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Tatler Asia
5 days ago
- Business
- Tatler Asia
Arnaud Zannier, Founder & CEO Zannier Hotels and the desire for a unique path
Above Arnaud Zannier, Founder & CEO Zannier Hotels He is indeed a pioneer—the scion of a notable French family that made its fortune in the children's apparel business. The brash young Arnaud passed on the chance to enter his father's trade, splintering off and co-founding a successful footwear company instead. However, it was his passion for travel in exotic destinations around the world that inspired his most impactful business ideas. Staying in some of the finest luxury hotels during his travels, he soon grew tired of the inauthentic experiences they offered. Dissatisfied, his thoughts turned to founding his own deluxe resort brand perfectly suited to the tastes and temperament of discerning voyagers such as himself. The opportunity to bring his ideas to reality came when his father asked him to reconsider being part of the family business and come back into the fold. Reluctant to take a step backwards, he instead raised his thoughts about a new approach to hospitality, showing how the luxury market was in need of an alternative take with fresh parameters. It was just an idea dropped in conversation—but six months later, Zannier's father called back with a spectacular real estate opportunity in the French Alps. Having his family's full financial resources standing behind their prodigal son, Zannier had a prime opportunity to put his concept to the test. 'I didn't know anything about hospitality,' he admits. 'Never attended any schools about hospitality, nothing. It was just an aspiration for something different. As a consumer, when I was traveling, I was never fully happy—because to me, not all the elements were within the composition of the experience. This is how I proposed the idea to my family. I didn't know anything about hospitality. Never attended any schools about hospitality, nothing. It was just an aspiration for something different. - Arnaud Zannier - 'We started Le Chalet small, with only 12 suites, but we tailor-made the product, every detail—including hiring 40 staff, so it was practically butler service at every level. It worked.' What Zannier created on the snow-covered slopes of the Mont-Blanc mountain range was a remarkable concept, considering the norms of luxury hospitality. Rather than meet any particular niche or respond to trends in a certain market segment, Zannier built a high-end accommodation brand aesthetic based entirely on his own approach and vision. In personally creating the design language for Zannier the brand, there's a stamp on each of his resorts that is Zannier the man. All Zannier Hotels properties in operation today, including Le Chalet and his properties in Cambodia, Namibia, and Vietnam, amongst others, exist as a reflection of their owner. 'When you're passionate, you need to express yourself and do exactly what you want, otherwise you're no good at it,' says Zannier. 'So for me, it was very important to start with something that I was 200% dedicated to and deeply invested in. 'I don't like boundaries, I don't like to be channelled into anything. I create what I feel is right for the place and hope that guests will see what I see and enjoy it the same way. This is how it started. Luckily, quickly, even after the first property, we had the success we were hoping for. So I simply continue to do what I like to do. I never force myself to do anything I don't like. You won't see any glass or milk pot, anything in our property that I didn't choose. If I don't like it, it's not there. 'I never compromise. Compromise is wrong. You end up having something that's halfway, and it's not as strong.' Read More: How to spend 48 hours in the ancient capital of Hue Leaning into locality Above All Zannier hotels in operation today, including Le Chalet and properties in Cambodia, Namibia and Vietnam, among others, are true reflections of their passionate owner. In many ways, Zannier's instincts were prescient of a broader thirst amongst luxury travellers for more authentic, localised experiences. Whilst he was determined to cleave to his own personal tastes, those tastes extended to a fascination for authenticity of place, for locality and genuine cultural alignment. In the days when Zannier travelled himself—now a rare pleasure for the owner of an ever-expanding portfolio of resorts and private estates—he would always find himself looking outward from his five-star accommodations at the nearby villages and towns, perhaps wishing, as the most sensitive travellers sometimes do, to be able to walk inside any of those foreign dwellings and be home . 'It probably comes from growing up in a family environment and culture where luxury is not always about the material or the branding, but more about the experiences,' remembers Zannier. 