In conversation with Kostas Sfaltos, General Manager, Bvlgari Hotel & Residences London (Exclusive Interview)

How has the Bulgari Hotel London performed post pandemic? 

Performance at Bulgari Hotel London has been very promising, we are gearing up for a busy summer

Tell us more about the positioning of the hotel – comp set and the USPs

Bulgari Hotel London is a contemporary gem at the heart of Knightsbridge, famous for fusing the prestige and glamour of the Bulgari name with the Italian love for life and Italy’s refined design heritage.  Since opening in 2012, Bulgari set new standards among the luxury hotels of the British capital.

Elegant contemporary architecture and Bulgari’s legendary flair for design are matched by a class-leading quality of impeccable service which perfectly balances informality and authenticity. Holding the crown in London, the multi award-winning 2000m² Bulgari Spa (featuring a 25m pool and Lee Mullins Workshop) is the most generously sized spa in Knightsbridge offering an exclusive city sanctuary, and an edit of the world’s best spa brands.

What is the profile of your guest? Has this changed? 

 Our guests are mostly travelling for leisure, or a mix of work and pleasure from a wide variety of professional backgrounds such as actors, musicians, sports personalities, and entrepreneurs.   The high quality Italian design attracts guests who choose an environment of quality and timeless design matched with our informal and authentic service.  Our guest profile is based broadly internationally, however over the past two years we have welcomed many new guests who live in the Home Counties and major UK cities as they looked closer to home for a luxury weekend escape.

 You have recently renovated the lobby. Are there plans for further renovations? 

Just recently we invited Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel – the practice that designed the original hotel – to create a fresh look for The Bulgari Lounge with a nod to the brand’s heritage as the master of coloured gems.   Inherently Bulgari in style, the new look reveals gem-coloured rugs made of wild silk in emerald, blue diamond and citrine.

This fresh injection of colour is offset by cognac-hued leather sofas, armchairs in neutral tones, and Calacatta marble coffee tables that bounce the light beautifully as it comes through our large windows. Particular focus is also given to the Bulgari eight-point star which is embroidered in gold on bespoke green silk wall hangings.  We do have plans to carry out further refreshments to other areas of the interiors as we mark our tenth year in London, these will remain in keeping with the Bulgari trademark modern Italian style of comfort.

How has the F&B been performing?

At the same time as refreshing the interiors of The Bulgari Lounge we welcomed a one-year residency with the highly regarded Italian pastry chef and chocolatier Gianluca Fusto. Described by Sky Arte as the ‘Italian architect of modern pastry’, Fusto’s ‘Dolci’ (covering everything sweet on the menu), have been a highlight of the new menu. We also launched Il Cioccolato; beautifully crafted chocolates in delicious flavour combinations, such as Porcini and Black Pepper which have been in high demand.   It has been wonderful to welcome back our guests and local friends with something a little new, and we’ve had a very positive response.

What about the Spa? To what extent you also attract locals?

Bulgari Hotels & Resorts has just announced a new collaboration with award-winning beauty brand Augustinus Bader. A bespoke treatment – The Augustinus Bader Exclusive Bulgari Facial – was created for Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, and is available now here at The Bulgari Spa in Knightsbridge.  Inspired by over three decades of science and innovation, Augustinus Bader’s approach to professional skincare is based in ground breaking stem cell research.

Created by Professor Bader, a globally recognized biomedical scientist and physician, the Augustinus Bader products’ efficient formulas are powered by TFC8 (Trigger Factor Complex); a proprietary cellular renewing technology clinically proven to help support the body’s natural regenerative processes.  The majority of our spa members and clients are local Londoners.

Many luxury hotels in major destinations, including London, have been experiencing staffing challenges? What has been your approach? 

We are very lucky to have a loyal, long standing team, currently we are almost fully staffed with just a few open positions.  We have also welcomed new members and been one of the first hotels to use the new system for European visa applications.

What novelties shall we be expecting for the rest of this year?

This week the hotel will be draped with a flowers across the canopy to celebrate the return of Chelsea Flower Show, and on Saturday 28 May we will begin offering a new Italian Afternoon Tea bringing a twist on a British classic with a focus on Italian ingredients. Italian pastries by resident pastry chef and chocolatier Gianluca Fusto will follow savoury delicacies by our Executive Chef Adriano Cavagnini, and clotted cream ice cream will provide a little continental cool as an alternative to traditional scones and cream.

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