HERO HOTELIER

In this exclusive interview with Grace Leo, we look at her extensive experience that led her to be highly regarded in the hotel industry as she provides an insight to her latest seaside endeavours.

Please tell us about your history in the hospitality industry?

I am an international hotelier and have spent my 30-year career dedicated to the hotel world as an owner, operator, and consultant. I’ve always specialised in the development of luxury hotels for institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals across some of the most glamorous locations in the world. My projects have spanned Europe, North America, South America, the Caribbean and Asia and include iconic properties such as The Guanahani Hotel at St. Barthélémy, Hotel Montalembert and Hotel Lancaster.

As the daughter of a Hong Kong hotelier, I started out by studying hotel management at University, working my way up the ladder at some of the world’s leading hotel groups such as Inter-Continental Hotels and Sheraton Group. I moved to Paris at the start of my career to join Warwick International Hotels as Vice President.

I then went onto own and manage two successful companies, GLA Hotels and Grace Leo Consultancy; and over the years I’ve held senior executive positions for leading investment and hospitality businesses, as well as sitting as a Board Director for Compagnie Lebon and Leading Hotels of the World.

My passion for combining my artistic flair and management experience propelled my ambition to start The Relais Retreats brand in 2021. Being able to give back by rejuvenating waterside retreats in desirable locations across the UK, with an understanding of local community and heritage, is truly satisfying.

As a specialist in the development of luxury hotels, in your opinion, what aspects transform a venue from ordinary to upscale?

Being able to tap into what makes a location special and amplifying those qualities through the design and service levels of the hotel. Also, being clear on your proposition - with The Relais Retreats we wanted to create a new brand of boutique hotels which are restorative waterside retreats, all within a short hop of London.

So, when we started to transform what was once an old 16th century coaching inn into The Relais Henley, we were very careful to maintain the building’s heritage throughout its interior style, function and artworks and offer sophisticated levels of service that preserve the occasion of being by the river in historic Henley. The rowing heritage of Henley is very much felt through the close proximity of the hotel to The Thames.

Whereas at The Relais Cooden Beach, being so close to the sea and having a resort-style sensibility, we created something more playful and relaxed, and that comes through in the interior schemes, service style and openplan layout. It’s also about authentic experiences – making sure that we partner with quality brands that share the same values as us to give guests special and exclusive access to a destination.

When choosing a venue to renovate, what stands out to you?

The opportunity to breathe new life into a property and whether there is demand for a luxury hotel in the area is what I look for. I’m interested in how many bedrooms the property has or could have once renovated and the ratio of public space to rooms and if the business of selling rooms and providing F&B outlets to the community is viable. I also want to know if there is potential to train local talent who can help elevate the operations and service culture within the hotel. Not to mention looking for a building which is structurally sound and has potential to retain its looks after renovation. I have also learned to go with my gut and what feels right when I walk into a space –it’s like buying a home – your heart must sing or it’s not the right property.

What are your top tips for a hotelier taking on a renovation?

Understand your market – spend time in the location to see how the seasons affect business and where the gaps in the market lie for F&B. Have a trusted team around you from the outset – who understand your design and operational vision and want to create something special that’s on brand. Don’t underestimate the time it takes to renovate a building – there will be delays and you will have to factor those into your business plan. Be sympathetic to your local community and be open to hearing ideas, meeting resistance and finding ways to involve yourself with the success of the area.

What inspired your recent endeavour to work on waterside retreats?

Firstly, I love being by the water, it’s where I’m happiest and where I have my best ideas. I felt there was potential to revive destinations that once had a hay day and need a new sense of purpose and to be introduced to new audiences.

The waterside in the UK is so varied – it can mean different things to people, from a scenic beach front to the historic riverside or a picturesque lakeside. This gives you the opportunity to create a stylish hotel with a different look and feel depending on its exact location keeps me creatively inspired.

The Relais Retreats brand also meets the needs of sophisticated travellers wanting to enjoy tranquil staycations and hotels that are accessible by rail – which is true of both The Relais Henley and The Relais Cooden Beach.

I want people to feel that connection to the water when they stay with us and enjoy what we call #TheRelaisLife.

www.therelaisretreats.com www.graceleo.com