'We had a family weekend house where friends were always staying. My father loved to receive them and serve good wine, good food, spend quality moments together—but in a simple way, not to impress. 'I was brought up in this environment, in this surrounding. I believe it reflects what I do today. It's not the most expensive item that's going to create the most incredible or memorable experiences.' Zannier's family memories hearken back to a time before digital addictions and the habit of travelling with devices perpetually in hand, before the Wi-Fi password became the first question resort guests ask when arriving at their rooms. Above Arnaud Zannier, Founder & CEO Zannier Hotels (left) and Alain Bachmann, General Manager Zannier Bai San Ho 'I was raised in a generation where grandparents were still very present,' he says. 'My grandmother cooking, the smell of hot bread and coffee in the kitchen in the morning—these are all emotions, feelings that are printed in your memory. 'My grandparents were farmers in the middle of France, so I used to spend my holidays there, getting fresh milk from the farm next door in the evening, going with my grandfather to collect mushrooms in the forest when the season was right. These are all simple moments that are disappearing from modern life, which I find a shame because these are very grounding moments that procure memories. And this is what I'm trying to do in the hotels—being able to create and imprint simple memories in the mind of a guest. 'For me, those subtle and unique little moments stick better than saying, 'oh, my bathroom had a golden tap'. And as a person, I am not looking for that. When I was traveling, I wanted my kids to taste local food at the market rather than have something that you can get anywhere in the world, such as fancy sushi. You should get sushi when you go to Japan, but why would you want to do sushi if you're in Italy? No—do the best mozzarella and tomatoes. Serve a great paella when you're in Spain. 'This is my philosophy. This is what I'm trying to translate through the creation of all these hotels.' The spirit of wellness Above Arnaud Zannier, Founder & CEO Zannier Hotels Zannier Hotels is currently undergoing a gradual transformation towards a new set of protocols promoting holistic wellness at all resorts, whilst developing fresh, wellness-themed packages for offer to guests during their stay. At Zannier Bãi San Hô, there is a palpable mood of wholesomeness and balance that is swiftly becoming a key focus of the hospitality experience. Six months ago, the group appointed a new regional spa person in charge of both Cambodia and Vietnam, who managed to successfully boost spa revenues by 50 percent since her arrival by reaching beyond the traditional spa menu and developing broader, more impactful programmes. 'We don't want to become just a wellness destination or healthcare specialists,' explains Zannier. 'It's still a leisure hotel, but we want to help people understand why something is good for you or not in terms of nutrition or activities; if you need something that is more calming, or something more active, depending on your body type. 'We start with a screening process with the help of a bio-resonance machine. Our Wellness Manager will welcome you and ask you some questions. We'll look at your eyes, your tongue, and try to identify your body type—because we're inspired by Ayurvedic and ancient Chinese medicine, where it's all about energy. Then, after the screening, you get a program that will be a mix of activities. Yoga on the beach at sunrise. Maybe eat a bit more fruit in the morning to better capture your vitamins. Or take a shower in the evening to release the stress of the day, and you might go to sleep faster. They're all just small tips. 'What we want is for our guests to take with them the knowledge of how to continue and introduce all these elements within their daily life routine at home, so that it has a profound and lasting change on their wellness. We want to make a long-term impact.' Above Arnaud Zannier, Founder & CEO Zannier Hotels Of course, it's no accident that Zannier Bãi San Hô is embracing first this new approach. As with all things connected with the brand, this new progression directly follows the spiritual evolution of the man himself. For the first time in this conversation, Arnaud Zannier appears shy. 'Why am I doing this?' he blushes. 'Again, everything is very personal. Six years ago, I separated from my wife, now my ex-wife. After the divorce, I found a new partner, who is my wife today. She was just really into wellbeing, and I educated myself, indirectly, through her.' In this new love, Zannier has found a renewed energy in life, which is now manifest in the resorts that bear his name—and he has much to share about the discoveries he has made through his relationship. I never compromise. Compromise is wrong. You end up having something that's halfway, and it's not as strong. - Arnaud Zannier - 'You know, life changes are done in small steps,' he muses, as rough waves rise and resolve on Zannier's soft sandy beach, the same pale ochre colour of his grandmother's hot bread. There isn't a thing about the Vietnamese resort that doesn't emerge from his world, that doesn't reflect his passion. 