Radha Arora, President of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
This year marks an exciting time for Rosewood Hotels & Resort which is set to expand its presence in key markets including Qatar, Japan, Austria and the Netherlands. At the helm of the hospitality group is Radha Arora, the president of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, an industry veteran with over 30 years of luxury hospitality leadership. Radha Arora sits down with The Peak to share his personal insights into the world of hospitality and his thoughts on what makes the Rosewood brand such a hit with holidaymakers.
What inspires you to travel these days?
From my earliest childhood memories, I’ve always been inspired by travel and exploring new destinations. I am fortunate that my career has fuelled that passion, whether it is to visit new and exciting projects, meet our teams, or simply to discover a new destination. I am inspired by the stories and traditions that make each place unique. Often, it is through my dialogue with our associates where I discover the best of what each destination has to offer.
Rosewood Miyakojima
What are the opportunities you’re eyeing in the hospitality industry right now?
This is a very exciting time for Rosewood as we focus on expanding the brand in key markets globally. This year, we will enter three new markets, with Rosewood Miyakojima in Japan, Rosewood Doha in Qatar, and Rosewood Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl will also join the collection as our second hotel in Austria, alongside Rosewood Vienna.
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl
We see that guests are absolutely prioritising brands that are transparent about their approach to sustainability and social impact. Being sustainable and putting your people above all else is no longer a nice to have, but a must-have. We launched Rosewood Impacts as the strategic pathway to building a future where people and place enrich one another and have set ambitious goals with the mission of supporting the environments and communities of which we are a part of.
Rosewood Amsterdam
With the new opening in Munich recently, could you tell us more about the decision process behind selecting a location?
Our decision to open Rosewood Munich was influenced by the city’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and strong economic presence in Europe. Munich’s reputation as a hub for innovation, coupled with its picturesque landscapes and historical charm, made it an ideal location for Rosewood to establish a presence.
The property, located in the heart of the city, boasts a prime location near key attractions such as the Marienplatz, the English Garden, and the renowned shopping boulevard Maximilianstrasse. Spanning two iconic buildings, the property is housed within the former Bavarian State Bank headquarters, seamlessly blending modern design with classic Bavarian elements.
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What do you think makes the Rosewood brand such a huge success?
I believe that Rosewood’s success stems from our dedication to creating a connection between people and place. Our goal is to bring people closer to the soul of every destination, so they can connect more deeply with the art, design, communities, and tastes of each place.
It’s these connections that create the Rosewood magic — the kind that transcends the ordinary and takes guests on a journey far beyond their expectations. It’s that personal connection between guests and our associates that people come back for. We really want to get to know our guests. Inspired by the personalities, stories and individuality of our guests, taking them on a journey beyond their expectations. It’s the deeper connections to place that make the Rosewood experience unique.
Rosewood Doha
How does the group ensure that all of its properties remain current?
We take a very individual approach when it comes to designing our properties and guest experiences. We are very careful and deliberate regarding where we introduce each concept, ensuring it resonates not only with the guests staying at our hotels but also with the local community.
Additionally, we place great attention on our programming to ensure we connect guests with the best experiences each city has to offer. For example, in Hong Kong, we will be hosting a number of events during Art Basel where we invite guests, locals, and visitors to attend curated art talks with an esteemed panel of speakers – connecting guests with culture during this bustling time in Hong Kong.
Could you tell us more about Rosewood Residences, who the service is catered to, and what can travellers expect?
Beyond opening new hotels, we are focused on the continued expansion of our branded residential business, Rosewood Residences. This distinctive collection of residential villas, estate homes and fine serviced apartments speak to the unique needs and the refined lifestyle of our brand loyalists.
Over the past two years, we have grown our pipeline by over 200% and announced six standalone residential developments in key markets. These residences are designed to provide a seamless blend of residential living and ultra-luxury hospitality for owners, offering spacious and elegantly appointed accommodations, personalised services, and access to exclusive amenities such as dining, well-being facilities, fitness centres, and concierge services.
What does good hospitality mean to you?
For me, good hospitality goes beyond the physical product and is all about our people; it is the art of creating memorable moments that leave a lasting impression. It’s about creating authentic and extraordinary experiences and a connection with the guest that goes beyond what is anticipated or expected.
