Hospitality at its Best
By Hend Seif El Din
Could you briefly introduce yourself?
Being a graduate from the Swiss Hotel School Les Roches and the European University in Montreaux Switzerland, I’ve started my career with the Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in San Francisco, upon succeeding I moved on to becoming the Opening Director of Restaurants at the Luxury Park Hyatt, Los Angeles. As the General Manager of The Coral Dining Room, an MGM property, I’ve had the pleasure of working with famed Chef Peter Schintler. The following year I collaborated with Chef Thomas Keller in promoting his cookbook, The French Laundry at the St Regis, Philadelphia. Moving to the Middle East began with becoming the Executive Assistant Manager and Director of Food and Beverage at the Ritz-Carlton, Sharm El Sheikh, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and SPA, Bahrain and was involved in several openings such as the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain and Tokyo. I’ve also moved onto becoming the Hotel Manager of the Ritz-Carlton Financial Street, Beijing and the Fairmont Nile City in Cairo. In my position as the Managing director of The Crystal Group in Beirut, it was an eye opening experience where I got a thorough understanding of the region with properties in Beirut and Dubai.
When did you “know” it was time to work independently?
When I was back in Beirut consulting on a project, I realized that it’s time for me to go independent because what I wanted to deliver are things of my creation and no longer be a brand ambassador of a brand that I wasn’t emotionally engaged to.
What are some of the challenges you faced?
Obviously there’s a little understanding of the conceptual idea of what a boutique hotel is in Cairo. For the longest time the market has only catered to master tourism and hotels of 300 rooms and above. Also the challenge of engaging in the educational process of what a boutique hotel is and its relation to the individual’s intimate character and that not everything related to these individual properties are set on standard operating procedures but on the heart and soul of the originals that work in the company.
Why did you choose the name “Original Birth”?
The name, Original birth, references that which is natural, pure and true to its origins. It reflects an authenticity found in the environment and its numerous facets, such as concept, experience and service.
How would you describe Original Birth?
Original birth is committed to creating and delivering environments that have emotional relevance; where an invaluable experience is achieved not by coincidence, but rather by the deliberate and carefully considered values put forth by the team. The company uses principles of individuality and uniqueness – Innovative concepts, intimate surroundings and intuitive service are some of these standards.
The team behind Original birth is a group of passionate service professionals that are dedicated to achieve excellence and are committed to the quality of their products and services, as well as rendering results that are financially profitable. A core responsibility within Original birth is to ensure, advocate and educate on all efforts to save our planet.
What–would you say–is Original Birth’s focus?
Original Birth aims to focus on the generation of luxury lifestyles by enabling the appropriate execution of luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants and prestigious events. The partners offer their extensive knowledge and working experience in luxury hotels and restaurants, food and beverage, development and management to launch new projects that encourage progressive ideas through design, cuisine, experience and service – whilst maintaining the elegance required by its guests.
What “type” of projects do you strive to create?
Urban city hotels that are inspired by artists and music culture, that are architecturally related to local environment and retreats that are environmentally conscious and that speak of the surrounding environment be it a beach, an organic farm, or a lodge at a Serengeti (the savanna of Africa)
Which project is “ideal” for you to work on?
Urban city hotels that have a story and could tell a story
When it comes to developing a project, I’m sure a lot of thought is given…could you briefly take me through the creative process?
It begins with creating a mood board based on the surrounding environment as well as materials and elements, work closely with interior designers and architects and the innovation planning of the destination itself. On the conceptual level, we start thinking about the innovation and experience from point of arrival, guest rooms, landscaping, beach, organic farm…etc we create the entire resort conceptual idea and hand it over to the interior designers and architects. Afterwards, we start working on the functionality of these concepts from the guest’s perspective to bring them to reality working then developing the operating criteria which is the story of the guest from the time he arrives till his departure. Finally a the development of a mood board for services and amenities and sourcing them.
Tell me about The Gabriel. What sets it apart from other boutique hotels?
Situated in one of Cairo’s most affluent districts of Heliopolis and within proximity to Cairo International Airport, the carefully appointed twenty-five luxury guest rooms are designed to cater to your every need, offering a spectrum of amenities; luxurious deep mattresses and Egyptian cotton bedding, state of the art in-room technology and a personalized butler service that will make you feel right at home.
What about SALT? What makes it stand out?
The Gabriel’s SALT is Original birth’s first Gourmet Restaurant; the restaurant provides guests a global luxury culinary experience that goes above and beyond in all aspects. The food concept at Salt is uniquely urban that relies on modern presentation using the finest fresh local and Mediterranean ingredients combined with spices, herbs and light Asian influence to indulge the senses like never before.
What type of experience can a guest expect to enjoy at The Gabriel?
The Gabriel offers its guests the unique vantage point of experiencing a city filled with historic marvels and unique urban beauty – giving you the best of both worlds of self indulgence and discovery.
You also developed (manage) another boutique hotel, Le Riad, tell me a bit about that.
Located in the heart of old Cairo, “Le Riad” is greatly inspired by the surrounding environment and architecture. The 17 suites facing Beit El Sehemy and its exceptional Ottoman houses reflect Old town Cairo architecture “Al Qahira”, rich warm colors, Fatimid fabrics, local talented paintings dating back to the era of architectural, music, lifestyle and love.
I imagine Le Riad was more of a challenge than The Gabriel was, due to its location; tell me a bit about that.
Considering the security and current political climate there’s a huge reservation on the number of tourists visiting Cairo Fatimid and “Le Raid” considering the product and the reign it caters to; discerning travelers or explorers who currently do not visit the country due it its current situation.
How would you describe Le Riad?
“Le Riad” is a home to everyone that seeks unrivaled experience of back in time. A Place where you hear stories and where you can tell a story.
What type of experience can a guest expect to enjoy at Le Riad? I assume it would differ greatly in comparison to The Gabriel.
Experiencing a stay at “Le Riad” is quite exceptional. Each Suite is a story in itself, with its individualized theme; for example there’s “The King Farouk Suite” that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. The Details, the colors and the environment takes you on a very unique cultural experience. In Addition, Le Riad’s “Kutama” Roof Top restaurant is an exceptional dining experience within the surroundings of the Fatimid town. Guests enjoy an authentic home cooked menu of fresh produce and rare spices, freshly baked Arabic bread, Tabeekh (oriental traditional cooking), barbeque, shisha and Oriental beverages.
Are you currently working on any other projects?
We are currently working on two projects; A boutique hotel in Nairobi, and a reserved game park in Massai Marra (the Serengeti)
What does 2013 have in store for Original Birth?
As of 2013 Original Birth is an award winning company with two awards; Original Birth has been awarded “The Gold Category” at New York’s 2013 International Quality Summit – Business Initiative Directions (BID) and our property The Gabriel is a Finalist nominee for the 2013 World Luxury Hotel Awards.
