The CEO of Rosewood Hotel Group shares her passion for travel
Hong Kong is finally getting a Rosewood Hotel in 2018, and it's all thanks to Sonia Cheng. The Tatler 500 lister and sister of Adrian Cheng is the CEO of Rosewood Hotel Group, overseeing 57 hotels in 18 countries under the company’s three-brand portfolio, which includes Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, New World Hotels and Resorts, and Pentahotels.
A young mother of three, Sonia's role as CEO takes her all over the world, which translates to plenty of time on the road. We caught up with her for our latest edition of How I Travel to find out her travel tips, favourite city and where she's heading next.
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Last trip?
I travelled to Thailand to check on Rosewood Phuket which opens in November—we think it’s going to create a lot of buzz, so I was relieved to find it’s looking stunning! All systems go.
Next trip?
I’m lucky that my travel often revolves around our upcoming hotel openings, so Phnom Penh and Luang Prabang are next on the schedule, which are fabulous destinations to mix business with pleasure!
What do you love most about travelling?
I love to experience new restaurants to see what is new and innovative, and I believe one of the best ways to experience a different culture is through the food.
Most memorable travel experience?
So many! But the most exciting recently was my first night staying at Hotel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel—it re-opened this summer after a four-year transformation.
And the worst?
Any time my family doesn’t have a good time too.
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One place you’d visit over and over again?
I love returning to London—I have tried-and-true places to re-visit but there’s always something new to discover. And, lucky me, I’ll be going there even more often since we’ll be opening a new London hotel in Grosvenor Square.
Three things you always travel with?
Devices! An iPad stuffed with movies for the plane and an iPhone that almost never leaves my hand. And whatever is the latest small memento or piece of art created by one of my kids.
