印象丽江 古城韵味
——专访丽江铂尔曼度假酒店总经理施乐先生
丽江铂尔曼度假酒店是法国雅高集团铂尔曼品牌在大中华区的旗舰酒店,在2011年开业后就迅速成为了旅行家心目中最为渴慕的胜地之一,在瞬息万变的时代,这家顶级酒店的个性经过四年的磨砺愈发光芒灿烂。最近,我们有幸置身于这片令人惊喜的世外桃源,与酒店总经理施乐先生促膝交谈。
施乐先生已在酒店业从事高级管理工作超过25年,并且在华担任总经理已有12年,积累了丰富的运作与管理经验。在中国任职期间,他先后负责天津、上海、杭州诸多酒店的开业工作,在来到丽江之前,他服务于雅高集团旗下另一家酒店领导该酒店的品牌重塑工作。在施乐先生的职业生涯中,他有机会在几大洲的多个国家包括德国、英格兰、直布罗陀、奥地利、巴基斯坦等的顶尖酒店中担任管理要职,积累了丰富的经验。而对于眼下在丽江铂尔曼的工作,施乐先生直陈,这是一个绝对新鲜的任务,繁荣的都市总是相近,而丽江是唯一的。
被联合国教科文组织评为世界遗产的大研古城,茶马古道沿途保存最为完好的古镇、纳西先民最早的定居地之一束河古镇,纳西族在丽江最早的落脚点白沙古镇,当然还有玉龙雪山、高原湖泊拉市海、“女儿国”泸沽湖——施乐先生开篇即如数家珍地为我们介绍酒店周围的风景带,并谦逊地表达着自己对丽江的倾慕和感激——环境在他看来是丽江铂尔曼的强大地基,丽江之美是不断吸引世界各地客人前往下榻的诱因。但其实在我们看来,铂尔曼的魅力可不光如此。
丽江铂尔曼度假酒店酒店坐落在千年束河古镇入口处,园区将连绵的玉龙雪山美景尽收眼底,距离丽江市区和大研古城仅有10-15分钟的车程,更为吸引人的是仅需3分钟,酒店就可以用传统的马车将客人送至束河古城,同时也是前往香格里拉地区的理想驿站。酒店共设有79栋别墅及51间豪华客房,将纳西族经典建筑与现代元素完美融合,每个房间都能眺望玉龙雪山的瑰丽美景。酒店设计灵感来自于当地纳西族的传统建筑,大小花园水流环绕,中心湖更是汇聚了酒店的诗画美景精华。丽江铂尔曼度假酒店每栋别墅面积在106--232平方米之间,并各自拥有105--260平方米不等的私家花园,其中部分豪华别墅设有户外温水浴池。
施乐先生是这样为我们描绘客人的铂尔曼一日体验的:早晨,被林中鸟的叫声唤起,推开房门,在院子里感受一会儿干净到极致的空气,走出自己的别墅,去全日制餐厅“曦”享受早餐——最好能提前预订到室外的座位,这些位子因为出色的视野而非常抢手;上午,可以在酒店借辆自行车,骑在山间,去蓝月谷剧场看看“印象丽江”大型实景演出,体味500个原住少数民族兄弟同场舞蹈的震撼;中午回来,在五家风格各异的餐厅和酒吧里选择心仪的一间,酒店定期更换的美食主题,取材天然的食材都会为你带来不凡的味觉享受;值得一提的是,客人还可以在酒店庭院和鸭子互动,喂食色彩斑斓的锦鲤,享受曼妙的午后时光。之后可以去天露图书馆休息,雪山脚下的阅读之趣是言语不足以描述的;夜幕降临,酒店内的茶花湖边有露天BBQ,很多当地的美味会在这里新鲜呈现,之后,酒店员工会相约出现在湖边,表演纳西族传统歌舞,也会邀客人一起参与。
这里不仅仅是休闲度假的天堂,酒店提供的绝佳会议场地还适合举办各类形式的宴会活动。丽江铂尔曼度假酒店拥有五个多功能会议室和一个具有当地纳西族建筑风格的333平方米宴会厅。“铂尔曼创新会议”除了提供最先进的视听设备、免费无线网络和宾客专属“休憩空间”服务外,还配备会议及活动的专门协调员,为活动组织者度身订做创新主题活动,参与活动的全程并提供意见和创意,确保活动的顺利开展。
游玩和会议之余,酒店还提供了水疗和健身中心,在铂尔曼健身与水疗中心,宾客可以在这里享受具有丽江特色SPA疗程,放松精神,让身体真正处于度假的状态。酒店24小时开放健身中心,让游客随时可以体验运动的乐趣。除此之外,丽江还拥有两座配备齐全的高尔夫国际球场与丽江铂尔曼度假酒店近在咫尺,酒店驱车即可到达,其中一座是丽江玉龙雪山高尔夫球会——北半球唯一的雪山球场、全球海拔最高的球场之一,由于海拔高,空气稀薄,地心引力小,18洞球道长度被设计为长达8548码,独一无二的条件吸引着世界各地的高尔夫球手们慕名而来。
