0800-0482-314
 
  Explore SLH Magazine
Menu
Bookings
Meet the ones behind it all

Meet the ones behind it all

Celebrating the people behind the SLH stay

At the start of 2026, we invited you to nominate the individuals at our independent hotels who have made your stays extraordinary. Thousands of nominations came flooding in, each one proving that while SLH hotels may be small, they are big on personality, passion and  making every stay personal.

In a world increasingly shaped by AI, it’s clear that the human touch is what makes a stay truly unforgettable. It’s the instinct to anticipate what you need. The local knowledge that reveals a landscape’s secrets. And a lifetime of passion brought to the table. These are the people who give our independently minded hotels their character, creating the moments you’ll remember long after you leave.

Watch the story of The One 

Meet The One Winners

Quynh, Guest Host
Namia River Retreat, Vietnam

"The more you give, the more you receive." 

Namia River Retreat Aerial

The Memory Maker

Some Hosts simply welcome you to a hotel. Others shape the very personal way you experience a place.

Quynh’s story is written into that of Namia River Retreat, the hotel she joined before the first guest had even checked in. Today, she doesn’t so much as greet new arrivals as create an immediate sense of belonging. After all, she has hospitality in her soul and knows her hometown Hoi An like the back of her hand. Finger ever on the pulse, she’ll lead you through the city’s backstreets, nodding to long-known locals on your way to her favourite Cao Lau cook – the kind you simply won’t find without her.

Official ‘Memory Maker’, you’ll find Quynh on page after page of the hotel’s guestbook, in letters left in suites, and in the stories that guests tell, long after they check out.

Explore Namia River Retreat  »

Hannes, Experience Manager
eriro, Austria

"It takes me just a few seconds to make someone's whole day." 

eriro

The Alpine Pioneer

That gentle, pre-alarm clock knock on the door? Hannes, map in hand, ready to lead you on a sunrise hike across the Austrian Alps.
For eriro’s Host & Experience Manager, going above and beyond often means to the mist-crowned tip of mountains. He spent his boyhood in this cinematic landscape. So he knows its nooks and crevices, mountain bike tracks, ski runs and photo ops by heart.

As well as being innately able to read the landscape – and maps – his in-tune nature with guests means he rarely has to ask “how may I help?” He just… knows. Take the guest who found himself with unexpected time on his hands. Hannes spotted his eyes lingering on the hotel electric bikes. Within moments, he turned a spark of curiosity into a fully kindled spirit of adventure, packing him off with cycle gear, a lesser-known route to a spectacular lake and an edible surprise to unwrap when he arrived.

Hannes is also known to ski guests’ suitcases in and out of the hotel during snow season. Something he wouldn’t recommend trying at home.

Explore eriro  »

Sergio, Head Chef
The Retreat, Costa Rica

"My grandmother gave me this passion to serve people. All this is for her." 

The Retreat Costa Rica

The Tastemaker

For this Head Chef, food has the power to nourish the soul, telling stories of people and place.

So much emotion is poured into Sergio’s craft. His love for cooking is grounded in a love of feeding people – learned when he stood elbow to elbow with his grandmother in her kitchen. Her influence flows through every menu and moment the chef creates for guests today.

Wander the sun-warmed grounds of The Retreat in Costa Rica and you’ll often find Sergio doing the same, with a brimming basket on his hip. Rather than recipe books, he finds inspiration in the natural world, amongst the kaleidoscope of papayas, cassava, chayote, spices and herbs that grow here. So guests rise and really shine with green juices at breakfast. While comfort food takes on a whole new meaning, as Sergio’s dishes have wellness at their heart.

Explore The Retreat  »

Meet the Highly Commended

SLH The One Campaign, Meet The Ones Behind It All, Celebrating Staff

Ken, Doorperson

The Montenotte, Ireland

The first face guests see, Ken has made a lasting impression on all those now on first name terms with the charismatic Doorman.

He’s good with names. Each day, Ken knows who’s arriving, whether it’s their wedding anniversary and how well their local team did in the match last night. When it comes to his own name, Ken O’Callaghan is cited more times in feedback than anyone in the Irish hotel’s history.

Explore The Montenotte  »
SLH The One Campaign, Meet The Ones Behind It All, Celebrating Staff

Kadek, Bell Driver

Viceroy Bali, Indonesia

Those who return from Viceroy Bali often come home talking of a certain Bell Driver – a people person in the truest sense.

Kadek hails from Tegallalang and is a walking, talking cultural compass for this part of Indonesia. His knowledge and love for Ubud runs deep. So, if you’re lucky enough to be in the back seat for one of his tours, prepare to embark on a real journey of discovery.

Explore Viceroy Bali  »

Meet the Finalists

Khun Goi_Resized

Khun Goi, AMANOR Hotel Chiang Mai, Thailand

Whether it’s your first stay or your fifth, you’ll receive the same warm-hearted welcome from Khun Ghoi. She champions Chiang Mai’s culture and people with pride and will make it her personal endeavour to ensure you return, time and again.

Explore Now  »
Kong Twinpalms_Resized

Pisit, Twinpalms Surin Beach, Thailand

Pisit’s is the familiar face that sets the tone for guests returning to Twinpalms. He’s the essence of discreet hospitality – so they know he’ll quietly make occasions special, remember what they love and make every interaction feel personal.

Explore Now  »
Arda KestelINN_Resized

Arda, KestelINN Alacati, Turkiye

Arda regularly steps out from behind the pass to meet guests and share his love for food. So you don’t simply taste the flavours of the Aegean – you’ll hear about the just-picked herbs, locally-grown produce and inspiration behind them.

Explore Now  »

Joan Lescott_Resized

Joan, Paradise Beach Nevis, St Kitts & Nevis

Born and raised on the island, Joan reveals Nevis’ secret sides as the resort’s Concierge. But it’s her warmth that guests remember most, describing how you might arrive as a visitor – but you’ll likely leave as a friend.

Explore Now  »
Andres - S Hotel_Resized

Andres, S Hotel, Jamaica

Andres creates experiences that lead returning visitors to ask for the S Hotel Manager by name. From personally sourcing special foods for one guest, to comforting another during a hurricane, he goes the extra mile every day.

Explore Now  »
The One SLH Brand Campaign

Watch the story of The One

The One celebrates the personalities, passion and human touches that give our small hotels their big character. Watch the film and meet the ones behind it all.

Watch Now  »