André Jardim Fernandes Caldeira

André left his home island of Madeira to pursue his dream hospitality career, he returned with international experience, lifelong friends and a wife.

I’m proud to be General Manager of the Vila Porto Mare, a beautiful, 443-room, four-star property on the Portuguese island of Madeira.

I was born on the island, but I haven’t always lived here. Before studying at Les Roches Marbella, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Lisbon, studied in Hong Kong, and worked in Lufthansa’s Beijing office. Les Roches definitely attracts the globetrotting type.

“I wake up every morning not knowing what’s in store – but knowing it’s going to inspire me.”

 

A transformative experience

I was passionate about hospitality and came to Les Roches to deepen my knowledge of the hotel operations business. It worked – and then some. As well as gaining a degree, I made lifelong friends, and even met my wife.

“As well as gaining a degree, I made lifelong friends, and even met my wife.”

 

After graduating, I did six months of operational training at Hotel Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro before returning to Madeira with Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts.

Within a couple of years, I was made General Manager – first at Porto Santa Maria and then at Vila Porto Mare. I just love the excitement of this role.