Bhushan Bhad
heworldisfilledwithchallenges,opportunities,
Tandinnumerablepossibilities,butinthemidstof busyurbanscapeandsocio-corporateacculturation, thatonedestinationthatneverwitnessedgettingignoredis aluxuriousexperience.Andscoutingforthebestpossible experiencethathumansasanindividualandalsoasa collectivesocialthread,theoneleisurethatnever descendeditselffromthetopleaderboardistheHospitality Industry.
Speakingaboutthewidespectrumofhospitalitysector,itis importanttounderstandthatoutofmanyluxuryhospitality services,oneoftheprimesegmentsthathasalwaysbeen provingitselfwithitsenchantingcharmisLuxuryHotels.
Knownforitsarchitecturalambianceorthetouchof modernelements,therearemanymarveloushotelsthat facilitatetheout-of-the-boxexperiencewhileenablingits customertohoponarideofthenaturalheritageofthe ecologicalecosystem.
Now,ideateavacationwithaneye-poppingexperienceof SydneyOperaHouse,MarinePark,diverseecosystemof kangarooscoupledwithmouth-wateringcuisines.
Sounds enchanting, right?
Realizingtheseastonishments,weatInsightsSuccess cameupwithourlatestedition,“Australia’sMost AmazingHotelstoExperience.”
OntheCoverisTheRangebyTomLaneandEmmaLane. Asbeingthemostrelaxingsitethatdrivesvisitorsfromthe hustlesofByronBaytown,thisluxurioushotelisatthetop ofthebucketlistforAustralianandglobaltouristsandis populouslyknowntobetheconfluenceofastounding architecture,naturalsurrounds,andhumanconsciencefor theenvironment.
Whileyouflipthroughtheenticingentrepreneurialstories, ensuretoreadtheindustryexpertopinionandtheinsightful articlesopinedbyourin-houseeditorialteam.
,Inside the luxurious hotel experiences of Australia, the hospitality sector has enriched the consumer gratification and is pioneering the industry with socio-technology marvels.
COMOTheTreasury comohotels.com
COMOHotelsandResortsofferluxurytravelexperienceswith personalisedserviceinelegantproperties,eachindividually curatedtoreflectitslocation.
Jonah’sRestaurantand BoutiqueHotel jonahs.com.au
JunctionHotelMoora junctionhotel.com.au
SituatedatWhaleBeachonSydney’sNorthernBeaches, Jonah’sisoneofAustralia’smostspectacularoceanretreats.
Keemala keemala.com
Locatedjust5minutesfromthecentreofNewcastleanditsworld classbeaches,theJunctionHotelservescontemporaryAustralian cuisine,sumptuouscocktailsandthefinestchampagnes,togetherwith aselectionofgreatbeers.
Keemalaoffersaretreatfromeverydaylifeandwelcomesyou intoanenchantingevergreenwonderland.
KokomoPrivate IslandFiji kokomoislandfiji.com
SaffireFreycinet saffire-freycinet.com.au
LangWalkerAO Owner RossBoobyer GeneralManager
KokomoPrivateIslandfusesunscriptedluxurywiththebounty ofspaceandthegenerosityoftimetodoasmuch(oraslittle) asyourholidayheartdesires.
SaffireFreycinetaspirestosetaboldnewdirectionfor accommodationinTasmanianwithitsauthentic,inspiring,and enrichingexperiencesofferedtovacationers.
Shangri-LaHotelThe MarinaCairns shangri-la.com
Shangri-LaofferssLevelofRecognitiontoElevateEvery Experience.
StamfordPlazaBrisbane stamford.com.au
TheLanghamSydney langhamhotels.com
StamfordHotelsandResortsoperateluxury4.5and5star hotelsandresortsinAustraliaandNewZealand.
TheRange therangebyronbay.com.au
BrettButcher ChiefExecutiveOfficer
TheLangham,Sydney,withover150yearsofhistorydiscover theyearsoflegendaryheritage,includingfamousguestsand innovations.
Setonaprivate120-acreestateinthehillsbehindByonBay, Australia,TheRangeistheultimateblendof‘Australian farmhousemeetsEuropeanSummerhouse’.
Morethanadecadeago,Tom andEmmaLanewere sittingon120acresinthe hinterlandofByronBay,Australia. Tomhadspenthischildhoodsummers onhisfamily'sfarminBraidwoodand wantedtoprovidehisandEmma'sfour childrenwiththesameopportunitieshe enjoyedasaboy–spaceanda connectiontonature.
So,armedwithahealthydoseof holidayromanticismandaslewof mentalsketches,thepairsetoutto designwhattheyfelttobetheultimate blendofanAustralianfarmhouseand SpanishFincacharacteristics. “We wanted to make sure we honoured Australian design while honouring both cultures,” Tomexplained.
Aftertenyearsofsearchingforthe ideallocation,theystumbledonto120 acresintheByronBayhinterlandby chanceinDecember2017.Withanold homesteadandafewoutbuildings,the areawasalittlewildandrugged.They knewthey’dfoundthefoundationsof thefuturesanctuarywhenTomand Emmaexchangedglances.
Andthus,TheRangewasborn! Setonaprivate120-acreestateinthe hillsbehindByonBayAustralia,The Rangeistheultimateblendof 'AustralianfarmhousemeetsEuropean Summerhouse'.Itslocationisonly momentsawayfromthepristine beachesandthebustlingcaféculture.
TheRangeisakintohavingyourown privateresortalltoyourself.This countrysidehavenispredominantlyoff thegrid,collectingitsowndrinking water,generatingitsownelectricity, andrecyclingmostofitsownwaste. Thebuildingisalsobuiltusing sustainableorrecycledmaterials. Everyrockinthebuildinghasbeen handcollectedfromtheproperty
TheRangeisnotjustadestination,itis anexperience,awayoflifesurrounded bynature.
