Most Hotel onwers arent hoteliers.
Most Hotel onwers arent hoteliers. They’re investors. Builders. Operators. Family successors. Good business people. And that’s exactly why many hotels stay… generic. Because owning a hotel and being a hotelier are two different jobs. Owner mindset (often strong) - Thinks in assets: capex, debt, valuation, exit. - Optimizes cost, occupancy, channels. - Loves dashboards: ADR, RevPAR, GOP, payroll. - Renovates to “improve the product”. Useful. Necessary. But not sufficient. Hotelier mindset (rare, expensive, decisive) - Thinks in hospitality systems: service design, flow, standards, training. - Understands guest psychology and the “why” behind choices. - Knows how experience becomes price (and [...]
Tourism is at a quiet but critical inflection point
Tourism is at a quiet but critical inflection point. After decades of measuring success through arrivals and scale, destinations around the world are confronting the unintended consequences of volume-driven growth. The question is no longer how to grow, but how to engage with place deliberately and responsibly. In this short report, I revisit an unlikely but timely lens: Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. Not as nostalgia, but as a framework for thinking about intention, restraint, governance, and long-term value in tourism and hospitality. This is not an argument against travel. It is an argument for designing tourism systems that endure. I [...]
Regenerative Tourism: Emerging Trends in 2026 & Beyond
Regenerative Tourism: Emerging Trends in 2026 & Beyond Looking ahead to 2026, regenerative tourism isn’t advancing through big announcements or bold claims, but through quiet structural shifts that are easy to miss if you’re not paying close attention. Much of today’s conversation in tourism still focuses on the fundamentals of sustainability. And while that work remains important, it offers an incomplete picture of what’s actually happening beneath the surface. Deeper patterns are emerging in regenerative tourism: – how destinations relate to nature rather than markets – who holds power over data, narratives and decision-making – how tourism begins to align [...]
Luxury NEW defined
Luxury NEW defined: Luxury is becoming quieter. And far more demanding. Most properties no longer qualify. Not louder. Not bigger. Not shinier. The definition is shifting beneath the surface. Luxury is no longer about size, display, or excess. It is about resilience. Recovery. Precision. Longevity. Biophilia. Authentic, avant gardist luxury today means environments that protect health before they impress the eye. Spaces that respect biology, not trends. Homes that simplify life instead of adding friction. Environments that embrace our biophilic nature as humans. This shift is happening globally. Systemically. Not stylistically. What is changing is expectation. Good sleep is no [...]
MDS Land/Vietnam – developments with branded ‘Private Palace Hotels’ (PPH)
MDS Land/Vietnam - development with branded 'Private Palace Hotels' (PPH) https://www.facebook.com/MDSLand.bds/ ................ Residential luxury living at resort environment, combining aesthetics, health & wellness ... it’s function. Two residential/resort: 1. with 'pool-units' for sale villas resort with equestrian/horse club, along a tranquil lake @ Loc An (Vung Tau district) 2. with hotel, culinary 'destination' entertainment, sport/health & wellness @ Loc An (Vung Tau district) 'MDS Land, Vung Tau' is a well-known local strategic developer, with several residential and hospitality project. The aim is to work with 'Private Palace Hotels' for the development, design, project/construction and branded operation for residential, hotel/resort, culinary, [...]
Why Most 5-Star Hotels Are Not Truly Luxury Anymore
Why Most 5-Star Hotels Are Not Truly Luxury Anymore 1. Luxury is not aesthetics, it’s function. Marble, design, and impressive suites no longer define luxury. Today’s high-end traveler is not impressed by what they see but by what they feel: seamless processes, precision, flow, and respect for their time. The product is secondary. The experience is the product. 2. The industry hasn’t kept up with the modern luxury guest. The UHNW traveler has evolved. They want anticipation, privacy, calm, personalization that feels intuitive, not “checklist hospitality.” Yet many 5-star hotels still operate on 1990s models: heavy hierarchies, rigid SOPs, “luxurious” [...]
You can’t smell burned coffee on a spreadsheet…
You can’t smell burned coffee on a spreadsheet... Because here’s the truth: Data explains what happened. Proximity explains why. You learn more from 20 minutes of breakfast rush than from a 20-page monthly report. When onsite, I’m not checking for dust. I’m checking the signals that eventually show up in the P&L: - Leadership: Are teams supporting each other, or operating in silos? - Friction: Are queues caused by staffing, layout, or tech? - Guest sentiment: You feel shifts in mood and mix long before they hit the forecast. Spreadsheets give you the coordinates. Hotels give you [...]
Stop calling your brand “luxury” if it isn’t. You’re not helping yourself.
Stop calling your brand “luxury” if it isn’t. You’re not helping yourself. “Luxury” is not a prettier word for nice, expensive or high quality. Real luxury comes with very specific attributes: rarity, craftsmanship, consistency, and a level of service that feels almost unreasonable in its attention to detail. Yet today, everything is “luxury”: clinics, burger joints, car washes, mid-scale hotels. And it’s a problem. Here’s why misusing the word hurts your brand: •You overpromise and underdeliver. Guests arrive expecting a Four Seasons moment and get a decent three-star experience. That gap becomes disappointment, bad reviews and broken trust. •You attract [...]
