Q&A Christopher E. Stafford

Q&A CHRISTOPHER E. STAFFORD
The Orient & Occident Company

Christopher E. Stafford, has more than 34 years’ experience in hospitality, travel and event management, Swedish national / world traveller Chris Stafford is what you call ‘a seasoned industry professional ‘. He headed the Anantara Resort Group in Thailand and the Maldives, opening 6 properties for the group. He is an avid polo player (both horse and elephant) and was instrumental in the creation of the famous Anantara Elephant Polo event. He has also worked for Regent International Hotels, Westin Hotels and Bali Hai Hotels Tahiti. Then he became COO of 137 Pillars. A brand which built on the success of the stunning 30-suite 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai.  Now he heads up the Orient & Occident Company, part of YAANA Ventures portfolio.

 We caught up with the energetic and charming Christopher Stafford in Shanghai.
 

"Occident" is a term for the West, traditionally comprising anything that belongs to the Western world. It is the antonym of Orient, the Eastern world.  So your new company want to straddle the globe?

As a nomad of the planet since a young age of growing up in Africa, Asia and Europe I was introduced to a style of living where time seemed to stand still, where the luxury hotel guest dressed for each occasion in a distinguished and yet delightful manner, where each moment was cherished as an Experience to be savoured if not devoured. I call this the Art of Living…where each guest comes away with experiences of a travel itinerary that includes a real welcome cocktail party with the General Manager, a private dinner in an as yet undiscovered venue, and a piece de resistance occasion to surpass all other occasions. Add to this a connection with the wonderful people in the communities we serve and you come to know the Art of Living Well -that's what we want to offer through our company.

 137 Pillars Bangkok

What part of the process of creating a new hotel do you enjoy most?
I love all of it or I would have retired by now (I really meant to) but 137 Pillars is too exciting  a brand. We are doing something really special.

What is the “little thing” that all good hotels should pay attention to?
Attending to guests needs from the smallest to the largest request. We will have a butler service, a great concierge and a long list of  bespoke services available to our guests.

What is the next big luxury travel trend?
Individuality. Curating things to suit each guest.

Apart from your own, what are your favourite hotels/resorts? (and why)
The upper house in Hong Kong does everything well. It has style and service. The Tea Trails in Sri Lanka  (run by the Dilmah tea family. Ed) where you travel between lodges is absolutely amazing.

What is your favourite city to visit?
There are so many beautiful cities. Vienna is special to me –it feels like the crossroads of the world with so much history and such a mix of people.  I also love Lisbon.  Angola is beautiful when the trees blossom…

What is your best overseas restaurant experience?
Nahm Restaurant (at Hotel Metropolitan by COMO) Bangkok. It serves the best Thai food I have ever eaten.

  137 Pillars House Hotel Chiang Mai Thailand

What is your favourite airline for business or first class? Why?Any airline that lands at a small airport. I think given strides in luxury elsewhere the airport experience is so out of date.

What is the one luxury travel experience you will never forget?

I was brought up in Africa and on one occasion my grandmother flew me home to Sweden. I was about 8 or 9. Years old. We went from Addis Ababa to Cairo to Zurich to Sweden and at each stop there were sublime luxury experiences.  We were taken on a private tour of the pyramids, flew over Addis at 9,000 feet, had hot chocolate with whipped cream waiting for us Zurich…. It turned my head and made me want to experience such things forever.

What is the most important thing (travelwise) that money CAN buy?
Freedom

What is the most important thing it can’t?
Also freedom as it happens

Posted 7/6/16 Updated 4/10/23