另外,丽江铂尔曼度假酒店Ⅱ期——北区“丽江柳溪小院”,也已开始预售,以高度私密的奢华纳西庭院别墅为主,将纳西古建筑精华与现代时尚元素结合的双层庭院别墅,既满足居住的现代需求又与周围自然景致相融合,直面雪山下的淡然境地。内装部分将纳西文化的中的粗犷、中国水墨意境的柔美写意相结合,从室内石材地砖、中式意境水墨立体地毯到玻璃夹纱探门、仿清木质家具无一不是全私家专属定制而成。代表云南特有气质的奢华精装庭院,无论是庭院内特制精心布置铺设的天然石材,亦或是栽种灌型独特的乔木和地被植物,都散发着浓郁的云南气息和雪域高原特有的自然景致。吸收西方建筑的先进元素展现云南院落生活的意境,云南味道的院子生活从这里开始 ,“丽江柳溪小院”无疑是中国自然文化遗产带中最应被首先考虑的私产配置。
在丽江铂尔曼,客人的感受与城市中的酒店居住经验是不一样的,用来开门的不是房卡,而是沉沉的钥匙;别墅内的空间几乎可以用宽广来形容,随便一间房都可能大过城市中的标准客房;还会遇见特别热情的服务人员,他们有着面对朋友般热烈的笑容,随时乐意带你去周围的景区,他们的体贴令很多人难忘,施乐先生给我们讲了一个小故事:一位长居曼谷的瑞士客人头一次来丽江时不幸染了感冒,每天,照顾他房间的服务生都用当地土法为他准备姜茶,第二年这位客人又一次来酒店度假,之前那个服务生见到客人立刻认出了他,便问:“您还需要来一杯去年的那种姜茶么?”大家相视一笑,这种默契和温暖犹如这杯姜茶格外沁人心脾。
施乐先生在业内勤恳工作多年,与之交谈中的诚意与热情让我们感到了一股亲切而略显久违的传统酒店人精神。我们谈论丽江带给个人心灵的非凡体验,谈论在超级城市与人文景区运作酒店的不同感受,当谈论起在丽江经营酒店的个人风格,他不断地表现出了对自己团队的珍视之情——他喜欢这些年轻人,并觉得和在大城市工作的同行相比,自己的员工更需要被关心,“我的同事里除了少部分的本地员工,很多人都是从很远的地方过来工作的,可能他们一年只能回一次家乡,我觉得自己非常有责任让他们生活工作开心而有收获,尽可能多地给他们与外界相融的空间,也看得见职业的发展前景。”他喜欢这些年轻人的热情,并鼓励他们保持下去:“当我年轻入行时,被教导这一行业最基本的原则是殷勤的服务精神,时代在变,客人的需求在变,可能在商务领域,客人对于距离感的强调让很多年轻人误以为他们不再需要热情了,但这是不对的,这样基本的酒店人精神不应该改变。”
“丽江铂尔曼度假酒店一直致力于树立奢华度假酒店的新标准,传承经典服务理念,秉承精致典雅超越客人期待的卓越服务为目标。”施乐先生最后这样为我们概况了铂尔曼品牌在丽江长久经营的心愿,让人分明地看到,在千年雪山与悠久文明笼罩之中,天地的灵气与铂尔曼对经典的追求,必定会使丽江铂尔曼在世人的视野中创造出更多美的奇迹。
Lijiang Impression with Ancient Aroma
--An Exclusive Interview with Mr. Hartmut Schaller, the General Manager of Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa
As the flagship resort of Pullman brand hotels of French Accor Group in Greater China, Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa has become one of the dreaming places adored by many travelers since its opening in 2011. After four years’ running, this top-notch resort has developed its unique characteristics in this ever-changing world. Recently, we had the great honor to interview with Mr. Hartmut Schaller, the General Manager of Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa in this amazing wonderland.