'Small things, but you have to be consistent,' he smiles. 'So if we want to bring something positive into the lives of our guests, we have to introduce small steps that they can understand and learn from us while they're here, to carry on when they're back home. 'That's the philosophy of Zannier wellness.' NOW READ Zannier Coral Beach, Phu Yen The story of promotion from the Deputy General Manager of Mia Saigon Luxury Hotel: 'Being a mother and being a leader can go hand in hand' Love, Bonito's Rachel Lim on motherhood and leading a fashion empire with intention
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Blake Lively loses one more Hollywood friendship after Taylor Swift, amid the legal drama with Justin Baldoni
, the controversial actress, now has one more friend to scrap off the Hollywood friendlist, amid the legal drama with the ' It Ends With Us ' co-star and director, . Just when the reports of 's 'feeling used' surfaced on the internet, , the American supermodel and Lively's long-time best friend, has broken the ties with the 37-year-old actress. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now What happened with Blake-Gigi? According to Daily Mail, the insider revealed that the billionaire pop star's friends are siding with her in the battle, leaving the 'Gossip Girl ' actress on her own against Justin Baldoni's $400 million lawsuit. Last month, Gigi Hadid had the biggest party thrown at New York's Alpine-themed cocktail bar Le Chalet. Celebrities, including Gigi Hadid's boyfriend, , Gigi's sister Bella Hadid, Taylor Swift, and Anne Hathaway, were on the guest list - except Blake Lively and her lovely husband, . Instead, the couple cheered during a football game in Wales, and then flew to New York for the premiere of Lively's film, 'Another Simple Favor.' Taylor Swift felt used... Lively-Hadid's friendship was all due to Taylor Swift, and Hadid has remained strong in her values. Despite any otherwise reports, Gigi has not been in touch with Blake Lively. Furthermore, the insider stated, 'She is not, and will never be, one of Blake's 'dragons,'' citing the alleged text exchange between Baldoni and Lively, where the latter claimed that the dragons found protect her no matter what. The 'Death By Thousand Cuts' singer, who is the godmother of 3 of the Lively's children, felt used, and has taken a step back from the relationship. Hadid is not the only one joining Taylor Swift. Swift's boyfriend, Travis Kelce, unfollowed Ryan Reynolds, even though they were spotted together and were practically inseparable. Selena warned Taylor Swift? The insiders add that Taylor's long-time best friend, , had warned about the 'Gossip Girl' alum for years.
Grazia USA
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Grazia USA
Palestinian-Dutch Supermodel Gigi Hadid Goes Instagram Official With Boyfriend Bradley Cooper
Photo: Gotham/Getty Images After two years of dating, supermodel Gigi Hadid and the famed actor, Bradley Cooper, have made their relationship Instagram official. Since being romantically linked in October 2023, the pair have kept their relationship relatively private. However, taking to Instagram over the weekend, the model shared a slew of snapshots of her intimate birthday celebration, which she celebrated on April 25, 2025. In a carousel of photos capturing her 30th birthday bash, Gigi posted a sweet moment she had with the A Star Is Born actor. 'Hard launching' their relationship, the photo showcased the pair standing behind her birthday cake, sharing a kiss. Photo: Gigi Hadid Instagram Naturally, fans of the two took to the comments to celebrate the relationship and the occasion, which was held at the Le Chalet in New York City. A star-studded list of guests was in attendance, including actresses Zoë Kravitz and Anne Hathaway, model Emily Ratajkowski, and family members Bella Hadid and Yolanda Hadid. 'I feel so lucky to be 30!' the model captioned her post. 'I feel so lucky for every high and low, for all the lessons and gifts both have brought me. To get to feel it all! 'I'm so lucky to be a mom, friend, partner, sister, daughter, colleague to some of the most unbelievable humans! Photo: Gigi Hadid Instagram '[I'm] so lucky for the support and encouragement from all of YOU around the world, every day and on my birthday last week. I had the best time celebrating, and it's a blessing to feel so loved,' she added. 'I am grateful and honoured to take on a new decade.' While Gigi and Bradley may have kept the details of their relationship private, it's reported the pair have been together since 2023. Often seen together with outings around the globe, colour coordinating in New York City, and even hinting at how supportive he is while she's on the runway.
