Maldives, Bali & Cayman: Living & Working Guide
- From the Maldives to Cambodia, Marc LeBlanc and Laura Robinson have carved out a unique career managing luxury resorts in some of the world's most remote and lovely...
- LeBlanc, originally from Canada, started his journey as a dishwasher and worked his way up through various hotel roles before earning a degree in hotel management.
- leblanc noted that working in a "one island, one resort" setting like the Maldives differs greatly from vacationing there.
Hospitality Couple Balances Remote Work and Luxury Resorts
Updated May 28, 2025
From the Maldives to Cambodia, Marc LeBlanc and Laura Robinson have carved out a unique career managing luxury resorts in some of the world’s most remote and lovely locations. the couple, currently at Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia’s Cardamom mountains, bring a wealth of experience to the hospitality industry.
LeBlanc, originally from Canada, started his journey as a dishwasher and worked his way up through various hotel roles before earning a degree in hotel management. Robinson, who is British, initially studied marine biology and worked as a diving instructor before transitioning to remote locations hotel leadership.
leblanc noted that working in a “one island, one resort” setting like the Maldives differs greatly from vacationing there. He said that while guests experience paradise, employees frequently enough live in staff villages, creating a close-knit community with its own set of challenges.
Robinson added that managing diverse personalities within these communities is essential, especially in multicultural environments. at Shinta Mani Wild, where most of the staff are Cambodian, this has been somewhat easier.
Robinson emphasized that ensuring employee happiness is just as notable as guest satisfaction. “You’ve got 100 [employees] that you’ve got to make sure are happy,” she said.
The couple celebrates staff birthdays and events, with LeBlanc occasionally DJing for the team.
While island life may seem idyllic, Robinson pointed out the maintenance challenges posed by saltwater. In the Cambodian forest, humidity and the encroaching jungle present different environmental hurdles.
LeBlanc noted that Shinta Mani Wild, despite having only 15 guest tents, requires meticulous attention to detail and conservation efforts across its vast property.
Living far from family is another challenge. while their parents visited them annually when they lived in the Maldives, the couple now makes yearly trips home to see siblings and aging parents. They recently adopted two dogs from the Cardamom Mountains forest.
LeBlanc said that working together as a couple in remote locations has its own dynamic. “Initially you don’t know how it’s going to go,” said LeBlanc. But “we work quiet well together.”
Robinson added that separate offices are key to their success. LeBlanc oversees HR, finance, security, and engineering, while Robinson focuses on front-of-house operations.
LeBlanc described Robinson as highly organized and efficient, while he sees himself as more creative. They often brainstorm ideas during personal holidays, drawing inspiration from their travels.
LeBlanc said that opportunities abound for managing couples in remote destinations, including private islands and estates. Having a companion can also ease the sense of isolation.
“It makes sense, we have each other,” LeBlanc said.
What’s next
LeBlanc and Robinson plan to continue their work in luxury sustainability and hospitality, seeking new opportunities to blend their professional skills with their passion for unique and remote destinations.