The art of subtle luxury — A conversation with Maisons Pariente

When true luxury speaks, it whispers rather than shouts. This philosophy stands at the heart of Maisons Pariente, the family-owned collection of exceptional properties that has redefined luxury hospitality across France.

In a recent conversation with Leslie Kouhana, the eldest of the Pariente sisters and co-founder of this distinctive hotel collection, I discovered striking parallels between her approach to hospitality and the transformative travel experiences I design for my clients.

A family philosophy.

“Luxury should not be ostentatious, but rather subtle and felt through carefully considered details,” shares Leslie, whose vision alongside her father and sister Kimberley has shaped Maisons Pariente into what it is today. This philosophy of understated excellence permeates every aspect of their collection, from the French Riviera to the Alps, Provence, and Paris.

What struck me most was the genuine warmth behind their approach. "We aim to create spaces where every guest feels at home, surrounded by warmth, art, and culture," Leslie explains. It's this commitment to creating a sense of belonging that elevates a stay from simply comfortable to truly memorable.

The art of personalisation.

At the heart of Maisons Pariente lies an exceptional dedication to personalised service. “We take the time to understand our guests' preferences and desires, ensuring that every interaction feels genuine and tailored,” notes Leslie. This might manifest as a handwritten note acknowledging a special occasion or thoughtfully curated amenities for returning guests.

This level of attention resonates deeply with my own belief that exceptional travel experiences begin with understanding what matters most to each traveller. It's about creating moments that feel intentional and uniquely yours.

Local authenticity.

Each Maisons Pariente property stands as a reflection of its surroundings. The family takes great care to embed local culture and heritage into every aspect of their hotels, from architectural choices to culinary offerings.

Leslie's family's passion for art curation adds another layer of distinction. "Each one of our hotels is carefully curated, each detail has been thoroughly thought like the property was our own home," she shares. This artistic nod, combined with local partnerships, creates environments that feel both elevated and authentic.

The true meaning of luxury.

For Leslie, true luxury in hospitality lies in what she calls “the art of subtle attention” — the ability to anticipate needs without intrusion, creating environments where every detail matters and service feels seamless yet deeply personal.

“What will make our guests remember us, more than the absolute comfort of our rooms or the views of sublime surrounding landscapes, is the relationship our staff create with them,” she noted. “It's about creating emotions and memories that each guest will always cherish.”

This philosophy mirrors what I believe creates exceptional travel experiences: the understanding that luxury is found not just in lavish surroundings, but in the thoughtful curation of meaningful moments that remain long after the journey ends.

In a world where true luxury increasingly means personalisation, attention, and authenticity, collections like Maisons Pariente remind us that the most memorable experiences are those crafted with genuine care and understanding - a principle that also guides every journey I design for my clients.

The Maisons Pariente collection includes: Hotel Lou Pinet in Saint-Tropez, Hotel Crillon le Brave in Provence, Hotel Le Coucou in Méribel, and Hôtel Grand Mazarin in Paris.

The spirit of Kateka — A conversation with Trevor Savage

In the expansive Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, in Limpopo South Africa, lies Kateka, a sanctuary where wellness meets safari. I recently spoke with Trevor Savage, General Manager, whose 20+ years in safari hospitality have culminated in being integral to this remarkable venture.

A blessed beginning.

“Kateka means 'to be blessed' in the local Tsonga language,” Trevor explains, “and that's exactly how we see our home.” This sense of gratitude extends beyond the breathtaking setting — it encompasses the opportunity to support local families and create a haven where guests can disconnect and rejuvenate.

The lodge itself was born from a vision of owner Joel Ospovat, a South African born real estate developer based in Austin, Texas. He’d stayed as a guest multiple times at a safari lodge that Trevor previously worked at. During one return visit in 2018, he shared his dream with Trevor and his wife Tas (who also works at Kateka): to find a place of paradise and solitude – where busy lives could pause and reset. That vision materialised in late 2023 when Kateka officially opened its doors.

Family, not staff.

What distinguishes Kateka is its approach to hospitality. “We don't wear name badges,” Trevor notes. “We're a family. When you're at home, you don't wear name badges.”

This philosophy permeates every aspect of operations. Morning meetings celebrate "victories" across all departments, recognizing that every role - whether guest-facing or behind-the-scenes - contributes to the Kateka experience.

