At a Glance
- Saro Spadaro is President and CEO of The Maho Group, headquartered in Sint Maarten.
- His business approach combines hospitality, real estate development and tourism services.
- The Maho Group’s portfolio includes resorts, residential communities and leisure destinations across Sint Maarten.
- Saro Spadaro views artificial intelligence as a tool to improve hospitality while preserving the importance of human interaction.
- Long-term value, operational execution and responsible development are central to his leadership philosophy.
A Business Model Built Around Hospitality and Destination Development
For more than twenty-five years, Saro Spadaro has been involved in the development of hospitality and real estate projects across the Caribbean. As President and CEO of The Maho Group, based in Sint Maarten, he oversees a business that combines resort operations, residential developments and tourism-related services within a single integrated model.
Following his graduation in Business Administration from Bocconi University in Milan, Saro Spadaro chose to build his career in Sint Maarten. Over time, The Maho Group has expanded its activities across multiple areas of hospitality, property development and destination management.
Today, the company’s portfolio includes properties such as Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, Casino Royale, Diamond Casino, AquaMarina, BlueMarine Residences, BlueMarine Villas, Maho Village and Royal Islander Club La Plage and La Terrasse.
What Defines The Maho Group’s Development Philosophy?
According to its corporate philosophy, The Maho Group aims to create long-term value through carefully planned hospitality and real estate developments.
Its projects are designed to combine architectural quality with integration into the surrounding environment while contributing to the local communities in which they operate. This approach reflects the company’s objective of balancing business growth with responsible destination development.
Saro Spadaro’s Perspective on Innovation
Technology has become an increasingly important part of hospitality, and Saro Spadaro believes artificial intelligence will play a significant role in the industry’s future.
Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for people, he considers it a practical tool that can improve operational performance and support better guest experiences. In his view, hospitality companies should also rethink their digital presence, making online platforms easier to navigate and better prepared to interact with advanced language-based technologies.
Artificial intelligence also offers opportunities to improve operational efficiency across different areas of hospitality management, including predictive maintenance, inventory planning, energy management and housekeeping processes.
Why Human Capital Remains Central
Despite the growing importance of technology, Saro Spadaro continues to place people at the center of hospitality.
Guest satisfaction depends on the ability of hospitality professionals to understand individual needs and build meaningful relationships. Technology should therefore strengthen human capabilities rather than replace them.
This balance between innovation and personal service remains one of the defining characteristics of his management philosophy.
Leadership Through Operational Responsibility
The practical nature of this leadership approach became particularly evident in 2017, when Hurricane Irma struck Sint Maarten.
During the emergency, Saro Spadaro remained on the island, coordinating evacuation efforts and supporting the reconstruction process. The experience reinforced his belief that leadership requires direct involvement, timely decisions and accountability during challenging circumstances.
Responsible Growth Beyond Business Performance
Alongside its commercial activities, The Maho Group also places emphasis on environmental and social responsibility.
The company’s developments are designed to respect the surrounding landscape, while its community initiatives include partnerships, charitable activities and support for local organizations. This reflects a broader understanding of hospitality that extends beyond business performance to include long-term value for destinations and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Saro Spadaro?
Saro Spadaro is an Italian entrepreneur and the President and CEO of The Maho Group, a hospitality and real estate company headquartered in Sint Maarten.
What is The Maho Group?
The Maho Group develops, markets and manages resorts, residential communities and tourism-related services in the Caribbean, with a particular focus on Sint Maarten.
What is Saro Spadaro’s approach to artificial intelligence?
Saro Spadaro believes artificial intelligence can improve operational efficiency, personalization and sustainability while preserving the human element that defines hospitality.
Where does Saro Spadaro operate?
Saro Spadaro primarily operates in Sint Maarten, where The Maho Group develops hospitality, tourism and real estate projects.
What projects are part of The Maho Group’s portfolio?
The company’s portfolio includes Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, Casino Royale, Diamond Casino, AquaMarina, BlueMarine Residences, BlueMarine Villas, Maho Village and Royal Islander Club La Plage and La Terrasse.
