The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Perak, Malaysia has appointed Swiss spouse team Lucia Franziska and Felix Eppisser as General Manager and Culinary Director respectively. Lucia oversees the operations of the 25-luxury villa wellness retreat whereas Felix helms the culinary as well as bespoke events management and operations at The Banjaran.
Lucia and her Michelin-starred chef husband Felix are seasoned hospitality professionals with over 30 years of experience in diverse areas of hospitality consultancy and hotel and restaurant management. “Their proven expertise in managing upscale boutique hotels and destination restaurants in addition to having achieved exceptional global accolades will indeed add an edge to The Banjaran,” CEO of Sunway International Hotels & Resorts Ms. Mandy Chew said.
Prior to assuming their positions at The Banjaran, Lucia and Felix managed Myanmar’s Le Planteur Restaurant & Lounge since 2011 which garnered a string of accolades, including that of being one of the Top 200 Fine Dining Restaurants in Asia (Miele Guide 2012 / 2013). Before Yangon, the Eppissers managed Zurich’s boutique Hotel Rigiblick from 2004 to 2010, which is also home to the one-star Michelin and 16 points Gault-Millau rated restaurant Spice. The pair first established their working relationship at the luxury hotel Gasthofzum Bären in the Swiss town of Nürensdorf where they served from 1997 to 2003.
Taking on the role of General Manager at The Banjaran, Lucia brings a wealth of experience in managing upscale boutique hotels in Europe. Lucia’s diverse portfolio ranges from start-up operations to bespoke consultancy services including conducting coaching programmes for Swiss International Airlines’ First and Business Class flight attendants.Lucia obtained multiple Masters’ Degree in Coaching, Supervision and Mediation from the Universities of Berne and Zurich, besides high distinctions attained from the University of Hotel Management in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Felix has trained, worked in and operated a number of celebrated restaurants and hotels in Switzerland comprising the Relais & Chateau Hotel Giardino in Ascona, du Théâtrein Bern, Hotel Savoy, Baur au Lac Hotel and The Dolder Grand in Zurich to name a few. Felix was part of the most successful Swiss National Cooking Team and has won numerous international culinary competitions.The inventive Michelin-starred chef ascertained his culinary diploma, “Eidg. dipl. Küchenchef” as Kitchen Master, with the highest possible rating in 1991.
Both Lucia and Felix are enthusiastic about the many opportunities in facilities innovations, special events and general services that will further enhance the bespoke programmes at The Banjaran. “We understand the importance of maintaining and consistently delivering high standards for our guests during their stay at The Banjaran. We have collaborated well together in the past and our working relationship will continue to evolve as we draw out each other’s different strengths and passion for excellence,” Lucia and Felix concurred.