TheRangeisasix-en-suitedproperty separatedacrossthreedwellings,with alargewetedgemagnesiumpool takingintheviewsoftherollinghills, distanceByronBaylighthouseand ocean.Youcanarrivebyhelicopterat thehotel'sveryownprivatehelipador becollectedfromthelocalairportin theirresidentRollsRoyce.
Whenyouarrivethroughthesecurity gatesyouwillfeelinstantlyrelaxedas youtraveldownthelongdriveway takingintheviewsofrollinggreen hillstowardsthemainhomestead.You willbegreetedwithacoolcocktail
whilstyourbagsaretakentoyour room.Youcandoaslittleorasmuch asyouwish.Thehotelcanfacilitate massages,surfinglessons,farmtours, bookthebestrestaurants,orjustsitby thepoolandletyourprivatechefand teamcatertoyoureverywhim.
TheRangefeaturestextured,soft internalandexternalwallsinspiredby thesummersinSpain.Thesecreatea fantasticbackdropforphotoshootsand locationhire.Thereareotherwalls cladintimberthattellmoreofaranch story-somesaytheessenceofThe RangeisreminiscentofGeorgia O'Keeffe'sartistretreatinNew Mexico.
Toaddtotheaesthetic,theever presentstunningbackdropofnature andtherollinghillschangesthrough everywindow,asthedayunfolds.
TheaestheticalelementsofTheRange drawheavyinspirationfromTomand EmmaLane'smutualadmirationfor Spanisharchitectureandtheintricacies ofBarceloniandesign.Eventhe CanaryIslandPalmtrees,whichare nativetotheCanaryIslandsofSpain, havebeenplantedatTheRangeasthe couple'shumbleodetohistory These magnificenttreesremindEmmaLane ofthedistantlandsand,most importantly,thefeelingofescapism.
TheRangewascreatedbyateamof dedicatedcreatives.Thearchitecture wasenhancedbytheowners'friend andarchitectDominicFinlayJones fromDFJarchitects.Dominictravelled withtheownerduotoSpainin2017 wherethethreeofthemextensively lookedatSpanisharchitectureand FincaHouses.Thisvisit,combined withhisandourrespectforAustralian
architecture,influencedandinspired Dom'sfinaldesign.
Theconstructionofthebuildingswas ledbyJakobMurphyfrom'FortyFour Constructions'andhistalentedteam. Asabuilder,Jakecamearmedwith manycreativesolutions,patience,and aneyefordetail,whichresultedina highstandardoffinishandaunique endresult.Theshapingofthe landscapeextendingtoall120acres wasacollaborationbetweenDanfrom 'PlummerandSmith'andShaynefrom 'BooyongRainforestCreation'. Togethertheyhavebeguntheprocess ofregeneratingtheproperty.
Duringthelockdown,thehotelwas closed.So,theteamofTheRangetook
theopportunitytoworkonupdating theirwebsiteandimprovingthe customerexperienceaswellas expandingtheportfolioofproperties withanewprojectcalled The Stone Barns
Withtheirsightssetoncontinuingto providethebestofhotelexperiences withtheirfutureendeavours,Tomand EmmaLanehavepurchasedafewnew propertiesthattheyplantoputunder theumbrellaof'TheLaneEstates'. Thesepropertieswillallhavesimilar trademarkofferingsasTheRangeand focusonuniquebuilds.
,
Whecticperiodofhustletoachievetheirgoal?
hatistheonethingthatoneneedsafteralong
Oneoftheobviousanswerswouldbeanice relaxingvacation.Spendingthatdowntimeinaluxury propertythatprovidesthecomfortandprivacyyou’re lookingforisoneofthebestthingsyoucandoonthat vacation.
Fulfillingallofthesecriteriatomakeyourvacationspecial isJonah’sRestaurantandBoutiqueHotel.Situatedat WhaleBeachonSydney’sNorthernBeaches,Jonah’sisone ofAustralia’smostspectacularoceanretreats.Inits90 yearsofoperation,Jonah’shasmadeitsnameinthe industryforexhibitingprofessionalexcellency,whichis oneofitscorevalues.
Provenance is an important value for our business to create authenticity in our guest’s experience.
Inthefollowinginterview,NielsSluiman,theGeneral ManagerofJonah’sRestaurantandBoutiqueHotel,talks indetailabouttheproperty’scomprehensiveservicesand givessomevaluableindustryinsights.
Pleasebriefouraudienceaboutyourorganization,its USPs,andhowitiscurrentlypositionedasoneofthe mostreliablecompaniesinthehospitalityindustry.
Jonah’scomprisesaChef-HattedRestaurantandahigh-end BoutiqueHotel.Jonah’sisauniquehospitalitybusinessfor anumberofreasons.
• WehaveoneofthemostincredibleviewsinSydney,with a180°viewofthebeautifulWhaleBeachfromour restaurant,terrace,andeveryhotelroom.Ourrestauranthas
thefloortoceilingwindowstotakeeveryadvantageofthis incrediblefeature,andeachhotelroomhasitsownbalcony tositoutandenjoytheatmosphere.
• WehavereceivedmanyawardsforourItalian-inspired AustralianContemporarycuisine,includingaGoodFood GuideChefsHatformanyyears.
• Ourbusinesshasalonghistoryofreliability,being establishedin1929asoneofthefirstbuildingsbuiltin theareaofSydney’sNorthernBeachesandcontinuingto serveitsclientelesince.
