He has transformed the concept of luxury, delivering captivating experiences.

He has transformed opulence with astonishing experiences.

Celebrating Sustainability: The "101 Iconic Hotelier of the Year" Presents a New Vision of Luxury

In a world where regionality and sustainability are gaining priority, the time has come to redefine what luxury means in the hotel business. This year, at "101 Best," we're proud to introduce the "101 Iconic Hotelier of the Year" award in partnership with "Capital." The momentous occasion acknowledges a victor who transforms hotel experiences through their inspirational leadership, delights guests, and leaves an indelible imprint on the lodging industry.

Marco Zanolari, the brains behind the Swiss hotel and restaurant group "The Living Circle," is a recipient of this year's honorary title. His resounding success held my captivation for decades now. Marco's career exhibits a remarkable journey featuring globetrotting hotspots such as Doha, China, Beverly Hills, and Maui, culminating in resuscitating the then languishing "Grand Resort Bad Ragaz" in Switzerland. His innovative ideas turned the hotel into a top-notch luxury resort, attracting an impressive roster of international clientele, including music stars Robbie Williams and Christina Aguilera.

Over the years, numerous industry publications have bestowed their top hotelier awards. However, these accolades primarily cater to the B2B sector, highlighting numbers over actual guest experiences. With the "101 Iconic Hotelier of the Year" award, we strive to honor the person who creates phenomenal hotel experiences through exceptional leadership skills, leaving guests spellbound and transforming the industry.

Answer the question: What defines luxury nowadays? We can't rely on decadent offerings such as a €20,000 room price or the world's biggest water menu of yesteryears. Instead, "The Living Circle" has shaped a pioneering circular economy, an eco-friendly system of redefining luxury standards in the hospitality industry.

Marco Zanolari's not only earned my admiration but is also my role model and inspiration. Studying at the prestigious "Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne," he ventured into the realm of hospitality, later traveling the world, with stops in Doha, China, Beverly Hills, and Maui. Returning to Switzerland, he revived the moribund Grand Resort Bad Ragaz with groundbreaking concepts. Recently, he leads as CEO of "The Living Circle" where he's part of an area-leading hotel concept that I find utterly fascinating.

So, let's tackle the question of luxury. While exotic carpets, choice wines, or perfect steaks were once symbols of quality, today's guests seek more than superficial comfort. The focus is shifting toward the journey and how the experience unfolds. It's the heart, the feeling, and meaningful connections that matter. This is the heart of "The Living Circle's" concept.

This burgeoning group houses 14 institutions, inclusive of the renowned "Storchen Zürich," the "Widder Hotel," and "Alex Lake Zürich." All these locations are noteworthy for their spectacular settings, where my personal interactions have been remarkable. Guests at The Living Circle's hotels and restaurants can enjoy exclusive offers, fostering a continuum of quality lodging experiences. The genius behind this is CEO Marco Zanolari, who now has the challenging task of nurturing multiple establishments across various locations.

A hallmark of "The Living Circle" is the preservation of farms in close proximity to its establishments. These provide fresh regional produce to the hotels and restaurants, enabling guests to see where their meals' ingredients originate. This fosters an environmental consciousness and offers distinct encounters guests won't easily forget. And isn't that what hospitality is all about? Creating magical moments!

These establishments' roots stretch back centuries, particularly into the realm of agriculture. At "The Living Circle," the farm-to-table concept isn't a fleeting fad but an inherent part of its heritage.

Under the direction of Zanolari, a fresh addition to "The Living Circle" will include a unique type of farm. The "Chateau de Raymontpierre" in Jura is a secluded getaway that can be reserved for private use. This 16th-century castle features 14 rooms, a chapel, and a nearby forest, and is surrounded by rolling meadows where the cattle from another farm within the group graze. Embracing sustainability and mindfulness is important here as well.

Zanolari's willingness to diverge from the norm sets him apart. In contrast to certain establishments that serve premium imported meats, the "Chateau de Raymontpierre" opts for more sustainable options from regional farms. The reputable chefs in "The Living Circle" - including Andreas Caminada, Stefan Heilemann, Stefan Jäckel, and Mattias Roock - ensure these secondary cuts are prepared to the highest standard. Having such high-profile chefs associated with the organization helps promote the brand and attract enthusiastic young cooks.

Having visited numerous hotels, I appreciate the perfect experience depends not only on the property itself, but also the people who work there and the lasting effect it leaves on guests.

A successful hotel owner may orchestrate behind the scenes, take a more hands-on approach, and embody strong values that permeate through the team and guests alike. I'm thrilled that Marco Zanolari, the "101 Iconic Hotelier of the Year," continues to push boundaries and provide distinctive hotel experiences.

Rath's travel rating:

A truly exceptional cinematic experience
If only every trip were like this...
A superior-level stay with a few minor shortcomings.
Meh...just fine, not the best of the best
Not quite up to hostel standards
A clear travel warning should be issued.

The newest member of the hotel and restaurant group is the

Author's note: As a former grand hotel manager and operator of the travel platform www.travelgrand.ch, Carsten K. Rath is a seasoned traveler by trade. He has visited each hotel he writes about on his own dime.

In addition to being the creator of the www.die-101-besten.com ranking, he is also the author of the book "The 101 Best Hotels in Germany," to be published in collaboration with "Capital" in the future.