Name: Grace Leo
Position: Chairman and CEO
Company: GLA Hotels
Website: www.glahotels.com
Projects: See website for full listing
Where are we? structure with very high ceilings. It feels like whiskies and cognacs.
We have just arrived to a glass-clad version a sophisticated private home to a wealthy and
of a ryokan Japanese inn. It is located in the well-travelled connoisseur. The walls are full of Who’s manning the stoves?
middle of green grassy fields with cherry refined and rare objects and art pieces, which A team of Asian chefs are manning the open
blossom trees all around in full bloom. are part of a vast collection accumulated kitchen.
by the owner who is an avid collector. Even
How did you get here? though the architecture dates back to the 19th And what’s on the menu?
I arrived by private car – the latest model of century, the interiors have a contemporary Starter: Fresh sashimi and assorted salads
Aston Martin. feel with antiques and modern furnishings. Main: Sliced meat and fish cooked in a broth
My suite is in a separate pavilion. It is entirely with vegetables
Who are you sharing your room with? enclosed in the ‘dernier cri’ in high-tech glass Dessert: Sago pudding with coconut milk and
My travelling companion resembles Robert which is capable of changing colours and mango
Redford – he is suave and attentive, and treats becoming frosted to protect guests from being
me like a Goddess. seen when desired. It allows the guests to feel Would you like something to drink with
at one with nature. Here, I can meditate while that?
Is there anything you would like waiting admiring the pink blossoms from the cherry Dinner is accompanied with a crisp cold
for you in your room on arrival? trees outside. The furnishings are tastefully French Chablis wine.
Beautiful fresh garden-cut flowers await me appointed, in muted colours of blush and
in the room on arrival, as well as an exquisite pearl grey. There’s a thick cashmere throw on What CDs would like in your room?
“still life” platter of exotic fruits. Green tea is the bed with fur trim and an adjusta fireplace Soft Brazilian music and jazz.
being served discreetly by a silent butler who in the salon area of the suite, the flame is
retires after pouring. adjustable and provides the warmth on a And a book at bedtime?
chilly spring evening. My bedtime book is the latest thriller from
Who’s at the concierge desk? Dan Brown.
The concierge turns out to be Anthony at The Who designed it?
Ritz in London, probably the only authentic The hotel has been designed by a descendent What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap?
English concierge left in the profession! He is of the last Empress of China. This is how she The nightcap is already poured when we
not only efficient, but very cheerful and always would like to live. arrive back at our suite – two glasses of
helpful. Cognac XO to be consumed in front of the
What’s the restaurant / bar like? fireplace.
And the owner / manager? The restaurant is very intimate, sophisticated
The General Manager is none other than the but comfortable, only 35 covers with tables Would you like a newspaper or magazine
handsome and capable Chris Norton, whose and chairs which are like small niches, in the morning?
experience spans from Far East to Far West. designed for couples dining. One can have a My preferred newspaper whilst travelling is
Chris gives his guests undivided attention, conversation without having the neighbours either the International Herald Tribune or the
making them feel unique and special. hear you, yet the guests can see one another New York Times.
discreetly. The bar has a more masculine,
Describe the hotel building, your room warm, darker atmosphere, with low seating What toiletries would you like to freshen
and the view... and leather, stone, and bronze used for the up with?
The main hotel building is a two-storey décor. There is a wonderful selection of A skincare line from Orlane.
WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM MARCH / APRIL 2010 015
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