• Jonah’sisaluxuryseasideretreat.Whetherourguests visitforlunchordinnerorcomeforastayatourhotel, Jonah’sisaniconicdestinationinthespectacular NorthernBeaches.Ouruniqueareaofferssailing,surfing, beautifulbeaches,gardens,walkingtrails,andhistory Thepropertyhasbeenahauntformanysuperstarsof stageandscreen,aswellasaretreatformanyother famousentertainers(seejonahs.com.au).
Shedsomelightonyourofferingsandhowtheyimpact theindustryandyourclients?
• Jonah’sisaluxuryestablishmentandisoftenheldasthe standardtomeetforotherbusinessesaswehavesucha longhistoryandaresuchawell-knownbusiness.
• Ourkitchenteamspendsalotoftimeresearching ingredientsanddevelopingdisheswiththeperfect balanceofflavortoofferanexquisiteculinaryexperience eachtimetheyvisit.
• Ourhotelhasbeencraftedwithhigh-endcustom-made furnitureinaneutralpalettetotieinwithourseaside locationandprovideacomfortableluxuryhomeaway fromhome.
Whatarethecorevaluesuponwhichyourcompanyis built?
• Provenance–Wewanttoprovideatrueexperienceof ourarea,history,andproduce.Provenanceisan importantvalueforourbusinesstocreateauthenticityin ourguest’sexperience.
• Professionalism–Ourbusinessbelievesthathospitality isaprofessionalindustry,andthereisgreatvalueinhighendserversandkitchenstaff.Wewanttofosterthe
growthofouremployeesand,therefore,theindustryitself byensuringprofessionalismthroughtrainingandcareer progression.
• Experience–Ourwholebusinessisbuiltonourguests’ experience,sothisisoneofthecorevaluesthatwestriveto achievewitheachandeveryguesteachtimetheyvisit.Our goalistobeaboveandbeyondexpectationanddeliverhigh standardsfromtheguest’sfirstgreeting,everybiteoftheir meal,andtheambianceshowcasingtheirincredible surroundings.
Beinganexperiencedleader,shareyouropiniononhow theadoptionofmoderntechnologieshasimpactedthe industryandhowisyourcompanyridingthetechnology wave?
Moderntechnologieshavegreatlyimprovedbusinessesin allindustries,includinghospitality.Oneofourfavoritesis beingabletohaveflexibilitywithwhereguestscanpay usingacreditcard.Nolongerdotheyhavetocometoa tabletopayorhavetheircardwhiskedaway.Thisgives customersalotmorereassurancewhentheycanseethe amountbeingpaidontheterminalandtaptheircard themselves.
Withanincreasedwebsiteandsocialmediause,ourguests areabletoplanaheadfortheirdiningexperience.Seeing ourmenusandmouthwateringimageryofthedishesthey’d liketotrywefindhelpstocreateexpectationsforour cuisine.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothehospitalityindustry?
Thehospitalityindustryhasalwaysbeenacombinationof goodnewsandwonderfulexperiences–combinedwiththe difficultyofexecutionandfinancialviability.Thesetwo problemshavebeenexacerbatedinthelast26monthsby COVID-19andshortagesofstaff.
Fora‘buddingentrepreneur,’experienceintheindustryas anemployee/managerisinvaluablebeforeattemptinga businessasaproprietor
Howdoyouenvisionscalingyourorganization’s operationsandofferingsin2022andbeyond?
ThemanagementteamatJonah’swasquitediligentin usingtherecentshutdownperiodswiselyandensuringthat theoperationswerebeingoptimized.Theycondensedthe
openingdaystoafour-dayweek,whichhasallowedusto beamoreprofitablebusinessandhelpswithstaffing schedules.Wewillcontinuethisinto2023andbeyond.
Jonah’scontinuestoholdapositionintheHallofFame forAustralia’sWinelistoftheYearAwards.
Awardeda3-glassratingbyAustralia’sWinelistofthe YearAwardscontinuouslyfrom2011tothepresent.
Jonah’shasheldtheCertificateofExcellencefromTrip Advisorfrom2012untilthepresent.
AChef-HattedrestaurantfromtheSydneyMorning HeraldGoodFoodGuidefrom2009untilthepresent.
“Best weekend away ever!” Thank you so much to the awesome team at Jonah’s! My fiancé and I stayed here over the weekend to celebrate our recent engagement, and we were not disappointed. The food and service were incredible; it was such a special weekend and one we will never forget. We can’t wait to come back! – Review by Emma (01/03/2022 )
“Thanks for the wonderful stay” We celebrated our 25th anniversary at Jonah’s. We had an excellent experience. The view from our room and the dining areas were stunning. The staff was lovely, both friendly and efficient. And the food (dinner and breakfast) was outstanding!
Thank you. – Review by Janet (14/04/2022 )
We celebrated my birthday at the restaurant on Friday night! We had the most amazing me! The staff was very friendly and professional. In par cular, Jaz. Her menu knowledge, a en on to detail, and eagerness to make our night outstanding and unforge able took us by surprise! The food was delicious, and the loca on was absolutely stunning! Thank you so much to all of the team at Jonah’s for making my birthday an excep onal experience! Julia X – Review by Julia (06/03/2022 )
Niels Sluiman is the General Manager at Jonah’s Restaurant and Bou que Hotel. He has been an integral part of the business since he joined in 2016. Star ng as the Head Sommelier, he quickly moved from building an impressive cellar and wine list to managing many aspects of the business. He now runs the hotel staff, restaurant staff, and office team to an exac ng standard. Being able to transi on the business from a seven-day week to a four-day week during the changes of COVID-19 has made the business more profitable and allowed for more efficient staffing rosters. Given the industry-wide shortage, guests get a brilliant con nuity of care during our opening days.
