Several trailblazing women have risen in the dynamic world of hospitality, leaving an indelible impact. Their innate flair for curating comfort, combined with a pioneering spirit, has led them to redefine excellence in this sector. Join us as we spotlight these remarkable women and their thriving establishments in the realm of accommodations. 

Liz McGrath, Founder of the Liz McGrath Collection

The hospitality world knows few names as illustrious as Liz McGrath. With a portfolio boasting three iconic establishments—the Cellars-Hohenort in Cape Town, The Marine in Hermanus, and The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay—she etched her mark on South African luxury accommodations. These three 5-star gems, each uniquely located, echo Liz’s commitment to crafting an ambience that stands “a world away from the ordinary.”

Liz’s journey into hospitality was not just a professional venture but a deeply personal one. Following the sudden loss of her beloved husband, she sought to infuse purpose and passion into her life. Their shared memories of staying in Relais & Chateaux hotels overseas inspired Liz to revamp the Lookout Hotel they owned into an exclusive Country House Hotel. Thus, in 1988, The Plettenberg was unveiled, receiving an invitation to join the Relais & Chateaux group just two and a half years later.

Liz McGrath wasn’t just an iconic hotelier but a mentor, taking immense pride in nurturing her staff, celebrating their progress, and elevating the collective dream. Her contribution has enriched the South African hospitality industry with her vision and spirit.

Alex And Olga Polizzi, Co-Founders of The Polizzi Collection

In 2021, the prominent mother-daughter team, Olga and Alex Polizzi unveiled their maiden combined project in Sussex. Following an exhaustive refurbishment of a Grade-II listed edifice from the 15th century, The Star was launched as a 30-room hotel. It showcased Olga’s unique design sensibilities, encompassing a laid-back dining area and a more upscale restaurant. Olga, a celebrated interior designer, hotelier, and Rocco Forte Hotels’ design director, along with her daughter Alex, known for her role in Channel 5’s “The Hotel Inspector,” are hospitality industry titans. The Star’s inauguration underlined its enduring significance in the industry.

This launch signified the first time in 15 years that the Polizzi pair collaborated, recalling their joint effort with Hotel Endsleigh in 2005. Located in Devon, this establishment followed Olga’s Hotel Tresanton, a trendsetter in the boutique hotel revival along Cornwall’s coast, debuting in the summer of 1998. Additionally, The Star’s unveiling aligned with the introduction of The Polizzi Collection.

Stephanie Breitbard, Co-founder of Mill Valley Hotels, California

Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Northern California, Mill Valley Hotels stand as a testament to Stephanie Breitbard’s vision of luxury melded with the locality. Along with her business partner, Breitbard embarked on a journey to create boutique accommodations that captured the essence of Mill Valley’s unique charm. Each hotel under its portfolio is carefully curated to reflect the region’s natural beauty, artistic vibe, and rich history. Drawing from her background in art consultancy, Stephanie has adorned these establishments with works from local artists, creating spaces that are both luxurious and deeply connected to their surroundings. Her establishments have become community cornerstones, hosting local events and supporting regional artisans. Breitbard’s ventures highlight the potential of hospitality to cater to travellers and uplift and celebrate local communities. 

Emma Stratton, Owner at Red Hotels

Emma Stratton, Debbie Wakefield, and Rebecca Whittingham, driven by a desire to revolutionize the conventional hotel paradigm, unveiled The Scarlet in Cornwall in 2009. This came after an intricate eight-year planning phase and an investment of £12.5m, all aimed at presenting the UK with a luxury eco-hotel that stood apart from the usual notions of consumption and extravagance.

For The Scarlet, sustainability isn’t merely a fleeting trend or temporary whim; it’s deeply embedded in their ethos. This commitment to the environment is evident in over 111 different practices at the hotel, ranging from relying on a wood chip-fueled biomass boiler, endorsing guests to employ a local Tesla driver championing eco-friendly transportation, to incorporating biodegradable piping bags in their kitchen.

Boasting an impressive 86% – 89% year-round occupancy for the past five years, the hotel and its spa continue to lead the way in championing sustainable approaches within the hospitality sector.

Olivia Immesi, Managing Director at Native Places

Olivia Immesi’s impressive resume is bound to turn heads. She was instrumental in launching the inaugural Hoxton Hotel, spearheaded the introduction of Ace Hotel in Shoreditch, and held the prestigious title of general manager at The Curtain Hotel and Members Club in the same vicinity.

In May 2021, Immesi partnered with Native to oversee its collection of aparthotels and serviced apartments, given the group also boasts a build-to-rent division. With dedication, she has refined the services across all properties. Moreover, she has emphasized enriching cultural integration, enabling each Native location to resonate with its surroundings while upholding a unified brand identity.

Sally Beck, General Manager At Royal Lancaster London

Since taking the reins as the general manager of Royal Lancaster London in 2012, Sally Beck has experienced remarkable success. Yet, her impact on the broader hospitality realm solidifies her standing as a distinguished female leader.

With the inception of the Hoteliers Charter, Beck has demonstrated her dedication to nurturing the next generation of talents in the hotel sector. Over 500 UK-based hotels have endorsed the charter, which aims to elevate the stature of the hospitality sector, advocating it as a preferred career path for parents, educational institutions, and career mentors.

Clarissa Martínez, Proprietor of Luna Mar Boutique Hotel in Costa Rica

Deep in the heart of Costa Rica’s lush jungles lies the Luna Mar Boutique Hotel, a stunning blend of luxury and nature. The visionary behind this gem is Clarissa Martínez, who, inspired by her Costa Rican roots and world travels, decided to create a sanctuary where guests could reconnect with nature without compromising on comfort.

Opened in 2019, Luna Mar offers a curated experience, combining eco-friendly practices with luxury amenities. Every element reflects Clarissa’s passion for the environment and impeccable taste, from villas constructed using sustainable materials to gourmet meals prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Beyond Luna Mar’s immediate success—being fully booked for most of its initial year—it’s also been a trailblazer in its community. Clarissa has initiated local outreach programs, ensuring the hotel’s success uplifts the surrounding communities.

The world of hospitality has always been driven by visionaries. These women, with their passion and pioneering spirit, have not only etched their names into the annuals of the industry but have also reimagined the way we experience travel. Their relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to local communities, sustainability, and innovation remind us of the transformative power of hospitality.

At Rennies BCD Travel, we champion such trailblazers who remind us that travel isn’t just about destinations but the heart and soul poured into each journey. As we venture forward, let’s continue to celebrate these remarkable women who are setting new benchmarks and shaping the future of global travel.