Hospitality Design - November 2021 - 95

Did you always have a love for hospitality?
In many ways I grew up in the industry, as my father and grandfather
brought many revolutionary hospitality developments to Hong Kong,
including the original New World Centre, whose site now houses
the Rosewood Hong Kong. I've been fortunate to learn from them
throughout my life and to apply their teachings to my current role at
Rosewood. It very much feels like I have come full circle.
Resembling a New York residence, the Carlyle's
presidential suite is designed by tonychi studio
Earliest hospitality memories?
I love traveling, and I grew up surrounded by hotels due to the nature
of my family's business. It has always been a part of my life and one
of my greatest passions. The development of hotels and how they
operate was a common topic of conversation around the dinner table
when I was growing up. It is thrilling to now be the one bringing new
and innovative hospitality experiences to the modern generation of
travelers.
How has Rosewood evolved since you became CEO in 2011?
At that time, Rosewood had an excellent reputation among North
American travelers, but the brand was not as well-known on a global
scale. My goal was to make Rosewood one of the leading ultra-luxury
hospitality brands in the world, and as part of this, we set our sights
on an ambitious, strategic global expansion plan. It has not only been
about growing our footprint. In an age of corporate uniformity, we are
careful to manage each project with a custom and bespoke approach-
something that requires an enormous amount of eff ort, but I believe
it is critical to the success and diff erentiation of the Rosewood brand.
From the area program to the design and the collateral, uniforms, and
photography, no detail is overlooked. It's these small touches that our
guests notice and that distinguish the Rosewood brand in today's age
of sameness. Each property is designed with a residential nature to
create a home away from home for travelers, complete with personal
touches combined with the unmatched amenities of a luxury resort.
The Yabu Pushelberg-designed Rosewood Guangzhou stars the Canton
House duplex suite, which reflects modern Chinese opulence
Led by Philippe Starck, the Rosewood São Paulo
features highly crafted interiors, including in the suites
What was it like opening the Rosewood Hong Kong on the
waterfront property your grandfather originally developed?
Hong Kong is a dynamic destination and a global hub for art, culture,
technology, and innovation. It has been a dream of mine to launch a
hotel of my own here and to do so at Victoria Dockside. This location,
which I am deeply connected to and which ignited my love for
hospitality, will forever be one of my most meaningful endeavors. I am
incredibly proud of what we have built and how it embodies both my
family and the brand's legacy.
How does Rosewood's A Sense of Place philosophy guide
the brand?
Simply put, it means all aspects of our properties refl ect the history,
culture, and sensibilities of their destinations. Our unwavering
commitment to these locally inspired experiences ensures that we are
bringing a new and unique off ering to our travelers, which has proven
critical in sett ing us apart.
hospitalitydesign.com November 2021
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Hospitality Design - November 2021

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