An Interview with Max Loong
The BLLA Events Team sits down with Max Loong, Founder & Owner of Hidden Hills Villas, as he prepares to speak at the 2022 Boutique Hotel Owners Conference on October 25-26.
BLLA: Why are you excited to be a facilitator?
ML: “I do not have a background in hospitality, and I am all about learning by doing because I like to push the boundaries and rethink the hospitality business model. Ultimately, I think hospitality, as we know it, is outdated from the perspective of a business owner as well as a guest, and I am very excited to bring fresh ideas to BLLA.”
BLLA: Why is it important for boutique hotel owners to gather in person annually?
ML: “There is nothing more important than meeting with like-minded people, to inspire and be inspired. As much as video conferences have made a lot of things easier, the best networking always happens face-to-face.”
BLLA: What is the mission statement of your company?
ML: “‘A New Way of Luxury.” We believe that luxury today is not materialistic but time, experiences, memories, and feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, inspired, and special.”
BLLA: What is your philosophy of hospitality in the new age?
ML: “Away with unnecessary departments, go with the times, utilize tech while staying environmentally conscious, do not treat every guest the same, treat each guest differently, listen to your customers, and tailor-make their dream vacations.”
BLLA: Name two boutique hotel owners that inspire you and two new boutique owners you see as emerging voices in the industry.
ML: “They might not be boutique anymore, but I feel they started off more boutique, Alila and Como. Both are rather big groups now, but to me, their claim to fame and growth started with a conscious boutique concept, one focused on sustainability and the other on wellness. Alila was also inspired by Aman Adrian Zecha, the godfather of them all. Of course, I have huge respect for Ian Schrager as well. There are many smaller boutique hotels and owners that inspire me, but the list would be quite a bit longer. Really enjoyed speaking alongside Michael Achenbaum, Founder of the Gansevoort Hotel Group, at last year's BLLA conference. Excited to meet new hotel owners at this year's conference!”
BLLA: How are you keeping the spirit of boutique alive in your hotel or business?
ML: “The spirit does not have to be kept alive; it is ingrained in our DNA, and it defines us every day. We live and breathe boutique from our designs, and no two rooms are the same. From our signature personalized butler service to the timeless moments we create for our guests, our team and guests are constantly reminded that we embody the true definition of boutique!”
