, and empowerment” are the foundations of strong teams across cultures.
Responsibilities
Dumi with Green Team members during Green Hour.
Stepping into this role of leading a team of nearly 190 employees and welcoming thousands of guests each year brings both excitement and responsibility. “What thrills me most is the opportunity to build on an already strong foundation and help elevate Hamanasi to its next level of excellence,” Dumi says. At the same time, he recognizes the challenge of “balancing growth and evolution while preserving the resort’s intimate culture and authenticity.” For Dumi, that balance is not a burden: it’s what makes the role rewarding.
Sustainability remains central to his vision. While acknowledging that “Hamanasi is already doing a great deal,” he’s eager to enhance existing initiatives and help grow the Hamanasi Foundation, creating an even greater impact for “the local community and the environment.”
Looking ahead, Dumi’s expectations are rooted in collaboration and shared purpose. “My expectation is to work collaboratively with the team, foster strong leadership across departments, and create a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement—while staying true to Hamanasi’s core values.”
Vision
Living room of a Hamanasi’s deluxe treehouse.
Dumi’s vision for the future is clear and inspiring: “To help take Hamanasi to the next level as a premium holiday destination, while remaining authentic, sustainable, and deeply connected to its people and place.” For guests, this means an experience that goes beyond service. “Exceptional guest experience,” he explains, is about “highly personalized, thoughtful service where guests feel genuinely cared for—not just served.” It’s about “creating emotional connections that stay with guests long after they leave.”
As Hamanasi evolves, Dumi is committed to preserving the intimate, personalized feel guests know and love, “by staying people-focused, investing in staff training, empowering teams to make decisions, and ensuring that growth never comes at the expense of authenticity, warmth, or personalized service.”
Dumi in an employee huddle.
Five years from now, Dumi hopes Hamanasi will be known “as the leading eco-luxury resort that delivers exceptional guest experiences, sets benchmarks in sustainability and regenerative tourism, and makes a meaningful, positive impact on both the community and the environment.”
When asked what truly sets Hamanasi apart from other resorts, Dumi’s answer was immediate and heartfelt: “The people,” noting that this sense of community is what makes the resort so special.
“There is something truly special about the team at Hamanasi—their warmth, commitment, and genuine care for guests and one another,” – Dumisani Sakuinje
With deep respect for the past and a clear vision for the future, Dumi’s journey at Hamanasi is just beginning and it promises to be one guided by heart, purpose, and people. Welcome, Dumisani!
