You have worked in numerous 5-star establishments around the world, how does Mexico differ from other destinations you have experienced?
I cannot talk too much about Mexico as I have not been here long enough to be able to discover all the corners of this beautiful country.
Most travellers define Mexico with a few destinations, typically Los Cabos, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. Mexico is so big, with so many things to do and see from a cultural, gastronomical and historical point of view.
Yucatan, for example, is one of the most diverse states in Mexico in terms of history and culture, and its folklore is still very evident and rooted. The people are very different here and so is their native language (Maya and its many dialects is still widely spoken). Some of the best and most famous archaeological sites are in the state of Yucatan, near Merida (Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, among many others), while most people think that you much go to Cancun (state of Quintana Roo) in order to visit those sites.
I am very proud to represent Chable’ and we have achieved many accolades in the past two years, including the latest Signum Virtutis, the Seal of Excellence from the 2018 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards.
Chable is a very unique resort which boasts great design. Tell us what makes Chable such an unforgettable experience for its guests?
First its people. One of our promises is to provide a warm and genuine service, coming from the heart. We have beautiful grounds, some of the largest rooms in our category and many amenities including a world class SPA, fine dining with Mexico’s number 1 Chef, Jorge Vallejo (S. Pellegrino list 2018) and soon we will have a multi-purpose room to host groups up to 150 people and a Pitch & Putt or ‘’barefoot Golf’’.
What can we expect from the group in the near future?
The owners have put a lot of money and effort in to building this resort and they are now seeing fruits of their labour. We have a few projects in the pipeline and all of them are in Mexico. The first one coming up in the next 18-24 months which will be in La Paz (sea of Cortez, Baja California Sur). Watch this space…..
Running a resort Like Chable, small, which commands high rates and which caters to affluent guests is not an easy task. What have you had to change, from your usual management style, in order to make Chable the success that it is today?
Actually nothing. If you think you can change a culture just with a blink of an eye, you are going south for sure. What I have been doing instead is understanding and embracing the Mexican and Yucatecan culture. One which is very rich in traditions and history. Probably not many people know that when the Maya people were thriving, most of Europe were barbarians and warriors, here they were astrologists, mathematicians, and architects.
Then it’s the hard work and dedication to the team you have to continuously lead, motivate and groom. Hospitality is my passion, so it becomes almost natural.
Boutique and independent Hotels have had a great resurgence around the world and their popularity seems to be ever increasing. What do you think are the main reasons for this trend?
I don’t think I am inventing anything new here. It is very normal not to use ‘’standard hotels’’ and move towards socially friendly, cool service and relaxed atmosphere.
Recently you have won the Signum Virtutis, the Seal of Excellence form the 2018 Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards ranking you as one of the most exceptional Hotels worldwide. How does it feel having won this prestigious award?
It feels that now our bar for excellence has been raised higher and that we need to be more vigilant as our guests’ expectations keep growing. This is fine, each and every member of the team is 100% committed to continue deliver exceptional results and I will continue working side by side with them to stand firm in this small circle.
Please tell us 5 things that you never travel without?
Generally, I like to travel light. I will never leave without my swimming trunks, mask, snorkel and my underwater camera (if is a beach destination). If is a city, my phone (so I can share my experience on my social media), a few bags of sweets (yes, depending of the country we travel to, when we see kids, we always give away some sweets for them, they love it), a guide/map of the place we travel to, and a pair of headphones.
What are your 3 favourite destinations in the world?
I have lived in 11 countries so far and my favourites are: Oman, Malaysia and now Mexico (without any order of importance.