Mr. Hartmut Schaller has accumulated rich experience in hotel operating and managing since he has worked in hotel industry for more than 25 years and assumed the position of General Manager in China for 12 years. During his tenure of office in China, he has been in charge of the operation for many hotels in Tianjin, Shanghai and Hangzhou. Before he came to Lijiang, he worked for another hotel of Accor Group in Shenyang, taking charge of the hotel re-branding. During his brilliant career, Hartmut has also held significant managing position in many first-class hotels in countries like Germany, England, Gibraltar, Austria and Pakistan. Concerning his present work in Pullman Lijiang, Hartmut states that it’s an absolutely brand new task for him as Lijiang is very unique among so many similar thriving cities.
Dayan Ancient Town, a world heritage evaluated by UNESCO, Shuhe Old Town, the best preserved old town alongside the ancient tea horse road and one of the earliest habitats of Naxi minority ancestors, Baisha Old Town, the earliest living place of Naxi minority in Lijiang, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the plateau lake Lashihai and the famous “Country of Women” Lugu Lake, all these are the surrounding scenery of Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa, introduced by Hartmut with great familiarity. He has also expressed his admiration and gratitude for Lijiang modestly. From his perspective, environment is the solid foundation for Pullman Lijiang and it is the charm and beauty of Lijiang that attracts so many travelers stay at the resort. However, seeing from our eyes, the charm of Pullman Lijiang is far more than that.
Located at the gateway of Shuhe Old Town, Pullman Lijiang Resort &Spa embraces a panoramic view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It only takes 10-15 minutes to drive to Lijiang city and Dayan Ancient Town, hotel has very authentic horse carriage could bring you to Shuhe Old Town just in 3 minutes, thus it’s an ideal courier place on the way to Shangri-La. Boasting with 79 villas and 51 deluxe guest rooms, Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa has integrated Naxi classical architecture and modern elements perfectly, ensuring the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenery visible for every room. The whole designing is inspired by local Naxi classical architectures, in which all the big and small gardens are surrounded with water and streams, while the Central Lake has the fantastic scenery in Pullman Lijiang. Furthermore, every villa ranges from 106 to 232 square meters with private gardens ranging from 105 to 232 square meters. Some deluxe villas even have outdoor heated pool.
Described as Hartmut, the guests of Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa spend a day like this. Wakened by the singing of forest birds in the morning, guests open the door and breathe the freshest air in the garden. Stepping out of the villa, they enjoy breakfast at Xi Western Restaurant, which is very popular for the outdoor table with superior scenery booked by many guests in advance. In the morning, guests could ride rental bikes among the mountains, go to Blue Moon Theater to watch the big show “the Impression of Lijiang” or appreciate the amazing dance performed by 500 local ethnic people at the same time. In the midday, guests could dine in the five different-style restaurants and bars in Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa and enjoy an extraordinary taste of the natural food with various alternatives. It is worth mentioning that guests can play with ducks in resort yard and feed bright-colored carps, enjoying the leisurely and comfortable afternoon time. They could also have a rest in the outdoor TianLu library, reading and viewing the beautiful scenery of Snow Mountain at the same time. When it comes to the sunset, there are outdoor BBQ around Camellia Lake. Guests could savor lots of local food, enjoying or joining the traditional Naxi ethnic dance performed by Pullman Lijiang staff.
Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa is not only a paradise for holidays, but also a perfect place for holding feasts and meetings. With five multi-functional meeting rooms and a 333 square-meter traditional Naxi ballroom, the resort also provides the most-advanced media facilities, wifi and exclusive guest rest room. “Pullman Innovation Meeting” also arranges specific event coordinators, assisting organizers to design their activity theme, providing advice and ideas during the whole event and making sure the event process smoothly.
Besides touring and meetings, the guests could also go to Fit & Spa Center in Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa. Here they could enjoy special SPA course with Lijiang characteristic and relax themselves truly or experience sports fun in the 24-hour Fitness center. Lijiang has two Golf Courses which are very close to the Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa. One of the golf courses is Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, which is the only golf course located at Snow Mountain in north hemisphere and one of the highest altitude golf courses all over the world. Due to the high altitude, the golf course is within a thin air and small gravity, thus its 18 hole-way is The luxury hardbound courtyard with unique Yunnan essence is elaborately laid with natural dimension stones, planted with arbor and ground covers, emanating strong Yunnan flavor and natural scenery particularly from this snow-covered plateau. The whole courtyard design has absorbed advanced element of western architecture and reflected the artistic conception of vivid Yunnan lives. Undoubtedly, the yard should be considered as the private property of China's natural heritage on the first consideration. Do not hesitate and just start a typical Yunnan day in Lijiang Liuxi Yard of Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa!
In Pullman Lijiang Resort &Spa, guests will have a totally different experience comparing with staying at the hotels in the cities. Here, guests use heavy keys to open their room instead of light cards and the space inside the villa is considerably huge that any one of the rooms would probably be bigger than the standard room in the cities. The waiters and waitresses are enthusiastic and warmhearted, they are willing to guide guests anytime. Their considerations are unforgettable to many guests and Hartmut told us a story about this. Once there was a Swiss guest who lived in Bangkok came to the resort. Unfortunately, he caught a cold at his first arrival. Every day, the waiter in charge of his room prepared some cups of ginger tea processing in a local method for him. Next year when the guest came back to the resort, the waiter still remembered him and kindly asked him whether he needed that cup of ginger tea again. That moment, they see to a smile and this tacit understanding and warmth has gladdened our heart and refreshing our mind, just like that cup of ginger tea.
Mr. Hartmut Schaller has worked diligently in hotel industry for so many years, and he thoroughly understands the traditional spirits of hotel industry — honesty and enthusiasm—which we can deeply feel when we talk with him. During the interview, we talked about the extraordinary spiritual experience we got when we traveled in Lijiang, the difference between hotels in cities and hotels in human culture resorts. Concerning his managing style, he mentioned a lot about his gratitude to his team. He likes those young staff in his team and thinks they should get more caring compared to the colleagues in cities. He said, "Except few local staff, most of my colleagues come from different places far from Lijiang. They could probably go back to hometown once a year. Therefore, I think I shoulder the responsibility to make them work and live happily and meaningfully, giving them more chances to deal with other people and guiding them to have a clear career prospect." He is particularly fond of the enthusiasm in young staff and encourages them to keep it. "When I was young and still a green hand, I was taught that the basic principle of hotel industry is hospitality and enthusiasm. As time goes by, customers' demands have changed. Especially in the business area, customers began to emphasize a lot on privacy, and this may have been misunderstood by our young staff that hospitality and enthusiasm are not needed any more. However, this is absolutely wrong. We should stick to our basic principal."
"Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa has been dedicated to build a new standard of deluxe resorts, carry on its traditional serving principles and adhere to provide refined and elegant service beyond guests’ expectation." Mr. Hartmut Schaller summarized the management concept of Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa like this. From his words, we could foresee that Pullman brand will continue its excellency and have a bright future in Lijiang.