Interview with Ms. Catharine Chen, General Manager of Caesar Park Hotel Kenting
Catharine Chen, General Manager of Caesar Park Hotel Kenting, was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, a major sea port city. In her eyes, Taiwan boasts a rich culture, many delicacies, an advantaged natural ecology and friendly people. This charming island follows the pulse of the globe while Kenting is the best place on the island to enjoy nature, calm the mind and relax the soul. “Taipei is a place of energy and aliveness while Kenting, facing ocean on three sides, is a land where time is stops,” Catharine said. SpaChina interviewed her.
How do you find living in Kenting?
Words fail to tell the feeling of living in Kenting. Every time I leave Kenting, I always think of the mountains and ocean here and it unfailingly puts a smile on my face. This is my connection to it. Xiaowan Beach is my favorite place with its perfectly curved coastline. When I am walking on the beach, I have the feeling of being tenderly embraced. During the day, the waves shimmer in the sun while at dusk, the clouds and tides are colored with the sunset, expressing another mysterious beauty.
What are the key attractions of the hotel?
The hotel is surrounded by mountains and water. Such a natural landscape is undoubtedly a highlight that attracts our guests. Since 1986, it has remained the first choice among 5-star hotels in Kenting. It is also the first relaxation resort in Taiwan’s hospitality industry.
After elaborate renovations, the hotel has been transformed into a Bali-styled destination. It is the only resort in Taiwan that has been awarded as an EIHR member for 10 years in succession from 2007 to 2017. In 2010, our hotel was prized as a 5-Star Relaxation Resort and in 2014 it was given the World Top Luxury Hotel SPA award. Our wellness partner is Angsana Spa, of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. Angsana is highly praised both for its professionalism and comfortable treats. Guests love so much to enjoy a natural SPA journey in a private garden filled with greenery, birds twitter and flowers fragrance. Some guests tell me that when they are having the SPA at our hotel, they feel so deeply relaxed and totally free from daily burdens.
Our guests come from all over the world and foreign guests make up 80% of the total. So our target is travelers and they will at least stay at the hotel for two nights. We infuse the natural landscape into the hotel design and provide guests with homely caring services. All these leave a deep impression on them. Caesar Park Hotel Kenting not only offers a 5-star experience but more of an unforgettable memory.
What are the key points to manage a good hotel or resort in Kenting?
In our hotel, the centerpiece is a spacious green courtyard which is rarely seen in other hotels. But what really makes us stand out is the “people” who convey caring and sincere feelings to the guests. “Sincere greetings” has been the most typical expression of Caesar culture for 31 years. The amiable, warmth and relaxing vacation ambience is something that cannot be replaced. Our close interaction with guests makes our hotel a home for many who come to Kenting. It is a result of the long-term efforts of our management team.
I believe that every staff has his own uniqueness and value. Only when we put him in the right place can his advantages be put into full display. Furthermore, only when each staff member establishes confidence in their role can they provide the best, genuine and creative services to the guests. Compared with the past, plenty of home stay and small sized hotels have sprung up in Kenting during the recent five years. Travelers no longer just come for a short visit. Instead, they prefer in-depth travel to explore local culture and geography. We strive to adhere to our original goal and touch guests’ hearts with our best services. This could be our unique advantage. Only when we create something different can we outrun the competitors.
How do you see the importance of spa as a part of a luxury hotel or resort?
It’s very important for resorts to have a good SPA. Angsana Spa is exclusive in our hotel in Taiwan. This brand from Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts is good at formulating various result-proven materials for facial and body treatments with natural fruits, flowers and spices. It integrates healthy elements with five senses to start an art journey of wellness. Angsana Spa has branches in many well-known holiday destinations including Phuket Island, Indonesia and the Maldives. Its superb skills make it globally prestigious. Most guests who come to our hotel will try Angsana Spa without hesitation. Angsana Spa helps improve guests’ holiday experience and hotel overall revenue as well.
My most recommended treatment is the Waves Massage, including 90 minutes’ treatment and 30 minutes’ tea time. Therapists use traditional Hawaii massage skills, combined with smooth press with due strength, to restore the balance of body, heart and soul.