Benny, Bruce And You
Benny De Bellis and Bruce Hanrahan, managing partners of ‘Carpe Diem Beach Club,’ are the visionaries behind ‘Carpe Diem Beach Club.’ Benny and Bruce are both experienced and passionate hospitality professionals with decades of experience working all over the globe for beach clubs, restaurants and hotels.
Bruce Hanrahan – Managing Partner
Bruce is a beach club aficionado and has over four decades of solid hospitality experience under his belt, with half of that solely focused on beach clubs and hotels.
Working with the family behind the Nikki Beach global brand since the first day that they opened their first iconic location in Miami, Bruce remained with them for 22 years. His last position for them was in Koh Samui as General Manager of a 48-room hotel and successful beach club as well as opening the Phuket venue.
Bruce has had extensive hands-on experience in most aspects of the restaurant and bar industry in addition to the constant Cornell training he has undergone throughout his career. He has thus gained a comprehensive understanding of how things work and how everything holistically ties together to make a successful business. In addition to being an adept manager of all aspects of operations, including accounting and marketing, he enjoys leading with respect and motivating teams to deliver service from the heart.
Carpe Diem welcomes wanderlust and Bruce has lived and worked in many beautiful places throughout the world, including the US, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic, Spain, Portugal, the Dominican Republic, and of course, Thailand. Bruce is fluent in Spanish and his time in southern Spain ignited his love of the culture, cuisine, and lifestyle, which influenced his overall visualization of Carpe Diem. The rich tapestry of Bruce’s experience promises to enrich Carpe Diem Beach Club.
Benny De Bellis – Managing Partner
After graduating from Tourism and Hospitality Management school, Benny moved to London to hone his skills in a variety of roles from Conference and Banqueting to waiting tables in swanky hotels in Bloomsbury. He was quickly promoted to management roles in a busy hotel in Leicester Square and then was hired as a Head Waiter at The Ritz.
After enjoying a decade in London, Benny decided to venture over to Asia to begin the next phase of his hotel career. Benny worked at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore before moving to Phuket to work at the Siam Supper Club. His next move was to Opus One, where he served as general manager for 3 years and then Catch Beach Club, for a further 3 years.
Benny felt it was time to go out on his own, so he and his wife Anne opened ‘Benny’s Cocktails & Grill’. Keeping it very real, with a specialized menu offering high quality, home-style steakhouse favourites, an excellent wine list, and terrific cocktails. Benny is a well-known face on the Phuket scene, known for his sharp sense of humour and warm hospitality.
The Team
Kiattisak Yeechun – Executive Chef
Some decade or so after working together previously, owner Benny and chef Kiattisak (Aek) are reunited once again at last. Both hospitality professionals have spoken often, trying to find a way to work together again. As the old saying goes, all good things come to those who wait. Chef Aek started his management career in the kitchen of the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa but found his niche managing kitchens as executive chef in some of the swankiest and most demanding beach clubs in Phuket. Having the opportunity to prepare such a wide range of international cuisines in a beach club is a huge delight to Chef Aek. He is eager to embody the Mediterranean concept at Carpe Diem and apply his own flair to make an absolutely delicious and unique dining experience. With a perpetual smile on his face, Chef is always willing to tackle a challenge and his vision for Carpe Diem will create a wonderful gastronomic journey!
Shane Shine – Resident DJ
Shane started working as a DJ in 2006 at the world-famous “Full Moon Party” over in Koh Phangan. He has held several residencies and most notably over at Nikki Beach Koh Samui. Now we are delighted to have Shane as our resident DJ here at Carpe Diem Beach Club in Phuket. His passion for House music to Disco, R&B, Soul, Balearic has played a huge part in influencing his early musical taste and makes him a well-rounded beach club DJ. His undeniable ability to get a crowd going by feeding off their energy is a testament to the talent and experience he has gained over the years and his smile is of course radiant! Shane is honoured to have played alongside some talents such as Bob Sinclar, Jonas Blue, Miguel Migs, Sandy Rivera, Sonny Fodera and Sam Divine.
Lenka Baluchova - Events & Operations Manager
Lenka began her journey in banquets at the age of 16, showcasing a passion for the culinary world. In 2007, her management career took off at Nikki Marina, Westin Diplomat Hotel, where she worked alongside Bruce.
Lenka’s diverse career continued with significant roles, including Restaurant Manager at Nikki Beach Miami from 2009 to 2012, where she collaborated with the events manager to organize events for up to 2,000 guests. In 2012-2013, Lenka worked with Bruce again as the Beach Club Manager at Nikki Beach Koh Samui. She managed her own restaurant and bar along with six small villas. In 2022, she made a strategic move to Phuket, where she now serves as the Events & Operations Manager, continuing her legacy of creating exceptional experiences in the F&B industry. Lenka’s dedication, wealth of experience, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable asset to the vibrant world of hospitality.
Ross Kingsley - Web Developer and Digital Marketer
Ross was living in Thailand, continuing his life as a digital nomad working with UK and Thai brands, improving their business’ digital presence. After working on Benny’s restaurant website, he was invited to join the team at Carpe Diem to focus on the new Phuket beach club. He brings with him over 20 years’ experience in website design and digital marketing.
Ross is currently happily continuing his nomadic journey in Mijas, Spain, but will be returning to Thailand very soon! Please feel to get in touch with him for any digital queries.
Estefany Barron - Creative Designer
A passionate and diligent graphic designer, Estefany holds a degree in Industrial Design and Product Development from the University of Guadalajara, México, yet moved into a career as a graphic designer, which she loves. Her connection to Carpe Diem was born from her work with Nikki Beach at the time when Bruce was the General Manager of the Koh Samui venue. Estefany is mostly married to her computer and when she clocks off, she really loves gaming with her hubby and their two cats.
Contact
Open Everyday 12pm -12am
99/1 Bangtao Beach Road,
Bangtao beach Phuket
Thailand, 83110
