Luxury Meets Family Happiness
A Conversation with Our General Manager, Angelo Maria Russo
We are delighted to introduce Angelo Maria Russo, who has been strengthening the team at AKI Family Resort PLOSE as General Manager since 24 September. Born in 1980 in Caserta, Angelo brings with him more than twenty years of experience in international luxury hospitality. Today, he has consciously chosen to begin a new chapter—one that unites excellence, nature, and family values.
In this interview, he shares what inspired this step, what makes AKI so special to him, and the vision that guides him in this exciting new role.
What brought you here, to South Tyrol?
I have been working in the hotel industry for over twenty years, during which I have had the opportunity to gain formative experience both in Italy and abroad. Some of the most significant milestones of my career include Hotel Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole and Hotel Bauer Palazzo in Venice. After many years in classic luxury hospitality, joining AKI Family Resort PLOSE represents a new—and deeply inspiring—challenge. As the father of three sons—the 13-year-old twins Raffaele Alessandro and Fabio, and seven-year-old Francesco Maria—this role has a very special meaning for me. It allows me to experience and actively shape family hospitality not only from a professional perspective, but also through a parent’s eye.
What, in your opinion, makes AKI so special as a family resort?
What impressed me immediately is the nature-inspired architecture, which blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape through the consistent use of wood, clean lines, and green roofs. From the very first moment, the resort conveys a sense of calm and balance. Despite its wide range of offerings for children, AKI maintains an atmosphere of authentic luxury: thoughtfully designed spaces, soft lighting accents, and intentionally created retreats invite guests to slow down and rediscover their own rhythm. In the hotel bar, parents can enjoy a drink in a stylish yet relaxed setting, while children let off steam right next door in the AKI Kids Club. Cuisine also plays a key role in the concept. Alongside refined regional gourmet dishes, we offer healthy, natural meals tailored to young palates. Our children’s menus are prepared with the same care, quality, and attention as those created for adults.
Which values would you like to convey through the activities for our young guests?
Our aim is to pass on values that support children as they grow—while at the same time strengthening family bonds. In an age shaped by busy schedules, shared moments are becoming increasingly precious. That is why at AKI we consciously create spaces and opportunities for families to experience things together: through outdoor adventures, creative hours in the atelier, or small shared moments from which lasting memories are born—true to our motto, “Memories for a lifetime.” At the same time, we want to nurture love and respect for nature from an early age. Through encounters with animals in our petting zoo or discovery tours in the forest, children experience nature up close and develop an understanding of its value and the importance of protecting it.
Imagine you were staying at AKI with your family—what would you definitely not want to miss?
Without a doubt: racing down the spectacular water slides with my boys. Afterwards, we would relax together in the family sauna—a place of well-being designed for all ages, made playful by experience showers and bucket showers. This balance between action and relaxation perfectly reflects what AKI stands for in my view.
The role of a General Manager is broad and demanding. Which aspect of your work gives you the greatest joy?
Although my professional background is rooted in business and management, it is the human connection that is closest to my heart. Every day I interact with guests and colleagues, encounter new situations, and share impressions and experiences. No two days are the same—there is no routine here. And that constant variety, along with the unexpected, is exactly what makes this profession so fascinating to me.
We wish our new General Manager a path filled with success, fresh inspiration, and many fulfilling moments at AKI Family Resort PLOSE.