Q+A with John O’Sullivan, VP of Four Seasons Punta Mita

Q+A with John O’Sullivan, RVPGM - Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Sitting down with John, was one of the sincerest pleasures I have had in a very long time. His passion for life not only radiates from him but is manifested throughout the incredible resort in which he is the gatekeeper.

What motivated you to begin a career in the hospitality industry?

Growing up in rural Ireland, I was always absorbed by seeing tourists from different countries walking around my town and the “look” they had in their eyes; the adventure of sorts that they were on. From the age of 8, I can remember lying on my back and seeing the jet fumes of the flights from Europe flying to the US across the west coast of Ireland and wondering where they were going and what they were going to eat when they got there; and so, it started, my love for traveling which catalyzed my desire to work in Hotels from the age of 12.

You have been with Four Seasons Resorts for 26 years. What is the most important lesson you have learned about which circumstances create the perfect environment for growth and success?

Create spaces for people to be themselves and allow people to operate in a genuine non-politically motivated working environment. Allowing people to fail but with positive intent. Create a space where people can dream and innovate without the yoke of pressure. Allowing people to have fun and just be natural with and to themselves.

Would you provide an overview of each of the properties you oversee?

Three of them are fully operating properties: two are city hotels (Houston and Seattle) and the other is our Punta Mita (pure paradise filled with Punta Mita Warriors!) the others are at various stages prior to opening: Our second property in Los Cabos known as Cabo del Sol in the corridor where the most authentic and vibrant part of the whole destination is in my humble opinion. One more in Tamarindo, the Mexican Pacific, and close to Careyes and Comala, a couple of towns with a great tradition in the Art scene in Mexico (Plastic Arts and Literature) this one is getting ready to open very soon in the first half of 2022. Another fascinating project is the new concept we are about to announce in Punta Mita: something vastly different: all I can say is this product is no-where in the Americas, and it will be up and running soon next to Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita. A private island in Belize, and one more in the Mayan Riviera. The brand trusts me to explore these possibilities in Mexico and Latin America, and I enjoy every part of the process. It’s like uncovering the magic of the people and the space and place.

What is your favorite aspect about Four Seasons Punta Mita? How do you feel it differs from other properties?

The property has been fully renovated, it looks fresh and updated, it is settled in the most – topographically - interesting location in Punta Mita. The true differentiating factor is our staff; our warriors who truly make the difference each and every day. We have had this team for many years, and they know how Luxury Resort Hospitality should be delivered, and they execute it at a consummate natural level. That is something only Punta Mita has in its purity.

Each Four Seasons reflects the hotel’s city in the design and experience. For visitors, how is this property an extension of the Punta Mita experience?

Everywhere you go within Four Seasons Punta Mita you can find something that speaks about Mexico. Its colors, its architecture, its culture, its food, its music, and everything is directed to the most iconic thing in Punta Mita: The Pacific and its sunsets. Besides that, we are located near some beautiful authentic Mexican towns, that reinforce the true Mexican experience our guests long when they come to the destination.

Have you had any mentors? Who are they?

I have some interesting people that punctuate my life more as role models than mentors. They would be Isadore Sharp who is the founder of Four Seasons and whose “Golden Rule” legacy is something we try and live each day with; just treat people as you wish to be treated. Richard Bran-son also intrigues me in the manner in which he operates and surrounds himself with non-like-minded people and thus increases the bandwidth of more disparate outcomes of possibilities.

What is the signature philosophy that differentiates a Four Seasons Resort from any other?

It is part of the brand’s DNA, every property is permanently celebrating

its Character as a Four Seasons property, its Connection to the people and place they are in, and the Craftsmanship, which refers to its people, everyone is an expert, and that closes the loop for the whole Four Sea-sons experience, that is the common denominator and that is also the variable for every property.

From where do you draw your inspiration for art?

Everywhere to be honest. I feel nature and energy and art is the medium in which I translate it into combining words and images. I am genuinely intrigued by the infinite possibilities of expression that art can give the universe. I also draw inspiration from having no fear about what I create. If people love it or don’t; it’s not my reason or purpose to paint. Check it out for yourself on https://www.irishartwarrior.com

How has your love for painting and writing poetry complimented your career as a GM?

I call it a duality of purpose, a space of co-existence and mutual respect. Art and poetry allow me to be more creative and can articulate in a range of manners. I tend to see things less in “black and white” and more colorful. I sense their co-existence allows me to be non-judgmental of people or places. Life is a blur and the symbiotic parallel existence of my career and my other life’s creative passions.

Do you have a favorite spa treatment at Four Seasons Punta Mita?

Our Punta Mita Tequila Stone: That´s my kind of treatment. A deep tissue massage with Tequila infusions Agave oil, and hot stones to round the experience up, not only mine but our guests´ favorite. Who would have thought an Irishman would allow tequila to be rubbed on them as opposed to being drunk!

