Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2001
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Telecoms Operator, Four Seasons Hotel Dublin (formerly a Four Seasons hotel)

Employment History

• Four Seasons Resort Seychelles; Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza; Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay; Four Seasons Hotel Sydney; Four Seasons Hotel Toronto; Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea; Four Seasons Hotel Seattle; Four Seasons Hotel Chicago; Four Seasons Hotel Dublin (formerly a Four Seasons hotel)

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree: Hotel & Catering Management, Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology, Ireland

Birthplace

• Ireland

Languages Spoken

• English

Mary Bowens' career began in Ireland, where she gained a solid foundation in hotel management and guest services through her studies at Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology.

In 2001, Mary joined Four Seasons, beginning as Telecoms Operator at the former Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin. Over the following three years, demonstrating her eagerness to learn in various departments, she progressed through the ranks and became Assistant Front Office Manager at the Hotel. In June 2006, she crossed the Atlantic to take up the position at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and later transferred to managerial duties in the Housekeeping department.

After almost three years, Mary’s journey with Four Seasons brought her to Seattle as Assistant Manager of Housekeeping and Laundry. After her time there, she travelled to Four Seasons Resort Maui in Hawaii for the role of Assistant Director of Housekeeping over a two-year period.

"I thrive on the diversity of cultures and experiences that the hospitality industry offers, and Four Seasons has afforded me this privilege. Community and connection are important values of mine, and I have often found the most the genuine interactions the most amid the idyllic settings of a Four Seasons hotel or resort."

Mary’s next stop was Four Seasons Hotel Toronto where she was part of the flagship property’s pre-opening team in a new location. She became Assistant Director of Rooms in 2014, overseeing operations for 259 rooms.

In late 2015, Sydney called, and Mary assumed the role of Director of Rooms for the 531-room Four Seasons in the Australian city. Then she held the same role at Four Seasons Bali at Jimbaran Bay for a year before returning to Toronto, where she was Corporate Director of Housekeeping.

Most recently, Mary served as Resort Manager at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, where her approach was defined by a strong people‑first philosophy, deep respect for local culture and a passion for creating meaningful guest experiences in harmony with nature.

Now, as General Manager of Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Mary brings this breadth of global experience to one of the world’s most iconic landscapes. Her leadership approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration and respect - for people, wildlife and place - with a clear focus on preserving the delicate balance between luxury hospitality and conservation.

“Stepping into the Serengeti feels both humbling and deeply meaningful. In a landscape defined by wilderness, it reminds me that the most powerful role of hospitality is to listen - to the land, to the people, and to the moments that stay with guests long after they leave.”

Throughout her career, Mary has been recognised for her strong commitment to team development and operational excellence.

“Leading teams in a place like the Serengeti is about trust, respect and shared purpose. I’m deeply committed to developing and empowering our people - creating a culture of continuous growth where every team member feels confident to bring their best, and where exceptional guest experiences are delivered naturally through genuine care, knowledge and connection.”

Outside of her professional life, Mary is an avid traveller and reader, with a deep appreciation for natural landscapes, particularly mountains and dramatic geological formations. Strongly connected to her family in Ireland, she describes travel not only as a passion, but as a continual source of learning and perspective.