Family is at the heart of Eden Leisure Group CEO Simon De Cesare’s summer

Enjoying the time spent with one’s own loved ones is a must during every part of the year.

However, this is especially the case during summer, when there are more people at home given that children are on their school holidays, allowing for ample bonding time between families.

This is what characterises a typical summer for Eden Leisure Group CEO Simon De Cesare, who savours each moment spent with both his close and extended family over the summer months.

For the latest instalment of this year’s MaltaCEOs.mt summer interview series, we caught up with Simon to find out more about what his plans are for the coming summer, as well as what his most memorable trips abroad are.

Having joined Eden Leisure Group 23 years ago, he gradually rose through to the ranks from Business Administration Manager to heading the family business as CEO. Being at the helm of the company does not leave that much room for Simon to take breaks from work, but when he does, he makes sure it is worthwhile.

Are you a summer person, or do you prefer winter? Why?

Neither, as I am much more of a spring and autumn person. I love to walk and run in the countryside, so this is the very best time for that. I am not a fan of the summer heat nor the winter cold.

Are you looking forward to this summer in particular? Why?

Summertime is still busy for me, but I do manage to find time for myself to spend with the whole family, especially since the younger ones are on their school holidays.

What’s your favourite thing to do in the summer season? Why?

I love to barbeque and drink white wine in the evening. Meeting up with friends is always great in the summer.

Do you prefer going out or staying inside during the summer season?

I like to stay at home during the day and then go out in the evening when it is cooler.

Will you be going abroad this summer? If yes, where to and why?

Where to start… I’ll be going to Greece to sail for 10 days, and then to Sicily for a week with the extended family. It is great to see all the young kids bonding and growing.

Afterwards I’ll be heading to France for a long weekend to celebrate a birthday and finally Scotland for another long weekend.

What’s your dream summer destination? Why?

I prefer somewhere a little cooler as opposed to the heat in Malta. I never seem to get my way because my family love the sea and hot places, and so I end up getting overruled.

What’s your best holiday experience?

Vietnam with my wife. The food, the culture, and the difference from north to south were all incredible.

What’s your worst holiday experience?

I think it would have to be Marrakesh. I will leave the details out, but it ended with food poisoning – probably from the water – and a long train ride back to Casablanca feeling like …

Companies are encouraged to invest to stay ahead of the curve. As a business leader, how will you be investing in yourself this summer?

There never seems to be much free time, as we are always doing something.
However, I suppose reading while on holiday is the most I can hope for this summer.

From recharging your batteries to taking on a huge task – do you have any particular goals for the summer?

I suppose I should, right? Honestly it would have to be to balance the vacations and quality time with the family with the exigencies of work.