The Wordrobe picks the brains of four world-class hoteliers and travel CEOs to find out exactly where the experts like to escape to…
1 Daniel Hostettler
President and Managing Director of the iconic Ocean House Management Collection
Committed to delivering all out luxury, Daniel Hostettler is the MD of the Ocean House Management Collection, a resort management company which counts New England’s most iconic properties amongst its portfolio.
Do you have an all-time favourite hotel and why?
La Chèvre D’Or in Eze Village, French Riviera, because my first visit was 25 years ago. It was probably the first time that I visited a luxury hotel as a young traveller and it solidified my career choice in luxury boutique hospitality.
The General Manager was in the lobby greeting every guest, the service was flawless, the food was superb, and the views are like no place else in the world.
Where is your favourite summer destination?
Hotel Splendido in Portofino on the Italian Riviera.
Where is your favourite winter destination?
Beau Rivage Hotel, Neuchatel Switzerland, a fellow Relais & Chateaux property owned by a friend, with stellar staff and service in another relatively undiscovered corner of the world.
2 Christophe Chauvin
General Manager of Hotel Byblos in Saint Tropez
GM of Hotel Byblos in Saint Tropez, Christophe Chauvin has in-depth knowledge of the lavish brand and its rich history.
Do you have an all-time favourite hotel and why?
My favourite hotel is the Standard in New York, I love the location in the Meatpacking District, it reminds me of the city in the 90’s. The bar at the top of the building is outstanding, from April you can go on the rooftop and enjoy the unique breathtaking views.
I will always remember when I first walked, it was 11pm arriving from the airport and the lobby was full of good looking people, the ambiance was crazy! I loved it from the first second.
Where is your favourite summer destination?
Well, I love staying around Saint-Tropez during summer first of all because it is high season at Byblos.
I go where nobody else goes, some wild places between Saint-Tropez and Hyères where you have to walk for a little while before discovering an untouched piece of sand or rocks in front of the Mediterranean Sea.
Var is one of the best preserved parts of the French Riviera. You can either go to the mountains in an hour or stay by the coast and enjoy a glass of rosé with friends.
Where is your favourite winter destination?
Winter time means holidays for me, I usually travel to do surfing and kitesurfing with my family, it takes us to various spots from South Africa, Saint-Barth, Fuerteventura, Marocco… and soon Panama.
We are pretty much looking for local people, a great way to discover unexpected places, great food and good vibes – the perfect recipe to disconnect!
3 Frank Grassmann
General Manager of The Nai Harn Phuket
An expert in providing guests with a memorable stay, Frank Grassmann is the General Manager of The Nai Harn Phuket, a stunning property overlooking Thailand’s beautiful Nai Harn Beach.
Do you have an all-time favourite hotel and why?
Villa San Michele in Fiesole on the hills overlooking Florence. Not only because my wife and I celebrated our honeymoon there 25 years ago, but this 15th century monastery feels so eerily almost from a different epoch.
It has unbeatable views over Florence, impeccable service, great food and one of my all-time favourite wineries just around the corner (Azienda Agricola Testamatta run by Bibi Graetz).
Where is your favourite summer destination?
The Langhe region of Piemonte. Beautiful vineyards, within eyesight of the alps, best red wines in the world and world-class restaurants.
Where is your favourite winter destination?
Alta Badia in the Dolomites. Just 5 1/2 hours away from my house. Breathtaking scenery, amazing pistes, great hotels and exceptional dining.
4 Francesco Galli Zugaro
CEO & Founder of Aqua Expeditions
Eager to share the earth’s wonders with adventurous travellers, Francesco Galli Zugaro is CEO and founder of Aqua Expeditions, the boutique luxury cruise line delivering world-class tailored travel experiences.
Name your top three stays…
1 La Reserve Hotel Paris
2 The Lowell New York
3 Aman Tokyo