Niels started his journey into the hospitality industry, being part of some highly awarded restaurants in France and the United Kingdom. His mo o is centered around ‘a en on to details and high standards with a great touch of friendliness.’
Athmidstthe19 century,thefirstluxuryhotelcame
Aforth,‘TheGrandHotel’.Asitewherefewguests wereservedbyanumberofservants.Priortoit, peopletravellingaroundwouldtrytofindaccommodation atwhateveroptionwasavailableforthemthatwould typicallybeaninn,hotel,motelorevenaplaceofrelatives, whereastherichwouldhaveanoptiontosendtheir servantsaheadtocreateadwellingforthem,ortoprepare theplacetotheirtaste.Whenluxuryhotelscameintobeing, themainaimwastoprovidethecomfortofhomeas majorityofcustomerswererichornobleswhohadallthe facilitiesathomeandwantedthesimilarexperience.
Twocenturieslater,theconceptofluxuryhotelshas changed,wheretheneedbeforewastoprovidehomely experience,todayitistoprovidepeoplewiththecomfort, authenticityandprovidingablissfulexperience.
LuxuryHospitalityisahugeindustrywiththegloballuxury hotelmarketsizeof,USD93.43billionwiththeannual growthof4.8%whichhasfurtherincreasedpostpandemic,
Itisoftenspeculatedthathigherthepricebetterthe commodity,itisabasicconsumertendencywhichplaysan importantroleinluxuryhospitalityindustry Todaythereis atweakintheconceptwhereauthenticityhasbecomeof morevalueandsohasone-on-onerelationsasconsumers prefertheenhancedemotionalandeconomicexperience. Alongwithit,therehasbeenserioustakeandstressonthe hospitalityandanefforttoprovidebestamidstthe competitionintheindustry.
Below are the one of the most influential features of the industry:
Personalizationandcustomizationhavebecomeatrend overtheworldwhichhasinvolvedluxuryandhospitality industry.Asanythingthatispersonalisedgivesasenseof luxuryandspeciality.Adoptingthis,thehotelshavetriedto givethesimilarexperiencetoitscustomersby personalizingtheroomsandservicesprovided.Manytimes, events,tours,andgamesareorganizedforthecustomersto maketheexperiencemorefun.
Theonethingthatmakesaninstitutionstandoutisits individualityandauthenticity.Thishelpstheinstitution keepitsuniquenessandaddtheelementthatwouldbe unmatchablebyotherinstitutions.
Sinceeveryoneinthebusinessisdeeprooted,tryingto provethemselves,itbecomesevenmoreimportantto enhanceandcarveoutthe‘wow’factorfromalready existingsculpture.Itisthis,thateffectstheconsumer experiencemakingthemthinkaboutthe‘wow’momentthe institutionhelpedincreatingforthem.
Theconceptofluxuryhasassociatedwithcreatinga mindfulexperience,theplaceandspacethatcanbe rememberedasgoldenmemoriesgoingbeyondtheir expectations.
Thoughdesignandlocationareprimaryfactorsfor selectionofstay,luxuryandcomfortiswhatismostlooked outfor Today,onlineratingshavebecomeamajorfactorin selectionofstay.Peoplewanttoknowtheratings,beitof
theservice,staff,food,oranythingregardingtheplace.The focusisonthestandardsthatreflectdetailedattentionto levelofsplendidcomfort,choices,andconvenience.
Thoughitmightsoundstrangetoconnectwiththeplace oneisstayingforonlylittleamountoftime,peoplereally dowantit.Connection,orasmillennialsandGenZcallsit ‘vibes’areimportant.Youngpeopletendtorejectthestay mostofthetimesifitfailstoappealthemwhichmakes connectingwithcustomersevenmoreimportant.
Covidhaschangedalotandaffectedeverysectorinthe world.LuxuryandHospitalityindustryhasseensomeof thehighsandlowsalongwithCovid.Duringthisuncertain time,peoplehadtostayattheplacetheywere,andalmost everyonewasstuckinhome.Thedesireof‘gettingout their’intensifiedwiththecagedperiodtime.
Introductionofworkfromhomeandthedesiretotravel inventedstaycations.Thisnewformofvacationwhere peoplejuststayaroundtheplaceworkingandenjoyingasif onvacation.
Thishascreatedmajorshiftinluxuryhospitalityindustryas ththeneedofcomfortandhomelyfeelingfrom19 century andisrevivingthepresentandshapingabetterfuture. Alongwithit,therehavebeenlotsandlotsofnewthemebasedestablishmentsastheprincipleofYOLOhasstung peopleintheirheartsincepandemic.
Luxuryandhospitalityareliketheduoofbiscuitsandtea! Oneenhancesthebeingofother.Itisimportantto understandthatthesetwoaredifferentconceptsandonly luxurycannotbringinhospitalityandviceversa.
Asdefinedbytheconsumerswhichissubjective,hence challenging,luxurysegmenthasagreatmiletowalkon!
Understandingthispotentialofhospitalitywithinthe contextofluxury,anopportunitytoprovideunique personalizedbrandexperiencesandexceptionalservices, theindustrialistshaveunderstoodtheneedtoredefine luxuryhospitalityandinnovationswillneverbeleftbehind.
Redefining Luxury
Imagineaplacewhereyouarebeinghealedbythe nature,experiencingapleasantenvironment,andare farawayfromyoureverydaywork;anatmosphere whereyoursensesareallworkingtogetherinharmony,a luxuriousandsereneexperiencethatyoudreamtof!
Keemaladeliversyouthatexperiencewithanall-poolvilla wonderlandsetintherainforestofKamala,Phuket.An architecturalmarvelblendedwiththenaturalsurrounding andaflavourofThaiculture.Locatedinthescenicbeauty comprisedofhillswithinthelushwoodlands,Keemala offersyoualuxuriousrideintheevergreenparadise.
