A Journey through Luxury
lebua Hotels & Resorts is a luxury hospitality brand renowned for its personalised service excellence and innovative approach to fine-dining and hospitality. In this interview, we spend some time with company President & CEO Narawadee Bualert to speak about how the business redefines luxury hospitality and continues to elevate its gastronomic and hotel offering to its customers.
The vision of lebua Hotels & Resorts is to create transformative experiences and its mission is to become the most loved and proud Thai brand, offering innovative and curated experiences.
Currently lebua operates two luxury hotels under one roof at the iconic State Tower in Bangkok, lebua at State Tower and Tower Club at lebua. Both properties offer world-class accommodation and personalised service, complemented by award-winning restaurants and bars at The Dome.
The Dome features 2 two-Michelin-starred restaurants, Mezzaluna by lebua and Chef’s Table by lebua, along with two of the most scenic rooftop restaurants, Breeze by lebua and Sirocco by lebua and the world-renowned Sky Bar by lebua. In total, there are four distinctive restaurants and six bars, making the State Tower a unique, vertical destination.
In addition to this magnificent site, the company owns the luxury Lake Okareka Lodge in New Zealand which provides an exclusive retreat surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Discussing the portfolio, Bualert highlights that they have recently completed a full renovation of Mezzaluna, transforming it into an unparalleled fine-dining destination. The site has been uplifted to create the most thoughtful and refined restaurant dining experience. In addition, Les Marchands, their newest concept, is still under development and promises to deliver a vibrant and welcoming space featuring international cuisine and exceptional breakfast offerings.
“As we look to the future, we are focusing on enhancing our flagship property in Bangkok, including reimagining brand-new suites and penthouse categories,” explains Narawadee Bualert, President & CEO of lebua Hotels & Resorts. “We are also introducing new dining and bar experiences featuring closer-to-home cuisine that will secure a op spot on the global culinary map, such as launching a luxury private dining boat to expand our offerings. As we evaluate international opportunities, we remain committed to markets that align with our brand’s ethos of quality and exclusivity.”
Emphasising proactive ownership, continuous staff training and a strong sense of team spirit, the lebua approach combines personalised service, attention to detail and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence within the team. Bualert comments that regular guest feedback and data analytics also play a role in refining their offerings.
The roles of social media and sustainability are both key pillars of the lebua operation. They have invested heavily in e-commerce and digital platforms, leveraging CRM tools to connect with guests and understand their preferences. The emergence of AI and automation will further streamline operations and elevate service standards. Meanwhile sustainability is integral in the day-to-day running of the business. They are currently pursuing sustainability certifications and integrating eco-friendly practices across their properties. From sourcing sustainable ingredients to reducing waste and energy consumption, they are committed to preserving the environment while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
sourcing sustainable ingredients to reducing waste and energy consumption, they are committed to preserving the environment while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
“We focus on delivering memorable experiences that cannot be found elsewhere, resulting in loyal and repeat guests over the years. Attention to detail and empowering our team to go the extra mile to connect with guests have been key factors in building long-term relationships and creating lasting impressions,” says Bualert.
As she looks back on the company’s success, the President & CEO believes its key drivers include visionary leadership, a culture of innovation, calculate risk-taking and an unwavering commitment to quality and service excellence. Building a dedicated and passionate team has also been instrumental in achieving this success she feels.
“Our ethos centres on boldness, accountability and creativity. We encourage the team to think outside the box, take ownership of their work and always prioritise guest satisfaction. Looking ahead we aim to expand and elevate our offerings while maintaining the highest standards of service. The challenges of this will include balancing growth with sustainability and navigating shifting consumer preferences in a post-pandemic world,” highlights Bualert.
“We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of luxury hospitality by staying ahead of trends and continuously innovating. From culinary excellence to immersive experiences, lebua continues to be dedicated to redefining what it means to provide luxury in today’s world.”
