Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia is an elegant sanctuary where French art de vivre fuses with the vibrant soul of Colombia’s capital. Set in one of Bogotá’s most exclusive districts, the hotel offers refined accommodation and delivers a sensorial journey shaped by culture, design, and emotion. Inspired by the Victoria Regia water lily, a powerful symbol of natural beauty and resilience, the hotel’s aesthetic unfolds through graceful lines, bespoke artwork, and organic textures that celebrate Colombia’s rich biodiversity, all effortlessly infused with Sofitel’s enduring French signature.

At the heart of this award-winning address is General Manager Nicolas Heftre, an admirable hospitality leader with over two decades of international experience. Armed with an MBA and advanced certifications in revenue management from globally respected institutions such as Cornell University, Nicolas offers strategic precision, innovation, and a people-first mindset. Under his leadership, Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia has earned global recognition as one of Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ TOP 100 Hotels & Resorts of the World for 2025, proving his passion for operational excellence, inspired teams, and the creation of truly memorable guest experiences.

The conversation is guided by Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce and long-time leader of the Luxury Lifestyle Awards.

Alexander Chetchikov: Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia has been named one of Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ TOP 100 Hotels & Resorts of the World for 2025. What does this recognition mean to you and your team?

Nicolas Heftre: First of all, it is a moment of genuine pride. Awards are not trophies we place on a shelf; they are mirrors. This recognition reflects the daily commitment of our teams, their discipline, their warmth, and their attention to detail. Hospitality is a craft before it is a business, and this distinction confirms that our way of doing things — with rigor, passion, and heart — resonates on a global stage. For the team, it is a powerful reminder that what we do every day in Bogotá can stand shoulder to shoulder with the very best in the world.

AC: The hotel beautifully combines French elegance with Colombian cultural richness. How do you ensure this balance is authentically reflected in the guest experience?

NH: Authenticity comes from respect. French elegance provides structure, codes, and savoir-faire. Colombian culture brings soul, warmth, and spontaneity. We do not force one over the other; we let them converse. This balance is present in how we welcome guests, how we speak, how we serve, and how we surprise. A perfectly executed service ritual means little if it lacks emotion — and emotion is where Colombia shines. Our role is to orchestrate this harmony so that guests feel both reassured and inspired.

AC: Inspired by the Victoria Regia water lily, the hotel’s design plays a key role in its identity. How important is storytelling through design in today’s luxury hospitality landscape?

NH: Luxury today is not about excess; it is about meaning. Design must tell a story, otherwise it is simply decoration. The Victoria Regia is the biggest flower in the world and a symbol of strength, elegance, and resilience — qualities that resonate deeply with Colombia and with our guests. When design carries a narrative, it creates an emotional connection. Guests may not consciously analyze it, but they feel it. And what guests feel is what they remember.

AC: With over 20 years of international hospitality experience, how has your leadership philosophy evolved, and how does it influence the culture at Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia?

NH: Experience teaches you one essential lesson: leadership is not about control; it is about coherence. Early in my career, I focused on performance. Today, I focus on consistency – of values, standards, and behavior.

At Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia, culture is built through example. Teams watch what you prioritize, how you react under pressure, and what you are willing — or not willing — to compromise. I believe in high standards, clear expectations, and mutual respect. When people understand the purpose behind what they do, excellence stops being an obligation and becomes a reflex. 

AC: Culinary supremacy is central to the hotel’s offering. How does your culinary team elevate local Colombian ingredients while maintaining Sofitel’s global standards?

NH: Luxury cuisine is not about reinventing ingredients; it is about treating them properly. Colombia has extraordinary products — sometimes exuberant, sometimes subtle — and our responsibility is to respect their identity. French technique gives us discipline, precision, and balance, but it never dominates the product.

We work closely with local small producers, we taste, we question, we refine. The objective is not to make Colombian ingredients look French, but to let them express themselves at their highest level. When a dish feels obvious, effortless, and memorable, that is when you know standards have been respected — and culture has been honored.

AC: Located in one of Bogotá’s most exclusive districts, how does the hotel connect guests with the city’s cultural, social, and lifestyle offerings?

NH: A luxury hotel should never be a bubble. Our mission is to act as a gateway to the city. We curate experiences, recommend places, and connect guests with the real Bogotá — its art, its gastronomy, its energy. Whether a guest stays one night or one week, they should leave with a sense of having touched the city, not just slept in it.

AC: As a leader with strong expertise in revenue management and strategic development, how do you balance strong financial performance with exceptional guest satisfaction and team well-being?

NH: True performance is never the result of short-term thinking. Financial discipline is essential, of course, but it must serve a broader vision. In hospitality, numbers are a consequence — not a starting point.

When guests feel genuinely cared for, and teams feel respected and empowered, performance follows naturally. The role of leadership is to align these three dimensions so that none advances at the expense of the others. A hotel can post excellent results for one year by pushing too hard; it builds a legacy only by being consistent, fair, and clear over time.

AC: And lastly, what is your vision for the future of Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia and its role in defining contemporary luxury in Colombia?

NH: Our ambition is clear: to remain a reference, not by being louder, but by being truer. Contemporary luxury in Colombia will be defined by authenticity, sustainability, and emotional intelligence. Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia will continue to honor its roots while evolving with its guests. Tradition gives us credibility; innovation keeps us relevant. The future belongs to those who respect both.

A heartfelt thank you to Joseph for his support and collaboration in making this exclusive interview possible.

Discover a world where French art de vivre meets Colombian soul. Visit Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia and experience award-winning luxury, refined design, and impeccable service in the heart of Bogotá. Explore more at: https://sofitelvictoriaregia.com/