Keemalaisauniquelydesignedresortwithanecoconsciousethos.Its38villasareromanticcocoonsthat evokeadramaticsenseofescape.Allfourvillatypesare differentbutequallyextraordinary,fromtreehousesthat seeminglydanglefromthegreenerytonomadictent structureswithquirkytravelingchestsawaitingthenext adventure.
AtKeemala,thehospitalityservicecomesfromgenuine commitmenttoluxuryalongsidelocal,sustainablelifestyle. Guestsareenticedtostepbeyondthevillastoimmerseina worldofnatureandthebasicsofliving.
Beginthedaywithmindfulmeditationinacaveunderthe waterfall,orstrollinthegardenwithrescuedwater buffaloesandgoats.LearntocooksignatureThaidishes withorganicingredientsharvestedstraightfromtheearth andontothetableandappreciatetheresort’s‘towardszero waste’foodcycleprogramwhichensuresatrulyenvironment-friendlyandsustainablewayoflife.
AlthoughguestsvisitingKeemalagenerallypreferto ‘detox’fromtheirdigitallifestyletoimmerseinnature, moderntechnologyhasbecomeanintegralpartofeveryday comfortsandconveniences.Fromqualityentertainment hubswithinthevillastopowerfulwi-ficonnections,and nowtomeetwith‘newnormal’remoteworkingtrend,itis vitalthatluxuryresortssuchasKeemalamustofferthese modernservicestoitsvisitors.
RaisedinatraditionalPhuketfamily,Samornpun Somnam,akaTarn,theExecutiveDirectorofMarketing atKeemala,cherishesfamilyvaluesandbelievesthat ‘gratitudeleadstosuccessinlife’,especiallygratitudefor thefoundationthatherfamilyhasbuiltforhergeneration.
InjoiningherfamilybusinessandcreatingtheKeemala concept,Tarnenvisionedaresortwhereguestscan‘rebel againsttheirhecticlifestyleandslowdowntoenjoynature andlocalculture’.ByshowcasingPhuket’stropical woodlandsplendoralongsidepreservingThailand’s longstandingtraditionsandculturesthroughtheKeemala wayoflife,shehopestocontributetomakingPhuketa sustainabledestination.
TheCOVID-19pandemicputacompletestoptoPhuket tourismforalmosttwoyears.Eventhoughthehospitality industrycouldrelyonitsdomesticmarketafterinternationaltravelgroundtoahalt,soonaftertheeffectsof COVID-19eventuallyimpacteddomestictravelwhichled hotelsthroughupsanddownsuntilnow.
Ms. Samornpun Somnam
Executive Director of Marketing Keemala
Keemala is a uniquely designed, all pool villa resort with an eco-conscious ethos.
International Hotel Awards 2019-2020 – Winner: 5* Small Luxury Hotel for Thailand
AHEAD Global 2019 - 2nd Runner Up: ‘Landscaping & Outdoor Spaces’
The Awards for Hospitality Experience and Design (AHEAD) is hosted by the prestigious Sleeper, the leading international magazine for hotel design, development, and architecture. On selecting Keemala, AHEAD judges commented that “the landscaping of Keemala has created truly memorable experiences for everyone who stays there. The natural way it integrates into its environment, with guestrooms nestled into the jungle surroundings, was considered respectful and restrained.”
Agreatlessonlearnedbymanybusinesseshasbeenthe valueandimportanceofourdomesticmarket.Manyhave hadtore-establishtheirbrandpositioningtobettercapture localinterests,redesigningexperiencestobetterfit preferencesofthisnewsector,andevenlearnhowtoadapt toThaicultureandThaicustomerservice.
Tarnadvisestheyoungentrepreneursaspiringtoventure intothehospitalityspacesaying, “Stay true to your passions, personal values, and lifestyle so that you may create meaningful and genuine experiences for travelers. And as a priority, really think what sustainability means and how you can ensure commitment to this.”
Talkingaboutherfutureendeavors,Tarnsays, “We will continue to be committed to sustainability and curating unique, environment-friendly guest experiences through our gastronomy, spa offerings, and more. We believe that we have found a well-balanced position where we can cater to both local and international travelers, which will enable us to be resilient and adaptable to whatever may await in what still remains an unpredictable future.”
Weallknowthatanexceptionalholidaywith lovedonesisthetypeofexperiencethatwill becomealifelongmemory.Awell-spent holidaywillalsoclearawaytheaccumulateddustfromour mindsandallowustocomebackrelaxedandrefreshed.
Australiaisadreamholidaydestinationformanytravelers allacrosstheworld.AndthestateofTasmaniaisoneofthe mostpopulardestinationsforpeopleoncetheygetthere. Blessedwithnaturalbeautyanddiversity,Tasmaniacannot becomparedtoanywhereelse.Withthousandsand thousandsoftouristschoosingtovisiteachyear,selecting youraccommodationhereisjustasimportantaschoosing thedestination.Offeringtheultimateluxuryexperienceon theislandofTasmaniaisapremiumlodgeknownasSaffire Freycinet
SaffireFreycinetaspirestosetaboldnewdirectionfor accommodationinTasmanianwithitsauthentic,inspiring, andenrichingexperiencesofferedtovacationers.Distinctin itsdesignanddeliberatelyexclusive,SaffireFreycinetsets itselfapartwithitsapproachtoone-on-oneserviceandallinclusivesuites.
WespokewithRossBoobyer,GeneralManagerofSaffire Freycinet,tolearnmoreaboutthisunique,guest-centric approachtohospitality.
Let us learn more about what makes Saffire Freycinet so special.
