Forbes has described Sonia Cheng as one of Asia’s most powerful businesswomen, we’d venture to suggest that she is in fact one of the world’s most powerful businesswomen. The luxury Rosewood collection includes iconic hotels such as The Carlyle in New York, Hotel de Crillon in Paris, and Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, as well as shining new stars such as the Rosewood Beijing.  Since parent brand New World acquired Rosewood Hotel Group, the brand under Cheng has embarked on an ambitious expansion strategy. Rosewood Hotel Group signed 10 new hotel transactions in 2019, including breakthrough deals in high-profile destinations globally. The Group’s pipeline is at its strongest in history, with 32 projects under development, including 21 for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, five for KHOS and six for New World Hotels & Resorts.

What is the single most defining thing about Rosewood as a brand?
The Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® guiding concept is A Sense of Place®.  That is, our hotels are highly individual in that each reflects the culture, geography and sensibilities of its location, in all aspects from design to dining, spa to service.

You have a large number of new hotels in the pipeline, an impressive schedule of expansion.  Can you tell us a little about that?
Further expansion of the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts collection is underway with f openings planned for Greater China in Chengdu (2023), Shenzhen (2023), Ningbo (2024); and for Southeast Asia in Hoi An, Vietnam (2023) and Hermana Mayor, Philippines (2024). The coming months will see the launch of the Group’s first incubator hotels in China for the innovative KHOS brand and the New World Hotels & Resorts is also expanding into India, with a planned opening in Jaipur (2023). Over the last several years, we have been searching for the right opportunities to evolve our European footprint and bring the Rosewood brand to new corners of the continent. For example Rosewood Rome and Rosewood Amsterdam are scheduled for 2023 and our second property in London in 2024. In addition to growing our hotel pipeline, we have intensified our focus on luxury branded residential development, both as part of a hotel project, or in some cases, on a stand-alone basis.

We understand that you have an eye for both design and detail, what part of the process of creating a new hotel do you enjoy most? 
It’s really about the holistic experience of creating a unique property that both captures the Rosewood spirit yet also embraces the destination.  Everything must be aligned and reinforcing so that it is seamless.  We talk about a hotel as a “living canvas” and try to bring artistry to whatever we do.  This is the challenge and this big picture is what is most fascinating about helping to bring a hotel to life.

What is the 'little thing' that all good hotels should pay attention to? 
The arrival experience at the hotel - there is only one chance to make a first impression.  Whether it is a smile from a doorman, an efficient check-in, a warm and welcoming ambience when you first walk in – it sets the stage for the rest of the stay.

What is the next big luxury travel trend?
The 'next' big trend is already here… Contemporary, sophisticated travellers - we call them 'affluential explorers' - aren’t satisfied with simply luxurious surroundings and great service.  Those are a given.  They want personal connections, they want to experience the authentic, they want travel that is experiential, not superficial - even if they are in a location for just a few days or just  travelling on business. 

What is your own personal litmus test for whether a hotel is worthy of the ‘luxury’ tag?
Believe it or not, it’s not about luxurious surroundings or over-the-top amenities or services.  It’s about the ability of the staff to be intuitive and anticipate what a guest needs or wants.  It doesn’t have to be flashy or intrusive at all.  But when I can tell that the associates in a hotel are really thinking about my comfort and taking care of me as a person, not just a transient guest, that’s luxury.  

Apart from your own, what are your favourite hotels/resorts? (and why)
I love properties that have character, are intimate and personal, and really reflect the hospitality of the location.  I’ve found some outstanding examples in the British and Italian countrysides, and even as far afield as a secluded resort in Cambodia.  

What is your favourite city to visit?
Well, I love visiting new cities and experiencing new things!  But if I want to go back to a comfort zone, London is probably top of the list.  I have a soft spot for Rosewood London and even though it is relatively new, it is like coming home to an old friend.  I find London very inspirational - it’s so dynamic and new concepts are always being launched there.

What is your favourite airline for business or first class? Why?
I’m a Hong Konger, so of course Cathay Pacific!  

What three things do you never travel without?
Mobile devices so I’m always connected and an iPad loaded with DVDs.

What is the one luxury travel experience you will never forget?
One thing that comes to mind was a little surprise at Rosewood London - the people there heard that I’d fallen in love with 'cronuts' when I was in New York - and there was a plate of them waiting for me in my room when I arrived at Rosewood London!  Sometimes it is really the little gestures that actually mean a lot.  

What is the most important thing (travelwise) that money CAN  buy?
Of course, top-notch service, beautiful surroundings, exquisite dining…

What is the most important thing it can’t?
It can’t buy meaningful experience, it can’t buy connection, it can’t buy the memory of a truly superlative exposure to the destination.  That comes from the intention and spirit of the hosts.  It is when the hosts are genuine and intuitive and strive to share the heart and soul of their destination with visitors, that’s when the magic happens.