As Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts prepares to celebrate its 60^th year, the group’s newly appointed Senior Vice President of Design & Innovation discusses the next phase of growth.

Isabel Pintado has a proven track record in the world of hospitality design. Having accumulated more than 25 years of experience in the industry, including stints as Head of Interior Design at Godwin Austen Johnson, Managing Director of LW Design Group and Senior Vice President at Wilson Associates – where she headed up project development and design direction for Africa, China, the Middle East and Thailand – the designer is well versed in bringing luxury hotels to life. So, it came as no surprise when news broke of her appointment as Senior Vice President of Design & Innovation at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, a newly created position that coincides with the operator’s plans to embark on a new chapter of innovation and growth.

“Through my work over the last three decades, I’ve had the opportunity to consult on design across industries, functions and geographies, giving me a deep appreciation for the way that spaces shape the guest experience – no matter the purpose or destination,” Pintado reflects. “After many years of juggling clients across multiple industries, this will be a new opportunity for me to immerse myself in one brand, to really dig deep and expand my way of thinking.”

FIRST-HAND FAMILIARITY

So, what appealed about Four Seasons? Having travelled extensively throughout her career, Pintado is no stranger to the group’s offering. “I’ve been lucky enough to stay at several Four Seasons in the past, so I have experienced the service culture and beautiful properties first-hand,” she recalls. “What I’ve always admired about the brand is the understated luxury that permeates every touchpoint. From the design to the amenities to the human interactions with employees, there is incredible quality and attention to detail at every level, which is an impressive achievement.

“I have also been incredibly inspired by the brand’s ability to create a sense of locality at each of its hotels, which truly immerses guests in the destination. It’s clear that Four Seasons really takes the time to understand what makes a place special and looks to recreate that feeling.”

MUTUAL MINDSETS

And what of her own design philosophy – how will that align with the brand’s vision going forward? “In my opinion, the best approach towards design is about listening to the architecture, locale and the intimacy of a space itself,” she confirms. “Rather than forcing a pre-conceived approach, it is important to have the freedom to experiment throughout the design process, so that you are not tied to any predetermined ideas about what a space should be.” Pintado goes on to explain that before embarking on a new assignment, she tries to understand what the location requires, what the client wants, how the design will harmonise with the architecture and, most importantly, how she wants people to feel when they spend time in a space. “Design is more than just aesthetics and function; it’s about how every element comes together to guide the emotions that should be felt in a particular space. Warmth and community in a living area for example, or relaxation and calm in a bathroom.”

FUTURE FORWARD

Despite joining Four Seasons in the midst of a global pandemic, there’s plenty for Pintado to get her teeth into. Having opened four new properties in 2020, including outposts in San Francisco, Madrid, Tokyo and Bangkok, the group has plans for the USA, Italy and Mexico in 2021, and is working on design briefs for pipeline projects in Mallorca and Puglia as we speak.

Amongst those on the horizon are hotels and private residences in Napa Valley and New Orleans, as well as a hilltop palace in the Sicilian town of Taormina and an organic oasis in Tamarindo on the Pacific coast. Also on the boards is a beachfront property in Fort Lauderdale, with architecture by Kobi Karp and interiors by Tara Bernerd and Martin Brudnizki, conceived to echo the heyday of the city.

“My approach is to look for new opportunities and innovations while polishing those we already have in the works – whether that is continuing to perfect the communal spaces and lifestyle offerings in our private residences, or infusing wellness elements throughout every touchpoint of a stay,” she confirms, adding that renovations are also taking place on existing properties in Istanbul and Hong Kong. “The goal now is to keep thinking about what guests, residents and employees will want going forward, and putting in the groundwork to make that possible.”

EVOLVING EXPERIENCES

The needs of today’s traveller have undoubtedly changed over the past 12 months, with the ripple effect of Covid-19 not only shifting people’s approach to their lifestyle, but also the expectation of a hotel, with flexible spaces and contactless services top of the wish-list. For operators like Four Seasons, this has further blurred the lines between business and leisure travel, as guests work from resorts with their family in tow and urban hotels act as staycation destinations. In response, Four Seasons has launched its Extend Your Stay programme, inviting guests worldwide to live, work, learn and stay for 30 days or more.

The group has also used technology to foster connections with its global community while keeping them safely apart. Many of its restaurants have come up with at-home dining experiences for example, and wellness teams have taken to social media to help teach audiences how to create that spa experience from the comfort of their own living room.

For Pintado, the trends accelerated by coronavirus are set to stick around. “Hotel design of the future will be closely linked to behavioural changes. Because of the pandemic, individuals are much more discerning about their surroundings. After so much time at home, we’ve discovered how we relate to our physical spaces and what we value in them, including having more. Our priorities have changed, and design will have to reflect this. For hotels, this could take the shape of more spacious guestrooms, greater integration with outdoor areas and a focus on wellness and comfort over all else.

“After the year we’ve just experienced, wellness will be a key focus for us moving forward,” she adds. “We want improve our offering so that no matter where they stay with us, guests always leave feeling rejuvenated and feel our approach is cohesive across every property and touchpoint.”

SLOW AND STEADY

With the world beginning to open its doors after various lockdowns, the challenge for operators in the coming months – and perhaps years – will be balancing heightened cleanliness protocols with delivering a luxury experience. Four Seasons, for one, will continue to drive home its health and safety programme, Lead With Care, which intends to equip employees with the tools, procedures and education to take care of guests and each other.

“As we slowly move towards recovery, it may be difficult to balance the precautions necessary to keep us safe with the urge to get back to normal and enjoy all the things we’ve been missing for so long,” Pintado anticipates. “As we’ve seen, recovery is not linear, and we will need to continue to strike this equilibrium.”

Despite the obstacles that lie ahead, Pintado is optimistic that the hospitality industry is on the cusp of an exciting period and is keen to get to work on growing Four Seasons’ luxury portfolio in 2021 and beyond.

“I plan on leveraging my global experience across different industries – including residential, F&B and retail – as we look ahead to achieving the brand’s long-term design and innovation goals,” she concludes. “Four Seasons has such an incredible heritage and reputation to build on as it looks to the next 60 years, and I’m very excited to be a part of that future. Whether through the openings of new hotels, resorts and residences, enhancing the existing portfolio, or expanding our restaurant and bar, spa and retail offerings, it will be about staying true to our brand values while keeping a watchful eye on innovation.”

---

PROFILE

Isabel Pintado

Senior Vice President, Design & Innovation, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

Having joined Four Seasons in early 2021, Isabel Pintado is responsible for evolving the brand’s design vision and aesthetic across its global portfolio, as well as collaborating cross-functionally throughout the organisation to enhance the guest experience and programming.

Based in Dubai, Pintado works closely with owners, design consultants and on-site teams, overseeing newbuilds, conversions and renovation projects.

Recent Openings: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River; Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Madrid; Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

Upcoming Openings: Four Seasons Resort & Residences Napa Valley (Spring 2021); San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel (mid 2021); Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences, Fort Lauderdale (late 2021)