Hugo Montanari, who has helmed the crown jewel of Rosewood Hotel Group since 2022, answers 30 of Forbes Australia‘s burning questions.
Welcome to Off The Clock.
Forget talking points. ‘Off The Clock’ is all about the little gems our interviewees share once the cameras stop rolling and the keynote ends. Each edition, we nail down individuals of exceptional intrigue – from the worlds of culture, commerce, and spaces in-between – for a casual, yet far-reaching convo.
Think of it as a portrait drawn from 30 unrehearsed, quickdraw questions: always over a coffee or (several) excellent cocktails.
It takes a particular kind of individual to play the orchestra at Rosewood Hong Kong: flagship of the eponymous ultra-high-end hotel group, apprised by this very masthead as “a luxe vertical estate on Victoria Harbour”. For three years, that task has fallen to Hugo Montanari — Managing Director of Rosewood Hong Kong and its adjacent sibling property, K11 Artus.
With his silvered coif and penchant for louche double-breasted suits, Montanari is every bit the image of the world-class hotelier. Pivotally, he also has the résumé to match. Over the course of more than 20 years, the L’École hôtelière de Lausanne alumnus has worked at a gauntlet of the world’s leading hotels: including the iconic Plaza in New York and multiple properties under The Ritz-Carlton banner.
Montanari’s tenure with the latter saw him travel extensively throughout India and Mainland China, culminating in a decision to move to Hong Kong in late 2022, taking the reins at Rosewood. The hard product – 413 room keys; 11 bars & restaurants; a spa operated in conjunction with Guerlain – is requisitely impressive, blending cutting-edge facilities with an ethos of Old World glamour.
Yet it is Montanari and the wider Rosewood leadership’s team individual commitment to “meaningful, lasting impact” that is the real animus behind how the Hong Kong flagship has been received. Since 2025, it has been recognised as “The World’s Best Hotel” by the annual ‘50 Best’ rankings, and has supplemented that overarching accolade with one Michelin star apiece for its Indian and Cantonese dining destinations.
Below, Montanari takes a moment from his breakneck schedule to share with Forbes Australia memories, tips, and hard-earned wisdom from the world of luxury hospitality.
- The first thing you notice upon entering a room?
The energy of the people in it. - A scent that transports you back to your childhood?
The smell of monsoon rain on warm earth in India. - One item of clothing you’ll wear until the seams unravel?
A perfectly tailored navy blazer. - An accessory you never leave home without?
My watch — it keeps me grounded in time and place. - Your morning ritual to kickstart the day?
Coffee in hand while reviewing the day ahead as the city wakes up.
- The last thing you do before you go to bed?
Check in with my family and reflect on the day. - Your desert island album — you can only pick one.
The Joshua Tree by U2. - The most enjoyable meal you’ve ever had?
A long family lunch overlooking the Mediterranean in Ibiza. - For your go-to beverage — wine or cocktail?
Wine — preferably a great Italian red shared with friends. - What to order — when somebody else is paying?
The chef’s recommendation, but always for the table to share!
- The most important meeting in your daily/weekly calendar?
Any conversation with my team that helps them grow. - The biggest productivity killer?
Mistaking activity for progress. - The last thing you splurged on (and don’t regret)?
Definitely memorable family trips. - A guilty pleasure that you’ll never give up?
A late-night scoop of gelato. - Night owl or morning person?
(Very) early morning person.
- The quality you look for in colleagues and collaborators?
Integrity combined with curiosity. - One rule — in life or work — you absolutely swear by?
Treat people with respect and the rest usually follows. - The most significant risk you’ve ever taken?
Repeatedly moving continents with my family in pursuit of growth and opportunity. - The best piece of writing you’ve read in the past year?
Hold on to Your Kids has been a constant source of perspective. - A city you keep returning to. Why?
Hong Kong — for its incredible energy, diversity, and sense of possibility.
- The last great holiday you went on?
Time spent exploring Europe with my family. - A film to watch over and over again?
The Shawshank Redemption. - The thing most people get wrong about your profession/industry?
Hospitality isn’t about buildings: it’s about people. - A talent you wish you had?
Playing a musical instrument well. - Dinner guest — living or deceased — you’d most want at your table?
Barack Obama.
- The most memorable moment of your career?
Seeing Rosewood Hong Kong recognized as the “World’s Best Hotel”, and being promoted to Director of Operations in India.
My boss at the time announced that second big moment on my birthday: by presenting my new business cards in front of family and friends. - The most pressing challenge facing your industry?
Attracting, and developing, the next generation of talent in hospitality. - The mentor who taught you the most?
The many leaders who showed me that listening matters more than having all the answers. - One thing you believed in 25 years ago that you’ve since abandoned?
That being a ‘great leader’ means having all of the solutions. - Three words you’d want to hear at your eulogy?
“Kind, curious, impactful.”
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