"Where2FromHere" A Luxury Global Podcast By Renae Leith-Manos "Where2FromHere" A Global Podcast By Renae Leith-Manos

Join renowned Australian luxury hotel journalist Renae Leith-Manos in an enlightening podcast with the dynamic Vice President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and General Manager of Asia Pacific, Lisa Pile.

Lisa is one of the luxury cruise industry's most respected, dynamic and interesting leaders. Here she talks in depth to Renae about her diverse career living and working globally, and the huge changes the cruise industry has seen in recent years.

She also takes listeners on a journey through some of the industry's most luxurious cruise liners and trips through Europe and beyond.

With over 25 years extensive leadership experience in sales and marketing, Lisa has held prominent roles in leading luxury hotel brands across the Asia Pacific, China, UK, Europe, and Africa throughout her career.

She has a track record of success in managing both commercial and marketing teams and in creating luxury brands.

Throughout her career, Lisa has worked with esteemed luxury brands including Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Kempinski Hotels & Resorts in China and Tanzania, and The Sukhothai Bangkok in Thailand.

Lisa is renowned for her ability to cultivate robust partnerships, foster sustainable business relationships, devise strategic sales and marketing initiatives, achieve impressive financial outcomes, and nurture successful global teams and diverse talent.

She is also well known for her support and encourgement of women within the luxury hospitality industry.

What Renae and Lisa talk about wihtin this podcast::

0:00 Introduction
0:55 Meet Lisa Pile
1:23 Luxury Cruise
1:50 Life Changing Luxury Cruise
2:05 Seven Seas Grandeur
3:23 The Mediterranean
5:02 A Luxury Cruise with Regent
6:01 Food on board the Cruise
6:12 Lisa on working with Raffles Hotels And Resorts
7:05 Difference in working as a Hotelier and in a Cruise
9:21 Cruising with Regent Seven Seas Cruise
10:26 Why Choose the Right Cruise Line
10:59 Demographic of People joining the Cruise
12:37 Are Pets allowed onboard?
12:48 Angela DeMarco
14:45 The Key to Success in the luxury hotel industry
17:40 Asia Pacific Market
19:38 Can you shop onboard?
21:58 WheretoFromHere now Lisa?
23:59 Closing

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Host & Executive Producer: Renae Leith-Manos
Editor: Miguel De Dios
Graphic & Design: Giang Nguyen

For more on the latest luxury travel, hotels and trends go to: www.renaesworld.com.au
For the world's best Luxury Hotel Consulting Support: www.luxuryhotelconsulting.com

Join renowned Australian luxury hotel journalist Renae Leith-Manos in an enlightening podcast episode with Ruby Garcia, the esteemed General Manager of COMO Metropolitan Singapore.

Ruby's career in luxury hotels began unexpectedly at the age of 21. As a single mother in need of a job close to home, she submitted resumes to various local companies, ultimately finding her path in the hospitality industry.

Her journey started at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Manila, which offered her a chance to support herself and her one-year-old baby.

Leaving her son in the care of her mother, who was also a single mother, was a heart-wrenching sacrifice. However, Ruby was determined to provide for her family. Working overseas added another layer of difficulty, especially in a traditionally male-dominated field. She faced ingrained prejudices and societal expectations, yet her determination only grew stronger with each challenge.

A significant milestone in Ruby's career was becoming the General Manager of the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the world in 2018. This was a groundbreaking achievement, as she was the first Asian female General Manager since its opening.

Reflecting on her journey, Ruby wishes she had known earlier about the sacrifices of time and effort required to succeed in the industry.

She finds fulfillment and purpose in the memories of her career progression, the letters from her family, and the words of encouragement from colleagues.
Looking back at photos from the early stages of her career and reading letters from her mother and son gives Ruby the drive to continue when faced with adversity. She is incredibly grateful for her progress and her ability to inspire those around her. She says, “my career brought me to places that I never knew I could get to.”

Ruby has been greatly influenced by other strong women in her life. She says, “I have been fortunate to work with strong women above, below, and alongside me. They have taught me how to lead and be led. Resilience with grace was my takeaway from them, and that I live by.”

To her past self and aspiring professionals, Ruby's advice is simple yet profound: “believe in yourself, stay true to your values, and never stop pursuing your dreams.”

Chapter for interview between Ruby Garcia and Renae Leith Manos :
00:00 Introduction
00:53 Meet Ruby Garcia
02:20 Nutrition and Wellness Concept at Como
04:10 First Hyperbaric Lounge
04:22 Wellness Facility
06:25 Percentage of Guest using Wellness Facility
07:35 Wellness Equipment
08:10 Ice Bath Trends
08:45 Shambala
10:50 Red light therapy
11:40 Sleep Dream Experience
13:45 Client
14:48 Collaboration with Cedric Grolet
16:30 Ruby Garcia Job Experience
19:20 Changes in the Luxury Hotels
22:10 Technology in Singapore
23:25 The evolving of her roles and hotels
25:55 Where to from here
28:20 Club 21
28:58 Closing


***
Subscribe above for the best and latest regular luxury travel updates.
For collaborations, contact us at: renaemanos@mac.com
***
Host & Executive Producer: Renae Leith-Manos
Editor: Muhammad Hamza
Graphic & Design: Giang Nguyen

For more luxury travel go to: www.renaesworld.com.au
For Luxury Hotel Consulting: www.luxuryhotelconsulting.com

Join Renae Leith-Manos in this captivating episode of the Where2FromHere podcast as she delves into the dynamic world of Four Seasons Hotels with a very special Sydney based guest, Uday Rao.

