Could you tell us about your career path and your role?
“I come from a family of shopkeepers, so naturally, I initially followed in their footsteps. It was ultimately a chance encounter with a hotelier in the Philippines, after a surfing lesson, that convinced me to take a different path. I started at Le M de Megève, where I was given an opportunity as a cross-trained valet attendant: two nights working at reception and three days as a valet.
Between Megève, Saint-Tropez, the Yvelines region and now Cap d’Antibes, I have had the opportunity to experience every aspect of the Rooms Division. I worked as a receptionist and in housekeeping before becoming a valet and bell attendant, and later Head Valet and Bell Attendant during the opening of Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay. I then joined Villa Miraé to follow my wife, Pauline, who is the Executive Housekeeper.
As part of my role, I take care of our guests and manage their personal belongings and luggage, from the moment they arrive until their departure. I assist and guide them throughout their stay and also welcome guests visiting our two restaurants.”
You are often the first person guests meet. How important is this initial interaction?
“It is a crucial moment. I enjoy adapting to every new guest with a light-hearted approach, a touch of humour and a positive attitude, so that they immediately feel able to relax and let go. I want their only dilemma to be choosing between the beach and the swimming pool, while forgetting all about the logistics of their arrival: check-in, luggage and their car.
Every arrival is a new challenge and an opportunity to show guests that they have come to the right place and are in safe hands. When they leave, we create their final memories of the hotel, so we should make them the best ones possible.”
In your opinion, what makes a successful welcome from the very first moments of a stay?
“I like every guest to feel expected and welcomed as though they were at home. That is what I enjoy conveying. Welcoming guests is an art. I love practising this art, but above all, passing it on to others.
It is also the perfect moment to understand each guest’s personality, energy and expectations. This allows me to adapt to every individual and personalise both their welcome and the relationship we build throughout their stay. From that moment onwards, they should feel completely assured of our unwavering availability.”
What are the small gestures or thoughtful touches that make all the difference?
“I am particularly fond of the art of anticipation: fulfilling a guest’s wish before they have even thought of it themselves. Having their car brought around at exactly the right moment, offering them a fresh bottle of water after a run, or setting up the GPS for their next destination in advance… These are the simple gestures that leave a lasting impression.”
What do you enjoy most about your work each day?
“No two days and no two guests are ever the same. It is a constant balancing act that requires complete adaptability. I also love talking with our guests, building connections and making them smile or laugh so that they feel at home.”
In a few words, how would you define your vision of hospitality?
“Beyond providing a new home away from home, hospitality is above all about sharing, conviviality and, most importantly, an invitation to let go and dream.”