Face-to-Face: Gordon Oldham

This week, Travel Daily catches up with Gordon Oldham, the lawyer, entrepreneur, adventurer and philanthropist created who created The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts…

Q) For our readers who may not be familiar with The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts, please can you provide a brief overview of the company’s concept?

The Pavilions started out as a labour of love. My wife and I have travelled extensively and in our search for paradise, would leave feeling something was missing. So, we did something about it. Inspired by Far Pavilions, the epic tale of two lovers who traverse the world to unite in an exquisite place to find true peace, we built a haven away from home. The kind of place where we would be treated like VIPs, yet always feel utterly comfortable. We started out with The Pavilions Bali in 2000, and have expanded this sense of intimacy and individuality. They are all pretty different in terms of design, but have the same brand DNA focusing on art, culture, romance and adventure.

Q) You currently have six hotels and resorts globally; what are your expansion plans?

We are focused on Asia and Europe. In addition to Phuket, Bali, Himalayas, Rome, Amsterdam and Madrid (under refurbishments), we have Niseko and Lisbon opening in 2019. Lisbon is fantastic project where we are converting two 1870 heritage listed buildings, and The Pavilions Niseko (hotel and residences) is a new build and a mere 800 metres from Hirafu’s slopes.

Q) What are your key guest demographics? For example, do you tend to attract families, millennial guests or other market segments?

Our guests want to stay somewhere different – no matter if they are millennials or empty nesters. They tend to be more couples and friends looking for private, luxury stays with a bit of an edge or out of the ordinary.

Q) And what amenities or facilities do your hotels feature to cater for these markets?

Each of our hotels are different, reflecting their location. For example, in Phuket, our facilities are focused on luxurious, romantic stays in some of the largest suites and villas in Phuket. In Rome, our hotel has modern artwork everywhere – it’s like sleeping in an art gallery! Himalayas is the only 100% eco-friendly luxury resort around with loads of adventure for all levels. I could go on and on.

Q) What steps are you taking to educate the travel trade about The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts?

The travel trade is extremely important to us, and we are working with Travel Daily on getting the word out about us including some special promotions for the travel trade. We are also at ITB Asia in October, so be sure to stop by for more info.

Q) What key developments or company initiatives can we look forward to in the next 12 months?

Upcoming developments focus on our Phuket Residences new villa additions, as well as Madrid’s reopening Q1 2018. We closed our Madrid boutique hotel, formerly the Amador de los Rios Hotel, and renovating it now to open as The Pavilions Madrid. And of course, more news to be revealed around The Pavilions Niseko Resort and Residences in 2019.