Driving The Sands forward

The Sands Torquay continue to progress and innovate a bright future under new ownership, hiring experienced chef Bevan Vahland to spearhead local flavours in the kitchen, and new general manager Maurice Van Den Bosch, who brings more than 19 years of hotel management to the company from working across the globe.

From restaurants to high-end healthcare at the Epworth in East Melbourne to ala carte service in conference centres and hotels, the new executive chef has done it all.

Mr Vahland has now set his sights on the Surf Coast, wanting to grasp the niche opportunity in the northern end of Torquay to create a culinary wonderland.

The 25-year veteran has spent the majority of his career managing kitchens in Melbourne, however has recently relocated back to the Surf Coast where he grew up after stints in Lorne at The Mantra as well as at Truffleduck in Geelong.

“I’ve always had a passion for sustainable food and connecting that with local audiences wherever I have worked,” Mr Vahland said.

“At The Sands we want to connect and tell stories by linking our practice with local artists and producers, so in turn we can make delicious food that is going to highlight and showcase this beautiful area.

He hopes to bounce his creative and eclectic style off the rest of his team in the kitchen and create the ultimate customer tailored experience that takes indulgers on a journey.

“We’ve got a really interesting and exciting journey ahead of us and we look forward to creating a real community focused offering that is unique and locally driven,” Mr Vahland said.

“It’s great to come back to Torquay and I am thrilled to be attached to a company that hold such creative big aspirations like I do.”

Outside of the kitchen, Mr Van Den Bosch will be managing the facility, bringing over two decades of hotel management experience to the table as the new General Manager of The Sands.

After managing properties at iconic tourism destinations across the globe including the Maldives for the last five years, Mr Van Den Bosch looks to lead the future of The Sands as it looks to re-establish itself as a gem on the Great Ocean Road.

“Being able to travel and manage many locations around the globe has been an amazing opportunity that has provided me with plenty of learning and experience that I will look to implement here at The Sands,” he said.

“I believe that the tips and tricks that I have learnt over my time in the Maldives, New Zealand and at Uluru will allow me to form some new fun and inclusive practices that can take The Sands to the next level.

The new general manager said his first impressions of The Sands were being amazing, crediting the supportive team that has been formed around him to help drive the facility forward into
the future.

“You’ve got to be flexible and open to plenty of different activities daily in this role, whether it’s budgeting in the office or being out on the floor and driving a strong guest experience.

“It’s all about creating a location and atmosphere that is somewhere that people want to be.”

The Sands ownership group are thrilled to have the pair on board and look forward to watching the pair drive the business towards a sustainable and successful future.