Hotelier of the Month: Sandy Liw

I am passionate about the hospitality industry and was eager to lead this stunning resort.

Sandy Liw originally made her way to the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort around 18 months ago from one of the brand’s most iconic properties in Vietnam, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, where she held the position of Hotel Manager over a three-year tenure. Her achievements in Vietnam included the curation of luxurious yet sustainable guest experiences and raising the benchmark for service excellence in the industry.

Prior to that, Sandy was the Executive Assistant Manager at Capella Singapore – becoming one of the first women to hold the position where she took charge of hotel operations, guest satisfaction, and general management. This role was a step up from her previous position as Director of Sales & Marketing, where she was responsible for revenue optimization and the development and execution of commercial strategies, as well as brand marketing efforts.

Can you share a bit about your journey in the hospitality industry and how you got started?

Upon returning from Hotel Management training in Austria, I worked in every department of a five-star hotel in Singapore as a management trainee before moving into sales. My career then progressed with positions at Raffles Hotel Singapore and Capella Hotel Singapore, followed by roles overseas with IHG in Vietnam and now Thailand. I have been the GM at IHG Khao Yai Resort for one and a half years.

What motivated you to join InterContinental Khao Yai and what do you hope to achieve in this role?

I was motivated to join InterContinental Khao Yai due to the incredible opportunity to take on the role of General Manager. I am passionate about the hospitality industry and was eager to lead this stunning resort.

What is your goal for this property?

My goal is to elevate InterContinental Khao Yai into a must-visit destination for guests, known for its exceptional service, unique experiences, and beautiful surroundings. By fostering a culture of excellence and creativity, I aim to create memorable stays that exceed guest expectations.

What trends do you think will shape the future of luxury hotel management?

I feel that will be health and wellness. Guests are seeking holistic experiences that promote their physical and mental well-being. We offer wellness programs, spa services, and healthy dining options in our resort which are further enhanced by the recent appointment of our Wellness Specialist. Also crucial will be authenticity and local experiences. I feel guests are looking for authentic experiences that connect them with the local culture and environment. We have introduced many activities both inside and outside the resort, such as the national park, winery tours, and farm visits. There’s also our Pampered Pet experience which is proving very popular.  Lastly, it will be sustainability and eco-friendly practices. We are in the process of applying for Green Hotel Certification.  We try to use only ingredients from farms in Khao Yai as much as we can, and also promote only local wines in our restaurants. We also try to hire staff from the local region wherever possible.

What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to build a career in luxury hotel management?

Think about the steps you need to take to get where you want to go. This might involve stepping outside your comfort zone or learning new skills. Find a mentor who can guide you. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring leaders throughout my career who have motivated me to achieve my goals and aspirations.

Check out InterContinental Khao Yai and meet Sandy and her team here.