SaffireFreycinetisanultra-luxury,fully-inclusive,20-suite propertylocatedonthestunningeastcoastofTasmania.A stayatSaffireFreycinetisfilledwithgenuinely unforgettablemoments–andmorerejuvenatingthanone couldhaveeverimagined.
A stay at Saffire is filled with moments that are genuinely unforge able—and more rejuvena ng than could ever be imagined.
ThemanagementatSaffireFreycinetfocusesonconnecting peopletoaplacethroughfacilitatingdynamicexperiences andthroughthewarmhospitalityofitsstaff.Theproperty's ownproduce,tours,andactivitiesinbeautifulsurroundings playasignificantroleinthedelightoftheguests.The establishmentisblessedwithanarchitecturalmasterpiece andatimeless,ever-changingviewacrossGreatOysterBay tothespectacularHazardMountainRange.
Talkingaboutthelodge'sguestexperience,Rossexpresses, “We encourage our team to be themselves and get to know our guests on a very intimate level, which allows us to tailor experiences for them based on their individual needs and interest ”
Saffireoffers19differenttoursandactivitiesthatitsguests canenjoy.Thetoursandactivitiesrangefrombee-keeping toguidedwalksinAustralia'soldestnationalpark,shucking oystersandsippingTasmania'sfinestsparklingwinewhile waist-deepinpristinewater
TheLodgeoffersitsguestsanever-changingvarietyofthe bestlocalseasonalproduceandpairseachcoursewith premiumwinesfromsmallandintimatelocalwineries.
A Luxury Coastal Sanctuary on Tasmania's East Coast
Itsmanagementlikestointroducepeopletonew experiencesandnewtastesfromitslocalsupplierswhom theyknowpersonally
Moreover,theLodgeencouragesitspeopletousetheir initiativeandgivestheteamfullautonomytomake decisionsthattheyfeelwillenhanceaguest'sexperienceat theproperty. “Like any business, our staff are number one commodity. Our staff enjoys coming to work every day and the culture within the business is extraordinary,” saysRoss.
Beingasmallboutiquepropertyinaremotelocation,the Lodgereliesheavilyontechnologyforitsoperations. Thelastcoupleofyearshastrulyhighlightedhow importanttechnologyisandhowitcanbeusedinbusiness tokeeppeopleconnectedregardlessofyourlocation.The developmentofonlinevideoconferencingandcallshas certainlyhadapositiveeffectontheestablishment.Ross notes, “This has allowed me to attend meetings with our head office without a five-hour return car journey. In addition, it allows me to be present with the team on the property while still attending meetings that I could not miss. ”
TheCOVID-19pandemicaffectedtourismandhospitality industryoperations.Duringthattime,handlingthe operationsattheLodgewasachallengingtaskforsomany reasons.Saffire'smanagementhadtomakeafewsmall changestoitsoperationsinthispost-pandemicworld,such asincreasingcleaningtimeforourroomsandspatreatment rooms.Therestaurantalsoremoveditscontinental breakfastbuffetoptionandreplaceditwithindividual selectionsbroughttoyourtable.
Staffinghasalsobeenabitofanissuepost-pandemic. “We have fared well, but I would say that we are just not getting the volume of applicants that we did prior to COVID. Luckily for us, the caliber of applicants is still strong, but there is a definite lack of volume,” addsRoss.
Thepasttwoyearswerehard.Butnow,interestinSaffire's propertyhasneverbeenhigher,andthereisarealdesireto travel.Rossshares, “From speaking with people here, there seems to be a mindset of 'Ideserveit' after the last couple of years ”
Headds, “We are also seeing that people are upgrading their usual holidays and splashing out on luxury experiences now more than ever before.”
Saffireisshapingupforitsbusiestyearsonrecord,asthere isahugepent-updemandforitspropertyanditsservices.It willbeinterestingtoseehowthingsprogresswith internationalbordersopennowandwhattheconsumer sentimentistowardsoverseastravelfromtheAustralian market. “We would also expect to see the return of some of our international guests this year and beyond, ” saysRoss.
Ross Boobyer General Manager Saffire Freycinet
Rosshasbeeninthehospitalityindustryforyearsnow To thosewhowanttoventureintotheindustry,headvises themto “Be genuine. You really just want to be in our industry as it is not something easily faked. We are in the service industry, and to deliver exceptional service, you must be passionate about your product and want to help others.”
Hesays, “Surround yourself with good people and treat them well, as they are the backbone of your success. Without them, you are nothing
with
andthattheyaregoodpeople. “Skills, while important, are not everything. You can
intothe
skills, but you cannot teach personality or desire,” tells Ross.
At the age of 17, Ross Boobyer started in the hospitality industry as a porter at Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour, where he worked for five years, eventually comple ng a hotel management traineeship. He then moved to the Kimberley region in the far north of Western Australia for what he thought would be an eight-month contract and a break from city living in Sydney
That was 18 years ago, and he had not returned to Sydney or any other city. Commen ng on this, he says, "Moving to El Questro in the Kimberley region opened my eyes to the possibili es of living and working in some of the most remote, beau ful, and iconic regions that this beau ful country of ours has to offer." He o en jokes that he has been able to forge a career by living and working in some of the most desirable holiday des na ons in Australia.
Ross is most proud of the team he has created and their achievements. "They are on the coalface, and any recogni on that we receive is theirs and theirs alone; without them, it would just be me in a $50million facility, and I assure you, this would not be accoladed," he claims. This year the Hotel has won both the AHA's Best Deluxe Accommoda on and also the Gold in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards for 5 Star Accommoda on Lodge.
Saffire is shaping up for its busiest year on record, and there is a huge pent-up demand for its property and its services.
