Aitken on his weekend Harley ride (Photos: Murray Aitken)
Options: Congratulations on your recent Best Hotel GM of the Year award by Hard Rock International. You are definitely a hospitality man through and through but not many who work with you are aware of your adventurous streak. Tell us about some of your favourite adrenaline-inducing activities and what sparked this love of “the rush”.
Murray Aitken: I’ve always had a passion for adventure. While hospitality keeps me busy, I love skydiving and hold a B-licence (AFF) for it. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of jumping out of an aeroplane and free-falling before the parachute opens. I also find excitement in weekend rides on my Harley-Davidson and exploring the marine depths as a PADI technical scuba diver. For a calming pursuit, I golf. My love for adventure is driven by the thrill of pushing boundaries and seeking inspiration beyond my usual routine.
How did you start skydiving? We believe it began in the army.
Indeed, it was during my time in the military. I served as an officer in the 1980s, holding the rank of lieutenant in the South African Airborne Battalion Division. This experience exposed me to skydiving and ignited my passion for thrilling sports.
How many dives have you done to date?
A few hundred in total, with about 150 during military service and about 200 in civilian sports skydiving. One of the most memorable was over Lake Taupo in New Zealand, where I jumped 18,000ft. It was particularly special as it was considered a HALO (high altitude, low opening) jump and I vividly remember ice crystals striking my face during the descent.
How do guests react when they hear of your exploits?
Most are genuinely intrigued and eager to hear about my adventures. It often leads to great conversations that enrich their overall experience.
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Going from the military to hospitality is a big leap. What prompted it?
I’ve always had a strong desire to be part of the hospitality industry. I was fascinated with hotels as a child and was actually part of the industry prior to joining the National Service in South Africa. I then added on more years in the military before transitioning back to hospitality.
What was your original childhood ambition?
To be a fighter pilot!
How do you mentally prepare yourself before every adventure?
Nothing extensive, really. I simply dive into it and go with the flow. However, I am OCD when it comes to travel preparations, making sure I always fit in the best meals and experiences.
Timepieces are said to be the adventurer’s best companion. What would constitute your top three?
I’m a big fan of Tag Heuer. Of the five Tag Heuer pieces I own, my favourite is the Aquaracer which I use for travel. My second choice would be the Suunto D9tx Titanium dive computer watch, perfect for deep-sea scuba diving. Thirdly, my Apple Watch Series 8 serves as a reliable GPS tracker for my golf games while also tracking my health and activities.
What are you reading right now?
I usually have several books in rotation. I am currently exploring a mix of OKR (objectives and key results), non-fiction and biographies. So, to answer your question, I am currently reading Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang and Jon Halliday; The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by Ben Macintyre; and Measure What Matters by John Doerr.
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What are you listening to right now?
Post Malone, whose music I find quite captivating, but Pearl Jam and Pink Floyd are also always on hand.
Given your vast experience, what would you recommend as some of the most exciting things to do on the planet?
Skydiving over the Grand Canyon in the US. It is definitely a bucket-list location for skydivers and one of the world’s natural wonders. A Harley ride along Route 66 from the east to the west coast of the US is also an adventure that offers freedom on the open road and a chance to explore the heartland of America. Another would be deep-sea scuba diving off the British Virgin Islands, descending to 200ft to explore a shipwreck. It would also give you a unique opportunity to witness the Caribbean’s thriving sea life.
So what is your year-end and 2024 travel list looking like?
Penang, the Maldives, Goa and Sydney while the only thing planned for 2024 would be Cape Town, South Africa.
This article first appeared on Oct 9, 2023 in The Edge Malaysia.
