All articles by Julian Turner
Julian Turner
And relax: The economic potential of wellness tourism in Turks and Caicos
Salt Cay is the smallest populated island in Turks and Caicos, with just 108 residents. Given the relaxing surroundings, a wellness retreat on the island looks like a promising investment.
Destination guide: interview with cyclist Mike Hall
Mike Hall became the fastest person to ever circumnavigate the globe by bicycle, completing his tour in just 92 days. Hall, who was competing in the first Quick Energy World Cycle Racing Grand Tour, travelled 18,000 miles and smashed the previous record by two weeks.
Property management systems: make the right Choice
Having established its property management system in the US, Choice Hotels International is installing it worldwide. Phin Foster discusses the web-based platform with John Thompson and Duncan Berry.
Good word of mouth: the social hotel
Social media’s popularity has skyrocketed and hospitality brands have finally begun to capitalise on this opportunity. In the past two years, companies have harnessed the power of everything from Facebook through to foursquare to engage with and attract customers. Starwood’s Steven Taylor, InterContinental Hotels Group’s Nick Ayres and Mac Joseph of Mandarin Oriental tell Elly Earls how to formulate a consistent and ever-current social media strategy.
Stars without pretension: Heinz Beck
Multi-Michelin-starred chef, honorary Italian and dedicated oenophile. On the back of confirming his place on the judging panel for our European Hospitality Awards 2012, Heinz Beck talks to Ross Davies about his personal food philosophy, aversion to celebrity chef status and the balancing act of running restaurants in London and Rome.
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Sofitel refocuses on approachable luxury
Following a five-year brand repositioning programme, Sofitel is set to enter key markets worldwide. CEO Robert Gaymer-Jones sits down with Phin Foster to discuss long-term thinking, a newfound kinship with French fashion houses and making indulgence accessible.
Remedial retreats: the best medicine?
With hotel spas offering medical treatments and minor surgery, the line between clinic and wellness retreat is blurred. Andrea Ashfield talks to Danubius Hotels’ Anikó Nagy, Mandarin Oriental’s Andrew Gibson, ESPA’s Susan Harmsworth and Roland Staehler of BIMC Hospital about the rise of the medical spa.
Matteo Thun: the scale-jumper
The refurbished Hilton Barcelona has recently reopened, with the breezy lobby and bar area designed by Matteo Thun. Originally famous for his work in the postmodernist Memphis Group, the Italian architect tells Abi Millar how he has since brought his multidimensional skill set to bear on hotels great and small.
Hotel management: the Italian job
Castello di Casole in Tuscany is finally due to open this summer following a six-year restoration. General manager Bart Spoorenberg describes the operational challenges of transforming a one-time Etruscan castle into a boutique hotel and why hotel management is in his blood.
Hotel design trends: character building
Award-winning practice Jestico + Whiles is celebrated for its playful take on hotel design. Abi Millar meets founding director John Whiles and associate director James Dilley to discuss how the firm is committed to replacing mediocrity with theatricality in its hotel projects across the globe.