Arab News
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Gigi Hadid confirms relationship with first photo on social media
DUBAI: In a new post on social media, supermodel Gigi Hadid has confirmed her long-rumored relationship with partner Bradley Cooper with her first-ever photograph of the couple together. The US Dutch Palestinian model took to Instagram on Saturday night to share photographs of her 30th birthday party, held in late April in New York. In the carousel of images, Hadid can be seen kissing Cooper while standing behind a tiered birthday cake. Social media commenters, and news outlets, quickly spotted the post and dubbed it the 'hard launch' of their relationship. A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid) Hadid, 30, and Cooper, 50, were first linked in October 2023. "I feel so lucky to be 30!" Hadid captioned her post. "I feel so lucky for every high and low - for all the lessons and gifts both have brought me. To get to feel it all! I'm so lucky to be a mom, friend, partner, sister, daughter, colleague to some of the most unbelievable humans!!" "So lucky for the support and encouragement from all of YOU around the world, every day and on my birthday last week," she continued. "I had the best time celebrating, and it's a blessing to feel so loved!! I am grateful and honored to take on a new decade." Cooper shares daughter Lea De Seine, 8, with model Irina Shayk while Hadid shares her daughter Khai, 4, with One Direction alum Zayn Malik. The birthday party was held at Le Chalet in New York City on April 25. Hadid entered the venue with Oscar nominee Cooper, and met up with her sister Bella Hadid, mother Yolanda Hadid, father Mohamed Hadid, Russian media personality Keni Silva and US actress Anne Hathaway, among others. Gigi's birthday was on April 23, and the internet was abuzz with celebrities, designers, family and friends who sent birthday wishes to the supermodel as she turned 30. Bella shared a carousel of photos on Instagram to celebrate, writing: 'IT'S GIGI DAY EVERYONE SAY IT WITH ME. HAPPPYYY 30th BIRTHDAYYYY JELENAAAA.' Yolanda Hadid, Gigi's mother, took a moment to reflect on her daughter's 30-year journey. 'Thirty years went by in a flash, 10,950 days to be exact but there hasn't been one day without you on my mind,' she wrote, sharing photos of Gigi from babyhood to recent moments.
Express Tribune
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Why did Blake Lively miss Gigi Hadid's 30th birthday bash?
Blake Lively and Gigi Hadid's longtime friendship is under public scrutiny after the actress was notably absent from the model's star-studded 30th birthday party last week. The celebration, held at Le Chalet in New York City, drew big names like Anne Hathaway, Bradley Cooper, Zoë Kravitz, and Taylor Swift, but Lively was nowhere in sight. Speculation ramped up when former entertainment journalist Kjersti Flaa called the absence 'weird' on her Flaawsome Talk podcast, especially since Lively attended the Time100 Gala just a day before the party. Flaa even suggested that Hadid may have intentionally distanced herself, hinting at potential legal complications involving Lively's ongoing lawsuit against actor-director Justin Baldoni. Lively sued Baldoni for sexual harassment in December 2024, a claim he denied and responded to with a $400 million defamation countersuit. The fallout has also allegedly entangled Taylor Swift, who is rumored to be subpoenaed in the case. Despite a history of public friendship — including red carpet appearances and matching outfits — Lively and Hadid haven't been seen together since the lawsuit. The speculation has grown louder as Lively continues public appearances with husband Ryan Reynolds while remaining silent on the friendship status. The trial between Lively and Baldoni is set for March 2026. As legal tensions rise, so does the mystery surrounding the actress's absence from Hadid's milestone birthday bash.