Inoureverydaylife,wecomeacrossseveralbusinesses thathaveachievedagreatdealofsuccessinashort spanoftime.Thesedayswearehearingabout numerousovernightsuccessstories.Thoughitlookslikean overnightsuccessstory,thefactsaredifferent.
Inreality,ambitiousentrepreneurshaveputintheirbest effortsoveralongperiodoftimetobecomesuccessful today,alsotermedan"overnightsuccess"bysociety.There aremanyfactorsintheirstory.Onesuchfactorisdigital marketing.
Digitalmarketingisplayingakeyroleingainingahuge audienceforaproduct.Almosteverysectorisutilizingit becauseofthehugepotentialopportunitiesandbecauseit hasthepowertomakeaproductsuccessfulovernight.
Today,socialmediaisoneofthestrongestplatformsfor digitalmarketingpurposes.Forinstance,let'ssaysomeone istraveling.Thefirstthings/hewillsearchforisahotelto stayat,andguesswhat,whentheyopentheirSnapchatto postapicture,thefirstthingitwillshowwillbeahotelad becauseSnapchat’salgorithmscaneasilydeterminethatthe useristravelingandwillshowhotelads.Thisiscalled targetedaudiencedigitalmarketing(TADM),andbecause ofTADM,therearenever-endingopportunitiesindigital marketing.
Isn'titmiraculousthatabusinesscanshowitsproducttoa particularcustomerwhoisshowinginterestinasimilar typeofproductonthevariousdigitalplatformsandhasa highpercentageofbuyingthedisplayedproduct?
There are many ideas for digital marketing, and in this article, we will talk about seven effective strategies for digital marketing for promoting a hotel business.
Justlikeanybusiness,digitalmarketingforhotelsrequires theuseofmultiplesocialmediaplatforms.However,itcan beastruggletokeepupwhenabusinessalreadyhas multiplechannels.
Postingonaregularbasis,buildingacommunity,and engagingwithfollowersareallimportantaspectsof managingsocialmediaplatformsandmakingabusiness profilemoreappealingtotheclient.Managingthesesocial accountsbyusingtoolslikeTailwindcanprovetobe efficient.
Beforetheinternetera,peopleusedthe"YellowPages"to searchforanybusinessinformation.Itwasabusiness directorythatlistedalltypesofbusinesses.Fromaplumber toagovernmentofficial,everyonewasonit.
Well,thisconceptbecameathingofthepastastheinternet and,ultimately,searchenginesdawneduponus.Now everybodywantstogettheirbusinessregisteredonGoogle. Fromabarbershoptotheworld’stallesthotel,BurjAl Arab,itlistseverybusiness.
Makingyourbusinessavailabletotheentireworldallows youtointeractwithyourclientfromanywhereandallows theclienttoplanaheadoftimeforhisorherneeds.
Now,havingawebsiteisthenextstepinthehotel'sdigital marketingstrategy.Itisimportanttobuildauniqueand attractivewebsiteinsteadofjustcreatingawebsitewith
somepicturesandcontentforthesakeofit.Thehotel's websiteshoulduniquelyshowcaseitsamenities,locations, rooms,andeverythingelsethatthehotelis.
Thiscreatesanimpressionontheclientabouthowgoodthe hotelisandwhattypesofamenitiesarepresent,andaswe allknow,thefirstimpressionisthelastimpression.Hence, ahotelwebsiteshouldalwaysbecatchyandfilledwith creativecontent.
SEOstandsfor"searchengineoptimization."Havinga goodSEOstrategywithinthewebsitewillrankthehotel businesshigherinthesearchengines,thusgivingthe visibilitythatthehotelneeds.
LocalSEOfocusesonthevisibilityofthebusinessinlocal searchresults.Forexample,let’ssayyouhaveahotelin Amsterdam.So,thelocalSEOkeepsfocusingonyourhotel tobeinthe‘hotelsnearme’or‘hotelsinAmsterdam’ results.
Rankingontopgivesabetteropportunitytomakethehotel morevisibleandaccessible.Thisstatementissupportedby thequote"What you see is sold.”
Whilecheckinganyhotel’sgallery,oneoftencomesacross video-basedcontentonthehotel’swebsites.Thesevideos showa360-degreeviewofthehotels.Theyincludeawideanglecaptureofalltheaspectsofahotel,suchasthelobby, roominteriors,restaurant,swimmingpool,andsoon.
Makinganduploadinghotelvideosonvariousdigital platformscangeneratesignificantattentionforthebusiness intoday’stimes.
Oneofthebestvideomarketingplatformsthesedaysis YouTube.IthasoptionstooptimizevideosthroughSEO. Anyonecanoptimizetheirvideos,channels,orplayliststo rankhigheramongtherelevantsearchresults.Thisincludes thetextualcontentofthesevideos,suchasmeta descriptions,keywordsintitles,hashtags,andsoon.
Becausethesystemcannotreadimagesorvideos,the emphasishereisonkeywords.However,peopledon’t
realizethatjustthetitleanddescriptionarenottheonly sourcesoftext.
Transcripts,ClosedCaptions(CC),andsubtitlesarealso usedforit.Abusinesscanusethehelpofanydigital marketingprofessionaltoimplementthisintheirYouTube videos.UsingthisSEOstrategyinthevideosenhances viewershipanduserengagement.
Influencermarketingisoneofthemosteffectiveonline marketingstrategiesforhotels.Itisatoolthatahotelcan usewhentheywanttoattractahugeaudience.Hotels contactaninfluencerwhohasthepowertoinfluencethe purchasedecisionsofothers.
Itisaneasyoptionforhotels,asinfluencershaveagood reputationfortheirknowledgeandexpertiseonaparticular topic.Influencerscanhelpahotelbusinessbypostingabout thehotelontheirsocialmediachannelsandcanengage theirfollowersonthehotel’sblog.
