Step into the world of luxury with an exclusive interview featuring Mr. David Mulin, the esteemed General Manager of Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena. Leading a hotel recognized among the TOP 100 Hotels and Resorts of the World 2023 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, Mr. Mulin shares insights into the philosophy, experiences, and distinctive charm that make him an influential figure in the realm of luxury hospitality which is why he has also been recognized among the TOP 100 Hotel General Managers of the World 2023. 

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: It is an absolute pleasure to meet with you today, David. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us and a big congratulations on this momentous achievement of being recognized in two categories in TOP 100 of the World, 2023. 

LLA: As the General Manager of Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, what does this prestigious recognition as one of the TOP 100 Hotel General Managers and TOP 100 Hotels and Resorts of the World 2023 mean to you personally and for the entire team?

DM: I am thrilled to have been featured in this significant global ranking that acknowledges the finest luxury brands in the world, not limited to the hospitality industry. Our hotel in Cartagena is an iconic and legendary property that has successfully captured the essence of Caribbean culture and transformed it into unique experiences that have been well-received by our guests and visitors from across the globe.

It is an honor for my Team & me to receive these recognitions, and we are committed to maintaining this level of global excellence and quality. We will continue to elevate our hotel to new heights and provide our guests with unforgettable experiences.

LLA: Being recognized as one of the TOP 100 Hotel General Managers of the World is a remarkable achievement. Can you share a personal highlight or accomplishment that you believe played a significant role in earning this prestigious accolade?

DM: The best part of my job is when I get together with my team of ambassadors and we create unique and memorable experiences. These moments are incredibly motivating because I can see the dedication of every single team member at the hotel. Another significant moment that brings me a lot of satisfaction is when guests approach me and express their gratitude for the experience they had at the hotel. Even though these may seem like small details, they hold great meaning to me because they reassure me that I am doing my job well.

 LLA: In your role as General Manager, what specific leadership qualities or initiatives do you feel have contributed to your individual recognition and the overall success of Sofitel Legend Santa Clara as one of the TOP 100 Hotels and Resorts of the World?

DM: As the General Manager of the property, my drive comes from a passion for people, our industry, excellence, and every effort I make to ensure that the hotel becomes the best in Cartagena, Colombia, and the world. I strive to convey this same passion to my entire team of ambassadors to motivate them each day.

LLA: Personalization is often emphasized in luxury experiences. How do you personally approach tailoring services to meet the individual preferences of Sofitel Legend Santa Clara’s discerning guests?

DM: Through my extensive experience working at hotels and resorts in regions spanning Europe, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, I have gained valuable insights into the preferences of the most discerning guests. This has enabled me to refine my understanding of the experiences and services that best align with their needs.

LLA: Elegance is a core value of Sofitel Legend. How is this commitment to elegance reflected in your leadership style and the overall ambiance of the hotel?

DM: As the senior leader of my property, I am committed to excellence in everything I do. Our hotel’s value proposition is reflected in the exceptional experiences we provide to our guests. We pay close attention to every detail to ensure that our visitors feel at home in our environment.

LLA: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara maintains the highest standards of quality. How do you ensure that these standards permeate every aspect of the guest experience, from service to materials used?

DM: Maintaining the highest standards of quality throughout the hotel is of utmost importance to us. That is why I have invested significant effort and resources into consistently training our ambassadors in the areas of luxury and customer service. I have established partnerships with both national and international entities such as Forbes Travel Guide, Signature, the Institute of Modern Butlers, Accor Academy, as well as SENA in Colombia to ensure our training programs are world-class.

LLA: The hotel is known for blending history and modern luxury. How do you balance these elements to create an environment that resonates with both traditional and contemporary expectations?

DM: We are lucky to operate a property that has been standing for more than 400 years, and it holds great cultural and historical significance dating back to the period of the Clarisse nuns and the time when the hotel served as a hospital in the mid-20th century. We have seamlessly blended these experiences with modernity, such as recreating the gastronomy of the Clarisse sisters with gourmet touches and creating our iconic suites. These majestic rooms are adorned with artworks and memories of Colombia’s most prominent visual artists, such as Maestro Fernando Botero. We have successfully combined our French DNA, which is rich in traditions and culture, with this historical richness.

LLA: Can you share a memorable instance where the personalized service at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara resulted in a particularly noteworthy and cherished guest experience?

DM: There are many examples that come to mind, but one that stands out is the time a group of high net-worth bikers stayed at our Sofitel hotel. We made sure to secure a parking spot for each of their bikes and even polished them. As a special touch, we created weatherproof stickers for each biker to attach to their motorcycle as a reminder of their trip. This personalized service left a lasting impression on the bikers and proved that we can adapt to the needs of any guest.

LLA: In a world where travel preferences are evolving, how does Sofitel Legend Santa Clara continue to honor its historical legacy while adapting to the changing expectations of modern travelers? 

DM: We always keep a close eye on the latest trends in the hospitality industry and strive to tailor our property to meet the evolving needs and expectations of our customers. Furthermore, we continuously listen to our guests, taking note of their likes, dislikes, and most importantly, their desires. This approach helps us to gain firsthand insights into the preferences of our customers.

LLA: What are some of the unique features and amenities that you believe set Sofitel Legend Santa Clara apart, making it a destination of choice for luxury travelers?

DM: At our hotel, we stand out for several reasons. Our dedication to providing excellent service is a significant factor that sets us apart from the rest. We have a specialized team of butlers who are unique to our country and who always go the extra mile to anticipate guests’ needs even before they arrive. Our exclusive and diverse experiences, ranging from gastronomy to well-being through a state-of-the-art spa, are also a key part of our uniqueness. The modern rooms located in the colonial and republican areas, which are part of the hotel’s history, also contribute to our distinctiveness. As soon as guests enter the hotel, they can feel the sophistication with a touch of the Colombian Caribbean. We also have a set of iconic suites that showcase the talent of four Colombian master painters: Fernando Botero, Enrique Grau, Ana Mercedes Hoyos, and Amaral. Botero himself even signed the wall of the suite that bears his name. It’s a real treat for any art lover!

LLA: As the General Manager, how do you envision the role of Sofitel Legend Santa Clara in shaping the future landscape of luxury hospitality, and what innovative experiences can guests anticipate in the coming years?

DM: My aim is to remain the benchmark of luxury in Colombia and the region. To achieve this, I am committed to sustainability, engaging with local communities, and placing a greater emphasis on art and culture. Additionally, I aim to incorporate technology more quickly into our operations. These key elements will undoubtedly aid us in creating new experiences for our guests to savor.

LLA: For those considering Sofitel Legend Santa Clara for their next getaway, what personal message or invitation would you extend to entice them to experience the exceptional luxury that your hotel provides?

DM: If you are looking for a luxurious hotel that combines the rich history and culture of the Colombian Caribbean with the sophistication of the Sofitel brand, I would highly recommend a visit to Sofitel Legend Santa Clara. During your stay, you can indulge in unforgettable culinary experiences at our restaurants, 1621 and El Jardín, which offer the finest gourmet cuisine. Additionally, our Sofitel Spa offers the best wellness rituals to help you relax and rejuvenate. The hotel’s ambiance takes you back in time, providing a truly unique experience that you will not forget.

These questions are designed to not only highlight David Mulin as one of the Top Hotel General Managers of The World, and Sofitel Legend Santa Clara’s achievement as one of the Top Hotels and Resorts of the World but also to provide insights into the unique aspects of the hotel experience, and the visionary leadership of David Mulin as General Manager. Find out more at https://www.sofitellegendsantaclara.com/.