In the Lounge with Alain K. Bachmann at Zannier Bãi San Hô, Vietnam
With a career spanning leading hotels across Europe, the United States and Asia, Alain K. Bachmann has built his leadership philosophy around curiosity, continuous learning and the belief that hospitality will always be a people business. Today, as General Manager of Zannier Bãi San Hô in Vietnam, he brings this perspective to a property where nature, culture and meaningful guest experiences come together.
In this interview, Alain reflects on the lessons that have shaped his journey, including the belief he had to unlearn as a leader: that perfection always equals excellence. He shares his thoughts on genuine care, authenticity and human connection, as well as the industry’s responsibility to embrace regenerative hospitality and responsible tourism.
From the ritual that helps him reset during busy periods to the song he feels captures the spirit of Zannier Hotels, Alain offers a personal perspective on leadership, purpose and the future of luxury hospitality.
Can you briefly tell us about your career journey?
I got into hospitality via a detour in banking and product management. After Les Roches hotel management school, I joined Ritz-Carlton in the USA – when it was still an independent company run by the legendary Horst Schulze - and from there I was privileged to work for some of the finest Hotels in the world, such as The Peninsula Chicago, Anassa in Cyprus or The Ritz-Carlton in Moscow.
I returned home to Switzerland to work at Gstaad’s oldest luxury hotel, The Park Gstaad before opening the highly celebrated The Chedi Andermatt as GM. From there I moved to Southeast Asia, to Bali and Sumba. After an opportunity in the Provence I returned to Asia, to beautiful and booming Vietnam to take on the stewardship of one of the country’s most acclaimed properties, Zannier Bãi San Hô.
What belief or habit have you unlearned as a leader – and why?
One belief I unlearned as a leader in our profession is that perfection equals excellence.
Luxury hospitality often strives for perfection, but I've learned that perfection isn't always what guests remember. Genuine care, authenticity, and how we recover when something doesn't go as planned often leave a much deeper impression. I've unlearned the idea that flawless execution alone defines excellence. Today, I believe excellence comes from combining high standards with genuine human connection.
What advice would you give aspiring hotel leaders?
Work hard, keep learning and stay curious and never burn bridges. Above all, never forget that hospitality is - and will always remain - a people’s business. Technology can assist but the people – guests and your colleagues – is what is most important.
What’s one long-term change you believe the hospitality industry must embrace to thrive?
A deeper commitment to regenerative hospitality and responsible tourism, not as an initiative, but as a fundamental way of operating. While sustainability has become the baseline, the real opportunity for hospitality is regeneration - not simply protecting the places we operate in, but actively contributing to their ecological, cultural and social vitality.
Photo Credit: zannierhotels.com/hotels/bai-san-ho/
Do you believe travellers today are seeking escapism, connection, wellness, or something else entirely?
I believe travellers are seeking authenticity: meaningful connections with like-minded people, with the culture, cuisine and nature of a destination - and ultimately with themselves.
What small ritual or habit helps you reset during busy periods?
Spending time with my partner and my family. It helps me stay grounded, and I am able to share any joy and grief. For me this is the ultimate relaxation and reset treatment.
If your hotel had a theme song, what would it be?
Experience by Ludovico Einaudi comes to mind. I think it’s elegant, cinematic and resonates emotionally. It would mirror the sense of journey and transformation guests often seek at Zannier properties.
What is a motto you live by?
Live fully. Love deeply. Leave a legacy.
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