a new refined luxury

Mark Wong, Asia Pacific Senior VP of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, explains the stealth nature of a post-luxury world.

- ZAT ASTHA

When it comes to finding someone like Mark Wong who could accurately represent the luxury travel scene in Singapore, one would be hard-pressed for choices.

After all, an island with 240,100 millionaires, 329 centi-millionaires, and 27 billionaires according to a report by World's Wealthiest City is a right haven for luxury travel operators. But Wong is not just the leader of an atypical luxury travel company; he works for Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

In his capacity as the Asia Pacific senior vice president, Wong is tasked with being the curator du jour of small luxury properties in the region and, according to him, "sharing their unique backstories with the world". It's work I'm certain comes easily for Wong, who left SLH in 2011 for three years due to an opportunity to spearhead the launch of a new hotel brand.

Shortly after that work was finished, SLH reached out, asking if Wong wanted to lead operations in Asia Pacific. "Given the completion of my project and the valuable experiences gained, I saw this as an opportunity to return to what truly resonates with me."

CURATED AND INTIMATE

SLH was founded in 1991 by two hoteliers, Paul Kerr and Sir David Michels, who wanted to create a platform that showcased and promoted independent luxury hotels. Today, the group is a diverse collection of boutique properties, each known for its unique character, exceptional service, and distinct experiences. These hotels often feature intimate settings, personalized customer service, and a strong sense of local culture.