Allinall,theabovedigitalmarketingstrategiesare consideredtoppracticesinboostingbusinessthrough digitalmeansthesedays.Abusinessisincompletewithout marketing,anddigitalmarketingraisesthebar,enablingit tobemorevisibleandaccessible.Itcanalsohelpahotelto gainpeople'strustandwillsurelyboosttheoverallbusiness ifusedperfectly
Alex Pryor EOH divisional head of Digital Innovation
hethirddecadeofthenewmillenniumisfirmly
Tunderway,andeverythingismovingsoquickly We aretoldtoimprove,toperform,toinnovate!We hearabouttheshiftintechtowardsweb3.0,tothe metaverse,anddecentralization.
Ourdigitaltransformationroadmapsareconstantlyinflux. Theneedtostayrelevantrequiresaconstantinnovation cyclethatmustbecomeanintegralpartofalmostany corporatelandscape.
Unfortunately,veryfewcompaniestakethetimetounpack whatinnovationreallyis.Theyknowthattheywantit,they knowthatwithoutittheirchancesofstillbeinginbusiness infivetotenyearsareslim,butifyouasktenpeoplewhat itis,you'llgettendifferentanswers.
Ialwaysstartinnovationworkshopswiththisquestion,and Igetanswersrangingfrom"creativity"to"improved process"to"brandnewproductsanddesignstowowthe market."Andnoneoftheseanswersisinherentlywrong, buteachrepresentsonlyasmallpartofwhatinnovation encompasses.
Wikipediastatesthatinnovationiscommonlydefinedasthe "carryingoutofnewcombinations"thatinclude"the introductionofnewgoods,newmethodsofproduction,the openingofnewmarkets,theconquestofnewsourcesof supply,andthecarryingoutofaneworganizationofany industry."Thescientificliteraturegivesusmorethan60 differentdefinitionsforinnovation,andthat'sbeforeweget Alex Pryor has been in the IT industry since 2003 and has been deeply involved with eCommerce, mobile applications, custom development, and product delivery. She joined EOH in 2012 and is responsible for digital innovation and product development in the iOCO Digital division. She has a strong focus on digital transformation through targeted innovation initiatives and improved DevOps practices and believes there are always ways that technology can help people work better.
downtothedifferenttypesofinnovation.Nowonder peopleareconfused.
Mydefinitionofinnovationisasfollows:Innovationis doingthesameoldthingsbetterforaneconomicbenefit.
Nowyoumightarguewithmehere.Afterall,some innovationissodisruptiveastobeconsideredtotallynew anddifferent.Orisit?
Whenyouthinkofinnovativecompanies–Tesla,Apple,& UberarecommonexamplesI'mgiven–peopleusually thinkofcutting-edgetechandinnovation.Butdespitethe massivelydisruptiveleapsforwardthatthesecompanies havegiventheworld,theyarestillsolvingthesame underlyingproblems.Transportationandenergy Communication.Commuting.
Whatdoesthismeanforyou?It'simportanttore-frame howyouthinkaboutinnovation.Andtodothat,youneed toanswertwoquestions.First,whydoyouwantto innovate?Luckily,thisisaneasyoneasitonlyhastwo answers:eitheryouwanttomakemoneyorsave money—possiblybothatthesametime.
Thesecondquestion:Whatproblemareyousolving?Ifyou arelookingtomakemoney,thenwhatproblemareyou solvingforyourcustomers?Ifyouarelookingtosave money,thenwhatproblemdoyouneedtosolveinternally? Andifyouaresolvinganinternalproblem,coulditapplyto yourclients?Ifyoudon'tunderstandyourproblem,you can'thopetogettoasolutionthatreallyworksforyour businessandyourclients.
Thisquestionisultimatelyaboutvalue.Whatvalueareyou getting,andwhatvalueareyougiving?
Experimentationiskey,andafailureisalwaysanoption
Onceyouknowyourproblem,it'stimetofindasolution. Easiersaidthandone,whichiswhereexperimentation comesintoplay.Wheninnovatingwithproductsor processes,youhavetobewillingtobewrong.Thisis wheretheadage"failearly,failoften"reallycomesinto play Youhavetobewillingtotryandfailandtryagain, keepingwhatworksandthrowingouttherest.
Unfortunately,mostpeoplearemeasuredonsuccess,which isoftentothedetrimentoftheorganization.
Somakesurethatwhoeverisrunningyourinnovation initiativeshasthemandatetofail.Fearoffailurekeepsus inourcomfortzonesandpreventsusfromthinkingoutside theboxortryingnewthings,butwhenfailureis encouragedaspartofalearningandinnovationjourney,the endresultsarebeyondyourcurrentimagination.
Startinganinnovationjourneyisariskyprospect.Afterall, iffailureisalwaysanoption,thenyoudoruntheriskof investingwithoutrealizingthebenefits.Butthebigger questionyouhavetoaskyourselfis:Canyouaffordnotto change?Canyouaffordtokeepdoingwhatyou'redoing whiletheworldchangesaroundyou?
Today,thetechnologylandscapeischangingmorerapidly thanever.Computersaregettingfasterandsmarter,and people'sexpectationsofwhattheirexperienceswillbeare notonlyhigherbuttheyarebeingsharedinstantlywitha broad-rangingcommunity.Goodexperiencesare celebrated,andbadoroutdatedexperiencesarereviled.
Ifinnovationisonyouragenda,thenit'stimetostart thinkingaboutyourproblems,andthoseofyourclients, andaboutwhatvalueyoucanbringtothetable.
Besuretostaytunedformynextarticle,whereIwillbe unpackingexactlywhatisinvolvedinaninnovation journey.