Favorite meal?

First really difficult question. Food to me is almost like a good translator. The food in Mexico and its diversity truly blows my mind (and waste-line occasionally!). The regions; the richness; the simplicity; the history all contribute to a kaleidoscope of possibilities. I love the way Mexicans respect food, it’s almost religious in its preparation and execution. My philosophy would be less is more especially when dealing with pure raw materials

What efforts have you undertaken regarding conservation and sustainability?

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita has been relentlessly committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Objectives agreed by governments around the world, such as part of the 2030 Agenda. Implementing the SDGs at our resort has optimized our sense of environmental responsibility on a personal and corporate level. At Punta Mita, we believe that real change comes from the heart of the resort; that means our employees and always trying to lead by example.

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is pleased to announce that by 2022, we will be the global pilot program for eliminating amenities in single-use plastics of hygiene products, and bottled water by replacing them with Vivreau on-site bottling systems using reusable glass bottles. The entire resort is equipped with interior and exterior LED lighting; motion sensors in basements and wardrobes; and new high-efficiency appliances in all areas. Intelligent AC units have been installed in guest rooms, which have a vacancy feature that promotes efficient energy use, and dehumidifiers that optimize the operation of the cooling system.

What plans do you have for Four Seasons Punta Mita for the coming year?

The quest for perfection is a journey and not a destination. A continuous commitment to redefining relevance and ensuring that every experience we create is as original and environmentally enhancing as possible. We continue to innovate through and with people.

Considering the Covid-19 pandemic, what has been the biggest adjustment your property needed to make in order to ensure the safety of its guests? We had to reinforce all our protocols in our restaurants, bars, spa, pools, and in general, in all our interactions with guests. But we like to keep it safe for everyone, and we were eager to welcome our guests back, and we adapted. Our Spa Team prepared a series of touchless treatments like reiki and guided meditation sessions or the sound healing therapy with Tibetan bowls, those were such an enormous success they are still being offered. The same thing happened with our Kids and Teens activities program; we created School cations, a program that made online school available for our guests who were still attending school, and a more controlled environment for a series of activities to do after school, a worldwide success which was later adopted by other Four Seasons properties.

Who is the Four Seasons Punta Mita guest?

Our Punta Mita guests are curious explorers, respectful of local culture and nature, and open to learning and experiencing the destination they visit. They trust us and are prepared to try new things especially when they are delivered by the familiar faces of our amazing warriors. They take risks with us because they know they are essentially in their second home.

Where is your favorite place on Earth to travel to?

I have been blessed with the ability to be able to travel to 94 countries and live in 6 different countries. I have several Zen zones around the world but the country that I feel the most disconnected connection with is Nepal that I have been visiting and exploring by high altitude walking for more than 30 years. The people there are beyond authentic, honest, and open.

How is Four Seasons Punta Mita unique?

We are unique in a variety of ways. We are in a unique location, our facilities are unique, our culinary experiences are too. But the best part of it is our history with our guests, and residents, I always say this is the place where you arrive as a guest, leave as a friend, and return as family. 

LUXURY RESORTS WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND CELLARS OFFERING UNIQUE WINE TOURISM EXPERIENCE

| BY JARONE ASHKENAZI

While some travel to far corners of the world and others for once-in-a-lifetime adventure experiences, oenophiles travel to discover the complexity and nuance of wine’s history, aroma, and flavors of viticulture. From Italy to Napa Valley to Australia and many more regions around the world, wine plays an important part in the local economy both in terms of economic production and tourism. As such, travelers seek out experiences visiting these top wine-producing regions to immerse themselves in the local culture and learn more about wine and biodiversity. The more curious and adventurous tourists move beyond a simple tasting at their favorite wineries and opt for unique experiences at some pretty special cellars across the world. Below is a list of truly bespoke and bucket-list-worthy experiences for all who want to hear from each estates’ owners, winemakers, and agronomists, as well as (of course) toasting with some pretty special bottles.

ANANTARA KIHAVAH MALDIVES

Located on the Baa Atoll in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is on a private island and features 80 beaches and overwater pool villas and residences. This barefoot luxury paradise not only features the Maldives’ only overwater observatory, but it is also home to SEA, the resort’s signature underwater restaurant and wine cellar. Twenty ft. below the ocean floor, it is the world’s first underwater wine cellar, home to over 450 labels and vintage treasures bottles, and offers guests another first, the country’s first certified wine education program. Guests who stay for a minimum of four days at the resort will be guided by the resort’s Senior Wine Guru, to attain WSET Level 1 certification. Over the four days, guests will partake in three two-hour tasting sessions and a final theory examination. This certification package starts at $900 per couple and there is a minimum of two guests per session. | photo courtesy of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas