Arief Gunwan is a man with impressive credentials. Accumulating over 30 years of experience as a leading business development strategist and luxury hospitality specialist, he is the powerhouse behind the success of Ho Chi Minh City’s luxury riverside city resort, Villa Song, and believes that love should come first in our endeavours to succeed in any industry.

In an exclusive interview with Epicure Vietnam, life-long hotelier Herbert Laubichler-Pichler reminisces highlights of his hospitality career spanning more than 50 years, working with the mega famous such as Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Arnie Schwarzenegger, Prince and Michael Jackson. 

What are the new rules of business that today’s generation of business leaders follow? In this post of Epicure, big bosses from various industries like technology, F&B, and hospitality dish leadership advise and reveal how they walk the talk.

In Seminyak, an oceanside resort poised as the laidback luxury for visitors to escape to, awaits. Offering the vantage point of the vibrant beachside neighbourhood, an iconic coastline, and seclusion to refresh, The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa sets a new standard for high-end hospitality in Bali. Staying at the resort means a personalised service that pampers the guests from arrival to departure and a dining scene that spoils the tastebuds from breakfast to dinner.

It’s all about human connections for Candice D’Cruz, Vice President of Luxury Brands for Asia Pacific, Hilton, when it comes to putting together unforgettable experiences for hotel guests or creating a supportive workplace for employees.

Veteran hotelier and renaissance man Luciano Lazzarin from Churrasco Phuket Steakhouse talks about addressing and meeting guest expectations, and how to prevent the “ordering by iPad” trend from killing off restaurants as we know and love them.

The seafood industry in Vietnam is a vibrant and rapidly growing sector, renowned for its diverse offerings and global reach. Central to this dynamic landscape is Mr. George Jacob, a visionary entrepreneur whose extraordinary journey from airline pilot to seafood magnate in Vietnam is truly inspiring. George’s story is a testament to the remarkable impact of passion and perseverance in the pursuit of success.

After more than 13 years in Vietnam, Alfredo de la Casa reflects on his enriching journey of immersing himself in the vibrant Vietnamese culture. With a passion for bridging the gap between Vietnamese and Western wine preferences, Alfredo is dedicated to guiding locals in discovering the delightful art of pairing wine with traditional cuisine.

Soneva’s Sonu Shivadasani shares how protecting the planet’s precious resources is possible even while crafting highly bespoke stays.