Recorded in Sydney, this episode where Renae interviews Uday Rao offers a deep dive into Uday's illustrious 33-year journey with Four Seasons, beginning in Chicago and stretching across Southeast Asia, with notable stints in Bali and Jakarta.

This is Uday's first ever podcast interview.

Uday shares his personal story, from his initial dreams sparked by a childhood book he read on hotels to his surprising start with Four Seasons in Chicago due to a five star hotel name change with the Ritz Carlton. He reflects on the substantial roles and responsibilities that come with being a General Manager and the pivotal cultural elements that define Four Seasons' massive global success.

The discussion also explores Uday's recent relocation to Sydney from Four Seasons Bali, the challenges of adapting to the Australian workforce dynamics, and his insights into maintaining high standards in the competitive Sydney hotel scene. Four Seasons Sydney is a grand dame of the luxury hotel world in Australia, and he explains how he makes everything old new again.

Further, Uday offers a glimpse into the anticipated new Four Seasons in Melbourne and discusses the broader impacts of tourism on local environments, emphasising the importance of sustainability.

With a blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights, this episode not only illuminates the evolving landscape of luxury hospitality but also celebrates the journey of a visionary hotelier who continues to set benchmarks in the industry.

Chapters of the interview between Uday Rao and Renae Leith-Manos :
00:00 Introduction
00:33 Meet Uday Rao
01:06 Why do great hotels come from India
02:40 His journey to the United State
04:35 First impression of America
05:50 His first General manager roles
06:33 Reality vs Dream
07:45 Secret to the success of Four Season Hotels
09:11 Good people in Australia
10:40 Moving to Australia
13:49 Four Season Melbourne
17:32 How he attract locals
18:00 Sustainability
21:53 Clients
22:50 Best parts of his job
24:00 How he travel
25:40 Where to from here
26:28 Closing

***
Subscribe above for the best and latest regular luxury travel updates.
For collaborations, contact us at: renaemanos@mac.com
***
Host & Executive Producer: Renae Leith-Manos
Editor: Muhammad Hamza
Graphic & Design: Giang Nguyen

For more luxury travel go to: www.renaesworld.com.au
For Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, click here: www.fourseasons.com/sydney/
For Luxury Hotel Consulting: www.luxuryhotelconsulting.com

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

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Join Renae Leith-Manos on this exciting episode of Where2FromHere, featuring an in-depth conversation with Wayne Taranto, Chief Operating Officer of Ovolo Group in Australia, who brings an impressive 26 years of hospitality experience to his role and to this conversation with Sydney luxury hotel expert Renae.

In the realm of luxury hospitality, where opulence meets impeccable service, Ovolo Hotels stands out as an epitome of excellence. Led by the visionary Chief Operating Officer, Wayne Taranto, Ovolo has carved a niche for itself, winning accolades and hearts worldwide. With a commitment to innovation, creativity, and guest-centric experiences, Ovolo Luxury Hotels have become synonymous with unparalleled luxury and sophistication.

Founded in 2002, Ovolo Hotels has rapidly expanded its presence, with properties across Australia, Hong Kong, and beyond. Under Wayne Taranto's leadership, the brand has undergone a transformative journey, redefining the standards of luxury hospitality.

One of the key pillars of Ovolo's success lies in its relentless pursuit of innovation. Wayne Taranto's forward-thinking approach has propelled the brand to new heights, introducing cutting-edge technologies and avant-garde designs to enhance the guest experience. From state-of-the-art amenities to eco-friendly initiatives, Ovolo Hotels seamlessly blend luxury with sustainability, setting new benchmarks in the industry.

Here Wayne talks about Bali and its growing success as a tourist destination, and the Ovolo property there, the huge growth in food and beverage trends, as well as the growth and changes in technology within the luxury hotel industry.

Singapore now has computerised security control at the airports, but he says at Ovolo their guests still want the human touch and to speak to human beings upon check in rather than have things automated.

At the heart of Ovolo's ethos is a commitment to delivering personalised experiences that resonate with each guest. Wayne Taranto's emphasis on understanding and anticipating the needs of modern travellers has enabled Ovolo to curate bespoke experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Whether it's a gastronomic journey through the hotel's signature restaurants or curated wellness programs designed to rejuvenate the mind and body, every aspect of the guest journey is meticulously crafted to exceed expectations. Wayne talks about the future of Ovolo and the prospect of some new properties coming on board.

Ovolo consistently receiving prestigious awards and accolades. Under Wayne Taranto's guidance, Ovolo Hotels have been recognised for outstanding service, innovative design, and commitment to sustainability. From Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards to the World Luxury Hotel Awards, Ovolo's trophy cabinet is a testament to its unwavering dedication to excellence.