“I love seeing people excel and grow,” Trevor shares. “There's no ceiling on your head here. This is an opportunity for you to excel as a person.”

The result is service that transcends hospitality training. “There's a genuine smile and there's a hospitality smile,” Trevor observes. “We encourage people to be who they are in a genuine way.”

Holistic renewal in the wilderness.

Kateka's vision extends beyond traditional safari experiences to embrace comprehensive wellness. Trevor speaks passionately about creating an environment where guests can "disconnect and immerse themselves with nature" through both "holistic game drives" and dedicated wellness offerings.

This dual approach — connecting with wildlife while nurturing personal wellbeing — forms the core of Trevor's vision for Kateka's future. “I would love to be able to create an experience where people walk out feeling touched by the genuine love of the people, the peace and tranquillity of the reserve, and the incredible experiences that our team offers in wellness and on game drives.”

Safari as it was meant to be.

Kateka's approach to safari is equally thoughtful. Set within a 60,000-hectare reserve with only 16,000 hectares traversed, the experience prioritises depth over checklists.

"The pace of safari has increased because of expectations from social media," Trevor reflects. "But we're focusing on slowing everything down. If you want to sit with a herd of elephants for over an hour, you can."

This philosophy appeals to both experienced safari-goers who no longer need to "tick boxes" and first-timers who deserve an authentic introduction to the bush. Guides rely on tracking skills rather than radio calls, creating an immersive experience that reveals how the puzzle of wildlife viewing truly fits together.

"There's nothing better than tracking a big bull elephant or a herd of elephants and seeing how enlightened guests are when we've put this puzzle together," Trevor shares. "That for me is just unbelievable."

In a world of increasingly choreographed experiences, Kateka stands apart as a place of genuine connection — to nature, to oneself, and to the remarkable team that calls this slice of wilderness home.

Beyond the glass — The art of non-alcoholic hospitality at Adler Lodge Ritten

During my recent stay at Adler Lodge Ritten in South Tyrol, I discovered something unexpected that elevated the entire experience: their commitment to non-alcoholic beverages. As someone who probably identifies as sober curious, this refreshing approach to inclusive hospitality was another marker of their quiet luxury that I experienced during my stay.

A philosophy of inclusion.

There are two driving forces behind this focus as explained to me by Hannes Pignater – who recently hung up his apron working in the kitchen at the property and is now the Associate Director of Sales. Firstly, he has a personal passion for creating sophisticated alcohol-free options, and secondly, a practical reality of Italian culture — the country's strict penalties for drink driving have created a genuine need for high-quality alternatives.

What struck me most was the underlying philosophy. At Adler Lodge Ritten, choosing not to drink alcohol isn't treated as an exception requiring explanation. Instead, it's seamlessly integrated into the luxury experience. No one feels left out or needs to justify their choice — they're simply enjoying another facet of the hotel's thoughtful and personal touch.

Craftsmanship without compromise.

This commitment manifests in several thoughtful ways. Their mocktails aren't afterthoughts but carefully crafted experiences, presented in proper cocktail glassware with the same ceremony as their alcoholic counterparts. Ingredients are locally sourced wherever possible, celebrating the abundance of ingredients from South Tyrol.

The attention to detail extends to sensory experience. Many recipes incorporate ginger for a warming kick that mimics the sensation of alcohol, creating a complex and satisfying flavour. Throughout the day, guests can help themselves to an array of interesting soft drinks - sparkling teas, fruit infusions, and botanical blends that refresh and delight.

Even presentation reflects this dedication to equality. Several non-alcoholic options arrive in wine-style bottles, complete with corks and elegant labels. The visual and ceremonial aspects of uncorking and pouring remain intact, preserving the social ritual that often accompanies drinking.

Local ingredients, global inspiration.

A perfect example of their innovative approach is the "Bloody Roots" mocktail, which Hannes named after a song by his favourite Brazilian heavy metal band. This striking creation showcases a key regional ingredient: Feral no. 4 red beet - a fermented red beet drink infused with wild blueberries, lavender, and juniper berries.

Produced by a small company based in the nearby Dolomites, this non-alcoholic drink has a complex and interesting flavour. While delightful on its own (you could happily enjoy a glass or two as you would wine), it truly shines as a base for mocktails, lending earthy depth and subtle sweetness that transforms the drinking experience.

