Global Update
Simple SophiStication
Le Chalet Zannier , Arnaud Zannier with 12 rooms says his motivation is to create hotel spread over three products not available on the market . chalets overlooking Mont Blanc in the Haute-Savoie village of Megève in Southeastern France , is the passion of Arnaud Zannier , an entrepreneur who established a handmade shoe business .
He and his father , Roger Zannier , now plan to open a second resort property in Siem Reap , Cambodia , in 2015 , and by 2017 , a third on their vineyard , Château Saint-Maur , in the Gulf of St . Tropez , France . Vietnam is also in the cards .
HOTELS recently spoke with Arnaud in London to learn about his hotel vision .
HOTELS : What took you from luxury shoes into the hotel business ?
Arnaud Zannier : The same way when I created my footwear brand . The motivation is to create a product that you can ’ t really find on the market . It ’ s a very personal and passionate project . I ’ m trying to imagine the perfect place to stay with my friends and family . The approach to hospitality is very similar to the fashion industry as a lot of choices made by the consumer are influenced by their way of life , their personal values .
H : How did this passion for hotels develop , and which hoteliers do you admire ? AZ : I am a passionate person in everything I do ; somebody once said , “ Do it with passion or not at all .” That ’ s what I always keep in mind .
It ’ s very difficult to identify one person because most of the high-end hoteliers have created great products , each with their own forces and philosophy . Four Seasons for their services ; Aman for their Zen and design setting ; Six Senses for their alternative view on luxury ; Peninsula for their super-sophisticated luxury . I personally identify a niche between those iconic brands that suit my personal values and needs . I am trying to create the ideal hotels for people who share my approach to hospitality .
H : Which locations are you targeting for “ selective expansion ”?
AZ : We have just secured a new property in Vietnam to complement our offer in Asia . The beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I ’ ve ever seen . At that location we are planning a 75-key hotel and 40 residences to sell under hotel management . I am very excited as we are actively working [ on ] the master plan .
H : How many hotels do you plan to open ? AZ : Just one after the other . We are still very young in this industry so I have no specific plan . Let ’ s see where it will lead us .
H : What are your general thoughts about the hotel business ? AZ : Hoteliers try to impress their guests from the first minute they get in the hotel by designing a grand entrance . They make them believe that their F & B offer is the best in the world because they work with an “ 18 Michelin-star chef ,” or say that luxury is a 100-square-meter bathroom .
I try to impress our guests with our alternative approach to luxury , with emotions . Zannier Hotels strives to offer a unique collection of one-of-akind hotels and resorts , all reflecting the destination . Not to forget the uncompromising service , which is specially tailored to each individual ’ s needs .
That ’ s why our core business can be summed up in one quote : “ Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication .”
King Albert Suite at The Norman Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv bouTique
Converted from two historic buildings in the heart of Tel Aviv ’ s UNESCO world heritage site , the ‘ White City ,’ The Norman Tel Aviv comprises 30 bedrooms and 20 suites , including two penthouse suites . Interior design by David d ’ Almada of Sagrada fuses 1920s grandeur and contemporary elegance . Art plays a big role , with original Israeli artwork featured throughout . In fact , a resident curator is on hand to offer insights into the artwork on display , while the hotel offers bespoke tours of local galleries and artists ’ studios .
14 HOTELS January / February 2015 www . hotelsmag . com