PHOTO: © THE JOSEPH, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, NASHVILLE
THE BASICS
Name: Xavier Moulin
Title: Managing director
Company, city: The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville; Nashville, Tennessee
First job: Operations support at private hunting grounds in the south of France, where I worked a variety of roles from assisting the setup crew to caring for animals and serving breakfast
A LITTLE BIT MORE
What actor would play you in a movie of your life?
I’ve been told I look like a young John Travolta.
What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry?
I would be a Formula 1 racecar driver.
What is your favorite book, movie or television show?
Ratatouille.
What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with?
Anthony Bourdain went from cook to global explorer on TV, armed with a sharp sense of humor and a thought- provoking philosophy on life. Such wealth of experiences would make for a dinner filled with laughter, stories and reflections on mankind’s journey, all in an overwhelming spirit of love for all people and their cultures. Oh, and need I mention the food that would be served?
THE BUSINESS
What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it?
Earlier this year, we relaunched the spring/summer rooftop pool programming, inspired by the vibrant energy of Nashville.
What is your favorite aspect of the job?
I enjoy the multifaceted nature of a hotel with so many unique disciplines under one roof — from food and beverage to rooms and spa — and the shared memories and stories we create with our guests.
What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken?
I left a role managing seven properties as an area general manager in Los Angeles to return to my operations roots as a hotelier running a 25-casita resort in the rainforest of the Dominican Republic.
Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry?
I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Arash Azarbarzin, principal and CEO, Highgate, collaborating and developing three brands together over the last 15 years.
AS A TRAVELER
Tell us about a travel nightmare: In this line of business, one tends to have a low tolerance for mediocre service. Airports and airlines can turn an exciting adventure into a complete nightmare. From constant delays to crews lacking empathy, the feeling of being an anonymous number amongst the herd can leave you defeated. Luckily, the restaurant by the boarding gate will offer an expensive and tasteless burger with soggy fries … this might be a good time for a bourbon. Neat. Make that a double, please!
Share a comical travel experience: At an amazing restaurant in Mexico, I sent a dish back to the kitchen. An intimidating French chef came to the table a few minutes later, visibly irritated and ready to argue. After finding out we were from the same southern town in Provence, he sat at the table and brought enough wine to not only settle our differences but make for an unforgettable night … and a new friend!
What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why? Planes and automobiles, because I can drive both.
What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels? The signature Aman Resorts “Magic Service” is the art of refreshing your room every single time you leave the premises yet without ever seeing a housekeeper. It all happens with an intricate web of team communication and choreographed operations through service pathways as subtle as they are meticulously thought out. The impact is nothing short of “magic.”
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