Lagniappe
The best idea you have stolen ?
I can ’ t reveal this because the person I stole from has not noticed it yet . Having said that , the best ideal – rather than idea – I have embraced without a doubt comes from Mahatma Gandhi , who said , “ Live as if you were to die tomorrow . Learn as if you were to live forever .”
Your favorite app ?
Uber ! In my thoughts , I thank Travis Kalanick each time I travel abroad in a new country where I was previously desperately trying to hail a cab .
What do you want for your birthday ?
I just had my birthday a few weeks ago , which I celebrated here at the Rosewood Beijing with my family in a small private dining room . On that occasion I got the best gift I have ever received :
As I walked into the room , the culinary team had equipped my twins , Janya and Kimaya , with chefs ’ uniforms and hats , and set up a working station with a basic white coated cake , colored chocolate pouches , multicolored chocolate chips and individual chocolate letters that once put together said Happy Birthday Daddy . As I approached , they both lifted their heads and said , “ We are preparing a cake for you , daddy .” If that does not get tears in any dad ’ s eyes then nothing will .
Historical figure you ’ d like to host ?
Leonardo da Vinci . It would be just an amazing experience to meet someone that has had that versatility , vision and talent in both science and arts . Among other things he could also make me understand what this Mona Lisa smile is really all about .
On the more contemporary side – and although not quite a historic figure yet per se , it would have to be Richard Branson with his amazing attitude toward life and approach to business .
Marc Brugger , managing director , rosewood Beijing
embracing the phiLosophies of gandhi and speciaL moments spent with his 3-year-oLd twins , the top hoteLier at the nearLy 2-year-oLd Luxury outpost waxes about dreaming and a recipe for great hoteLkeeping .
If not a hotelier …?
That ’ s a tough one … maybe a dreamer ?
In case there is no vacancy for the dreamer position then I would love to be a designer or architect like my father . Unfortunately , my talents in those areas are about as astute as my skills to learn Mandarin .
A personal skill / experience that makes you unique as a hotelier ?
I don ’ t think I have a skill that makes me unique as such . However , I would say that empathy for guests and associates , dedication , resilience and attention to details are essential ingredients that are required to make a good “ hotelier recipe .”
What do you do better than anyone else you know ?
What I do better , or rather know better , than anyone else can be summed up by one sentence that is credited to Socrates : “ I know that I know nothing .”
64 hotelsmag . com June 2016