The future of hospitality.

What Hannes and Adler Lodge Ritten understands — is that true hospitality means everyone at the table feels equally valued. In an era where guests increasingly seek wellness-focused experiences without sacrificing pleasure, their approach represents the future of thoughtful service and I experienced this from every staff member throughout my stay.

Far from being a limitation, abstaining from alcohol at Adler Ritten introduces guests to a new world of flavours and sensations. It's a reminder that luxury isn't about conformity to traditional indulgences, but rather about exceptional experiences tailored to individual preferences.

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Bloody Roots: A taste of South Tyrol

Recipe graciously provided by Hannes Pignater at Adler Lodge Ritten

The deep crimson colour makes this mocktail as visually striking as it is flavourful - a perfect representation of Adler Ritten's commitment to elevating the non-alcoholic drinking experience.

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Ingredients

• 90 ml Feral no. 4 red beet drink

• 5 ml raspberry purée

• 2 ml fresh ginger juice

• 3 ml sugar syrup

• 2 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

• Fresh thyme and juniper berries

• 2 ml egg white

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Method

1. Combine the Feral no. 4 red beet drink, raspberry purée, ginger juice, sugar syrup, lemon juice, thyme leaves, juniper berries and egg white in a cocktail shaker.

2. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds to properly incorporate the egg white and create a silky texture.

3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

4. Serve immediately to experience the complex earthy notes of the beet contrasted with the bright tang of raspberry and the subtle warmth of ginger.

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From fashion to hospitality — A conversation with Aby Saltiel of Kalesma Mykonos

The journey from dreaming to experiencing defines truly remarkable travel. During my recent conversation with Aby Saltiel, co-owner of the exquisite Kalesma Mykonos, I found someone who shares my passion for creating travel moments that resonate deeply with each guest's personal story.

The art of personal hospitality.

After 40 years in the fashion industry, Aby's transition to hospitality was born from his own experiences as a world traveller. “Because I travelled so much, I became a very difficult client. I was always finding little details which were missing,” he shared. “I dreamed of making a hotel the way I want a hotel to be.”

That dream materialised in Kalesma, set on a family property that Aby had spent many Summer holidays at — a piece of land with special energy, perfectly positioned to capture Mykonos' legendary sunsets.

Service beyond expectations.

What sets Kalesma apart is Aby's philosophy on service that extends beyond the property. “My philosophy is that if a client goes out and doesn't have a good time, it's still your fault, even if you didn't organise it,” he explains. This comprehensive approach to guest experience resonates deeply with my own commitment to creating seamless journeys for my clients.

The personal touch at Kalesma is unmistakable — Aby is present daily, connecting with guests and often reshaping their plans to ensure authentic experiences. We have a whole team that finds out what's new” he notes, emphasising how recommendations must stay current and trusted rather than relying on outdated advice.

His “alternative Mykonos” plans reveal hidden treasures: off-the-beaten-path restaurants, activities for families of all ages and glimpses of authentic island life. This season, they're even bringing in a local female artisan to demonstrate traditional looming — a 300-year-old craft — offering guests both cultural insight and the opportunity to commission bespoke pieces.

A personal travel philosophy.

Aby's approach to hospitality is influenced by his own travel philosophy: “The most important thing about travelling is being able to be flexible and to get what you pay for. You pay $100, I expect $100. I pay a $1,000, I expect a $1,000.”

Coming from a family that prioritised travel from an early age, Aby has carried this tradition to his own children. As a father of four, he ensures they travel not just as a family but that he also travels individually with each child, creating one-on-one memories. “It's beautiful to create memories for every kid, to give them personal attention,” he shares, recounting a month-long journey through the Far East with his son and an unplanned adventure with no real itinerary through Brazil with his daughter.

A destination within a destination.

Kalesma has evolved into what Aby calls “a destination in itself,” offering the exclusivity and service of a high end resort whilst also with the advantage of having everything Mykonos offers just minutes away. “I want to create a whole fantasy world for guests,” he explains, “but if clients just come and don't want to do anything, that's fine too.”

This balance of creating a haven of refined luxury while offering seamless access to authentic experiences beyond the hotel perfectly captures what truly memorable travel should be: personal, intentional, and meticulously attuned to each traveller’s unique desires.