In this month's edition of The Hospitality Mentor newsletter, we're diving deep into the groundbreaking entry of luxury hotel brands into the yacht industry, the innovation behind Maestro Dobel's cristalino tequila, plus, we're shining a spotlight on hotel brands that are setting the bar for sustainability and giving you an inside look at our new One-Hour Quick Consults designed to unlock your hospitality potential.

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🛎 WHAT'S HOT IN HOSPITALITY

The hospitality industry has always been synonymous with innovation and luxury, but the latest trend has even seasoned travelers like myself doing a double take. Imagine sailing the high seas, not on a cruise ship, but on a yacht—owned and operated by some of the world's most luxurious hotel brands.

Yes, you read that right. Hotel giants like Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Aman, and Belmond are casting their anchors into the yacht industry. It's a fascinating intersection of luxury lodging and the freedom of the open water. This expansion isn't just a pivot, it's a next step that combines the best of both worlds with the exclusive services and amenities of a five-star hotel with the adventurous spirit and intimacy of yachting.

Ritz Carlton has already set sail with its Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, offering curated voyages that rival their land-based suites in opulence. Four Seasons, not to be outdone, allows guests to "Live the Full Experience" by combining a stay at one of their resorts with an expedition aboard their custom-designed yacht. Aman and Belmond are also in the mix, each bringing their unique take on luxury to the high seas.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with a few leaders in the hotel-yacht industry, and the excitement is palpable. They see this as more than just an extension of their brand, it's a whole new frontier for luxury travel.

But as thrilled as I am about these developments, I can't help but think about the hotel brands that I would absolutely love to see dive into this space. Mandarin Oriental, with its unparalleled service and Zen-like atmosphere, would be a dream on water. Imagine practicing Tai Chi on the deck as the sun rises, followed by a breakfast of gourmet dim sum.

And let's not forget Faena, the brand that's redefined luxury in Miami and Buenos Aires. Their flair for the theatrical and the arts would make for an unforgettable yachting experience. Picture a yacht with signature Faena décor, complete with live performances and art installations it's like a floating cultural festival!

The yacht industry has often been separate from the hotel experience, but as we're seeing now, the lines are blurring. I'm all in for this sea change.

🍸 WHAT I'M SIPPING

If you're a fan of spirits, then you know that the world of tequila has been undergoing a renaissance of sorts. Gone are the days when tequila was just a quick shot at the bar; it's now a sophisticated spirit enjoyed in the finest establishments. At a recent event in Miami, I had the pleasure of meeting the team from Maestro Dobel Tequila, who introduced me to the world's first cristalino tequila, Maestro Dobel Diamante.

Now, you might be wondering what makes a cristalino tequila special. Traditional tequila, ranges from clear (blanco) to golden (añejo), depending on its aging process. What Maestro Dobel has done with Diamante is they've taken añejo tequila and filtered it to remove its color, resulting in a spirit that has the complexity and character of an aged tequila but the clarity of a blanco. It's like enjoying the best of both worlds in a single sip.

When I tried Diamante for the first time, I was floored. The aroma alone is enough to captivate any tequila aficionado, notes of vanilla and spice with a hint of citrus. The taste is smooth from start to finish, featuring flavors that are both rich and clean.

I had a chance to chat with the Maestro Dobel team, and their passion for their craft is evident. For them, Diamante is not just another product, it's a symbol of innovation and a testament to their commitment to quality. And given that it's the world's first cristalino tequila, it's safe to say that they've set a high bar for the industry.

If you're in Miami, or anywhere for that matter, keep an eye out for Maestro Dobel Diamante. It's not just a drink, it is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation that's well worth savoring.

📝 WHAT I'M WORKING ON

In the world of hospitality, sometimes all it takes is a small nudge in the right direction to make a significant impact. Over the past two years, I've had the unique privilege of connecting with many of you through meetings, virtual coffees, and brainstorming sessions. The common thread across these interactions? The incredible talent that often just needs a bit of targeted advice to get unstuck in their business or hospitality ventures.

This realization led me to think: How can we scale this impact? How can we assist more people in overcoming their obstacles and achieving their goals?

After much thought, I am thrilled to introduce a brand-new offering from Turk Hospitality Ventures: One-Hour Quick Consults.

What You Get

You will receive a focused 60-minute consultation designed to address your specific challenges. But the support doesn't stop there. Each consult comes with an Essential Hospitality Success Checklist, designed to keep you on track in your journey. Additionally, a 15-minute follow-up call ensures that you are making tangible progress post consultation.

Who Should Consider This?

• Hospitality entrepreneurs who find themselves at a strategic crossroads.

• Executives and Managers looking for innovative solutions to industry-specific challenges.

• Essentially, anyone who feels they are just one conversation away from unlocking tremendous potential.

You can book a One-Hour Quick Consult here. The investment is $249. Sometimes you're just one phone call away from making a significant change in your business or project.

💭 WHAT I'M INSPIRED BY

The buzz around sustainability has grown louder in recent years, but what truly stands out are the hotel brands that go above and beyond to make a lasting impact. It's one thing to adopt sustainable practices, it's another to make it part of the company's DNA. One thing that exemplifies this commitment is the proactive elimination of single-use plastics.

Take Hyatt, for instance. They've pledged to remove all single-use plastics from their properties by the end of this year. This isn't just a statement, it's an actionable plan, from providing water stations to guests for refillable bottles to serving drinks without plastic straws or stirrers.

Then there's InterContinental Hotels Group. Their 'A Greener Stay' program is a testament to their commitment to sustainability, which includes eliminating single-use plastics. They've also partnered with various organizations to ensure that their sustainability goals are met.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts have also joined the cause, with a comprehensive sustainability plan that focuses on research, guest education, and, of course, the eradication of single-use plastics. Their goal is not just to be good stewards of the environment but to inspire their guests and communities to do the same.

When I talk to leaders from these hotel brands, I sense not just a duty but an excitement for creating a more sustainable future. They're not just following a trend, they're pioneering a movement. It's not just about making a difference today, it's about creating a legacy for tomorrow.

So let's applaud these brands for their efforts, and let's make our own travel choices ones that leave a positive impact. Because, at the end of the day, inspiration leads to action, and action leads to change.

🎙 Listen: The Podcast

Coming up on The Hospitality Mentor podcast, tune into my conversations with Kevin Flannery of Vinyl Steakhouse, Ben Wolff of Onera and StayOasi, and Michael Friedman of Vacation Rental University.

If you’ve read this far, send me a short reply and let me know what you enjoyed most from this newsletter. See you again in November!

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Cheers,

Steve Turk

Founder and Host of The Hospitality Mentor