In this conversation, Taranto explains he and the Ovolo team remain committed to pushing the boundaries of luxury hospitality. With a focus on expansion and innovation, Ovolo Hotels are poised to continue redefining the guest experience, setting new standards of excellence in the ever-evolving world of luxury travel.

Wayne Taranto's latest ventures and insights into the future of luxury hotels globally are highlighted in his engaging podcast with Renae Leith-Manos, a top luxury hotel reviewer.

This discussion offers valuable perspectives on the growth and evolution of the luxury hotel industry worldwide, positioning it as a must-listen for industry insiders and enthusiasts alike.

***
Subscribe above for the best and latest regular luxury travel updates.
For collaborations, contact us at: renaemanos@mac.com
***
Host & Executive Producer: Renae Leith-Manos
Editor: Muhammad Hamza
Graphic & Design: Giang

For more luxury travel go to: www.renaesworld.com.au
For Ovolo Hotels, click here: https://ovolohotels.com
For Luxury Hotel Consulting: www.luxuryhotelconsulting.com

Listen on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7kc

Join Renae Leith-Manos on this exciting episode of "Where2FromHere," featuring an in-depth conversation with Simon Sandall, a luminary in the culinary world renowned for his precision and passion in the kitchen.

From his early days at the prestigious Ritz in London to his role as a pivotal figure in Australia’s vibrant food scene, Simon shares tales of his culinary journey and his notable tenure as famed Sydney chef, Matt Moran’s right-hand man.

Today, Simon is the proud owner of Boronia Kitchen in Sydney's Hunters Hill, where he continues to impress with his culinary creativity. In this interview, Simon reflects on his illustrious career, including his record 21 New Year's Eve's orchestrating the iconic celebrations at the Sydney Opera House, showcasing his ability to cater to thousands with impeccable standards.

Hear Simon's philosophy on food, where flavour triumphs and presentation complements, and learn how he has navigated the evolving culinary landscape, marked by his transition from the bustling kitchens of luxury hotels globally to his intimate and beloved eatery.

This conversation promises insights into the demanding yet rewarding world of high-end catering and the personal touches that make a dining experience truly memorable.

Tune in to uncover the rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped one of the most respected figures in the culinary industry. For those fascinated by the art of food and the stories behind the chefs who make dining out a unique adventure, this episode offers a deep dive into a life devoted to culinary excellence.

Subscribe above for the best and latest regular luxury travel updates.
For collaborations, contact us at: renaemanos@mac.com
***
Host & Executive Producer: Renae Leith-Manos
Editor: Muhammad Hamza
Graphic & Design: Giang Nguyen

For more luxury travel go to: www.renaesworld.com.au
For Boronia Kitchen, click here: https://www.boroniakitchen.com.au

Join esteemed luxury travel expert Renae Leith-Manos as she engages in a captivating dialogue with Marc Stellinger, the distinguished Hotel Manager of Melia Chiang Mai in Thailand. This conversation explores the fantastic taste of luxury hospitality, sustainability, and the unparalleled allure of Chiang Mai's landscape.

Renae and Marc's enlightening conversation offers a glimpse into the inner workings of the luxury hospitality sector, shedding light on the evolving demands of luxury travellers and the industry's steadfast commitment to sustainability.

Embark on Marc's remarkable journey in the world of hospitality, beginning with his formative years in Brazil and Florida. Marc's passion for exploration led him to pursue a career in luxury hotel management, culminating in his crucial role at Melia Chiang Mai.

Marc elaborates on Melia Chiang Mai's dedication to sustainable practices and community engagement, emphasizing its fantastic efforts in preserving the environment and enriching the local community.

The conversation also delves into the unique charm of Chiang Mai, a city teeming with cultural treasures and culinary delights. From historical landmarks to immersive experiences, they explore the myriad attractions that make Chiang Mai a coveted destination for luxury travellers.

Gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of luxury hotel management in Southeast Asia, as Marc shares his perspective on recruiting, training, and retaining top talent in the industry.

Explore the evolving trends in luxury travel, from wellness-focused experiences to the demand for authentic cultural immersion. Marc provides valuable insights into how Melia Chiang Mai caters to the evolving preferences of modern travellers while maintaining its commitment to excellence.

Discover the future of luxury hospitality through Marc's visionary lens, as he shares his thoughts on industry trends, guest expectations, and the enduring allure of meaningful travel experiences.

Lastly, Marc shares his upcoming travel plans, including exciting ventures to China and Pakistan.

If you are intrigued by the nuances of luxury travel and hospitality, this interview on 'Where To From Here' with Renae Leith-Manos is a captivating and insightful watch, offering a unique perspective into the world of luxury hotels and sustainable practices in the hospitality industry.

Subscribe above for the best and latest regular luxury travel updates.
For collaborations, contact us at: renaemanos@mac.com
***
Host & Executive Producer: Renae Leith-Manos
Editor: Muhammad Hamza
Graphic & Design: Giang Nguyen

For more luxury travel go to: www.renaesworld.com.au
For Melia Chiang Mai, click here: https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai/melia-chiang-mai