Mangia’s Resorts Taps MDA Hospitality for Luxury F&B and Leadership Training in Sicily and Sardinia

Submitted Success Story

MDA will work with Mangia’s to enhance its luxury service standards, equip department leaders with advanced training skills, boost staff confidence, foster higher guest satisfaction scores, and streamline operations. (Pictured: Santa Teresa Sardinia, Curio Collection by Hilton.) 
4.2.2025

MDA Hospitality Solutions, the global leader in hospitality and premier provider of exceptional full-service training solutions for some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands, has been tapped by Mangia’s Resorts in Italy. MDA will lead comprehensive food and beverage (F&B) and leadership training for two of Mangia’s properties—Brucoli Resort in Sicily, an Autograph Collection Resort by Marriott International, and Santa Teresa in Sardinia, a Curio Collection by Hilton.

With extensive expertise in in-service training for all hotel operations, the company has successfully opened over 80 hotels, provided training for over 150 hotels, and trained over 15,000 service professionals. MDA’s partnership with Mangia’s Resorts marks its first venture into the European market.

Using the company’s signature three-step training approach—Discovery, Development, and Delivery, MDA will work with Mangia’s to enhance its luxury service standards, equip department leaders with advanced training skills, boost staff confidence, foster higher guest satisfaction scores, and streamline operations through highly personalized, culturally attuned approach- ultimately directly impacting an increase in revenue.

The six-week program offers a comprehensive curriculum on menu and cocktail expertise, refined service methods, and hands-on training activities. By blending practical skills—such as guest interaction best practices and beverage knowledge—with targeted coaching for department heads, MDA ensures that the techniques introduced will endure well beyond the initial onsite sessions, fostering a sustainable training culture.

“We’re thrilled to bring our renowned luxury service training to Mangia’s Resorts and mark our first venture into Europe’s vibrant hospitality market. MDA has honed an approach that seamlessly integrates brand authenticity with stellar guest experiences. This expansion into Italy is not only a milestone for MDA but a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional results worldwide. We can’t wait to blend our proven methodologies with the rich Italian culture at Mangia’s Resorts, further cementing our global reputation and paving the way for MDA to become the leading hospitality training provider worldwide”, said Mary D’Argenis-Fernandez, founder and CEO of MDA Hospitality Solutions.

Hotel Investment Partners (HIP), owned by funds managed by Blackstone and recognized as the largest owner of resort hotels in Southern Europe, marked its inaugural move into Italy in 2021. Under a strategic agreement with Mangia’s, Resort by the Sea—one of the country’s leading resort hotel owners and operators—HIP acquired a portfolio of six beachfront properties located on the iconic islands of Sardinia and Sicily.

Since 2019, MDA Hospitality has collaborated with multiple Blackstone-owned properties, establishing a trusted relationship that consistently delivers impactful results. Their ongoing success in elevating service standards and operational efficiency makes MDA a go-to partner within the Blackstone portfolio, illustrating a shared commitment to excellence and continuous improvement across each new project.