Sustainability: Tourism must be part of the solution to the climate crisis
Sustainability: Tourism must be part of the solution to the climate crisis Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia What is ‘sustainability’? In 1987 the United Nation’s Brundtland Commission (also known as the World Commission on Environment and Development Commission) released its final report, ‘Our Common Future’. The report popularized the term ‘sustainable development’, defining it as: "…development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. An important point about this definition, particularly for tourism businesses, is that sustainability is about development – it does not preclude [...]
“Lead Through Innovative Design”
Lead through Innovative Design We stand at the forefront of the growing dynamic real estate industry, specialising in conscious development of most meaningful living experiences. Pioneering sustainable living spaces We stand at the forefront of the dynamic real estate industry, specialising in conscious development of the most meaningful living experiences. Our philosophy transcends conventional construction, focusing on homes that nurture communities and enhance well-being through thoughtful design and innovation. Sustainability forms the cornerstone of our vision. Our luxury incorporate eco-friendly materials alongside practical features like rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient systems, and comprehensive waste management. This approach not only reduces environmental [...]
“5 must-haves for a Contemporary Lifestyle”
5 must-haves for a Contemporary Lifestyle In the industry of dynamic urban landscape, where technology corridors blend seamlessly with traditional neighborhoods, the search for the perfect villa, home has evolved beyond conventional apartments. In any dynamic urban landscape, where technology corridors blend seamlessly with traditional neighborhoods, the search for the perfect home has evolved beyond conventional apartments. Today's discerning homebuyers are increasingly drawn to the many new villa plots - blank canvases that offer the ultimate freedom to create personalized sanctuaries. These plots represent more than just land; they embody the opportunity to craft spaces that truly resonate with [...]
“Naturally Cool and Bright Homes”
Naturally Cool and Bright Homes We craft premium, modern living spaces that transform how you experience living your best life in your dream home. We craft premium, modern living spaces that transform how you experience living your best life in your dream home. Our philosophy goes beyond basic construction to create a holistic lifestyle for our residents, whether it’s an apartment, a villa or a plotted development. Our Vision: Building with Nature, Not Against It We believe in designing with minimal aesthetics, eco-friendly materials, and seamless nature integration, allowing our residents more space for their individual tastes and [...]
“Living the Villa Life: A Fresh Take on Your Dream Home”
Living the 'Villa Life': A Fresh Take on Your Dream Home There’s something quietly powerful about owning your own villa. A home with no shared walls, where sunlight and silence stream in equally. There’s something quietly powerful about owning your own villa. A home with no shared walls, where sunlight and silence stream in equally. In a city like Bangalore, where space is a luxury and nature a rarity, villa row houses are more than just real estate—they’re a reset button for your lifestyle. Why Villas Are Catching Everyone's Eye The demand for villas for sale isn’t just [...]
“From Concept to Completion: Our Support to building the perfect Villa/Home”
From Concept to Completion: 'Our Support' to Building the Perfect Villa/Home Building your dream villa (or home) is an exciting journey that starts with clear vision and thoughtful planning. Building your dream villa is an exciting journey that starts with clear vision and thoughtful planning. As luxury developers, we understand that homeowners expect innovation alongside comfort, with approach to nature, health & wellness. Today's villa buyers prioritize smart-home features, sustainable design, and personalized spaces that reflect their lifestyle. Crafting Your Vision The foundation of any successful villa project begins with defining your needs and aspirations. Start by asking yourself: [...]
Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives: AWARDS 2025
Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives: Awards 2025 We’ll let our golden rule, “No News, No Shoes” slide just this once. Arrive as a guest, leave as a friend, and return as family. We go above and beyond to exceed expectations and personalize every encounter, allowing our cherished guests to make the most of their precious time here. We are environmental stewards who take great strides to protect our rich marine diversity—and safeguard our island for future generations. We empower our guests to reconnect with the natural world and rediscover the joy of being in nature. Built with the sensitivity of our surroundings [...]
Hello world!
A short summary about Juergen E. Seidel. Extensive knowledge and experience in high rise, low rise and resort, at corporate and group level. In the field of project development, M&E with FL&S design, kitchen and laundry briefing, project management, construction supervision, opening with test & commissioning (handover), operating and as well renovations for over 20 years. Visionary Engineer, Project & Development Hotelier with experience in Asia, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Europe and Middle East. - ISO 9000 Project Manager certified - ISO 9002 Engineering Operations certified.- PMI Organization PMP certified project Manager.With the profound and proven track-record in regards to; [...]
Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives: EarthCheck ‘gold’ status (March 2025)
Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives: EarthCheck 'gold' status (March 2025) We’ll let our golden rule, “No News, No Shoes” slide just this once. Pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives, has been awarded Gold Certification by EarthCheck. EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism. The prestigious certification recognizes properties which have demonstrated a lasting commitment to sustainability. Meeting key EarthCheck benchmarks across energy, water and paper use, carbon emissions, waste, chemicals and community and employee impact. Gili Lankanfushi is one of just three resorts in the Maldives that have earned the accolade. We [...]
“Studio Liebeskind” project brief for Al Faisaliah Mayasem (Jeddah near the ‘Creek’)
"Studio Liebeskind" project brief for Al Faisaliah Mayasem (Jeddah near the Creek). The Jeddah based investor, MAYASEM Development was asking for an impressive and trendsetting concept design for a 5Star rated hotel, next to the Jeddah 'Creek' and direct behind the coming MILE Jeddah tower project. ............................... Get in Touch Interested in any of our projects? Reach out to start your journey with us! Juergen@JSeidel.info
Recent Works
