Irene Kaselimi – CEO & Founder of Siete Mares Luxury Suites & Villas
Hospitality, Wellness, Beauty, and a Passion for Success!
Irene Kaselimi is a leading figure, a woman with a passion for creation. A distinguished lawyer and internationally awarded for her business achievements, she is the CEO of ARIA Collection Group, owner of “Siete Mares Suites & Villas” in Imerovigli, Santorini, and the exclusive representative of one of the top British Beauty Clinics “Geneviv,” with plans for expansion throughout Greece. In a highly interesting interview, she shares her thoughts and goals for the hospitality industry, as well as the realms of aesthetics and wellness. She confides that “Geneviv” came into her life through her personal doctor in Italy, who is an international partner of Geneviv in London. Her experiential trust inspired her to offer the gift of scientific Aesthetics in Greece. She is a member of the International Mumble Forum for Women Entrepreneurs and the Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation in Chicago. For her achievements in the hotel tourism industry, she has been awarded the “2024 Global Recognition Award” and the “Sustainable Hotel Award.” Her accolades continue in Amalfi, where she will be awarded “Business Woman Leader of 2024” and “Best Hotel of the Year,” and she looks forward to a future filled with success.
How did you decide to get involved in the hospitality industry?
I believe investing in a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector is the right choice. For me, the motivations are significant and the satisfaction is immense in interacting with and creating unforgettable experiences for my guests.
What is your vision and how do you see your business growing in the future?
My vision is to create a strong brand that guests trust and seek out for memorable and personalized stays, meals, and activities. This requires strategic development to consistently improve client experiences through personalized services, a compatible corporate culture, and new innovative solutions that meet and surpass the expectations we set. Adopting sophisticated technology such as mobile check-in, virtual concierge services, and smart room technologies, collaborating with other businesses to offer exclusive packages, ongoing employee training, and, most importantly, environmental sustainability—all of which attract an increasing number of visitors. Business expansion entails extending into new markets, both domestically and internationally, to reach a larger audience.
What are the primary challenges you face as a female hotel CEO in Greece?
It is true that women in business encounter bias on a regular basis, and their leadership talents are usually underestimated in comparison to those of men. I believe that a woman’s leadership presence in our industry is vital since women naturally possess the necessary “qualities”. I’m aiming to create a discrimination-free workplace in which employees trust and recognize female leadership.
What is the most significant lesson you’ve learned as a hospitality leader?
One of the most significant lessons is the value of effective communication. Clear and open communication with my employees, guests, and other stakeholders is critical to the hotel’s successful operation. Miscommunication can cause misunderstandings, mistakes, and frustration. Fostering a culture of open communication builds trust and loyalty among employees and customers.
What philosophy guides the hospitality experience you provide to your guests
Our concept revolves around creating a friendly and memorable environment in which our guests feel valued, respected, and cared for. We think that each guest is unique and deserves individual attention and care. We want to make real connections and cultivate long-term relationships via empathy, respect, and genuine warmth.
How do you balance your professional and personal life?
I set limits and schedule time for my personal activities. This reduces burnout and guarantees that I have time for my family, friends, hobbies, and relaxation. I also delegate tasks and encourage my staff to take on responsibilities, freeing up my time to focus on strategic decisions and high-priority tasks. Effective delegation not only lightens my workload but also fosters the professional growth and development of my employees.
What inspires you every day, and how do you stay passionate about your work?
One of my biggest sources of inspiration is my guests and the potential to create meaningful experiences that have a positive impact on their lives. The excitement and satisfaction on their faces after an extraordinary stay at our hotel makes me happy and pushes me to keep striving for excellence. My team also serves as a source of inspiration. Working with devoted and skilled people who share my passion for hospitality energizes and excites me about what I do. Moreover, I am inspired by innovators and thought leaders who push me to think creatively, adapt to change, and continuously improve our offerings. To keep my enthusiasm for work, I make a conscious effort to remain curious, open-minded, and proactive in seeking out new challenges and opportunities for growth.
What are your next goals?
My next goal is to improve the guest experience at our hotel while also promoting long-term business growth. I intend to continue innovating and upgrading our services, amenities, and offerings to exceed customer expectations and set new standards of excellence in hospitality.
What motivated you to bring the “GENEVIV Clinic” to Greece?
In recent years, there has been a growing trend in the wellness and beauty industry, as we all recognize how important self-care is in an environment that creates stress for both the body and mind. Through a beauty and wellness clinic, we can boost people’s confidence and improve their overall well-being. The joy of helping someone look and feel better is unparalleled. I would say that my passion for health and beauty, along with the desire to help others look and feel their best, are the main motivations behind the decision to open a wellness and beauty clinic.
What services will your clinic offer and how will they complement your hotel’s existing services?
The Wellness and Beauty Clinic will offer a variety of services to help guests look and feel their best during their stay. These services will include massages, facial and body treatments, as well as nutritional counselling for a holistic therapeutic approach. Guests can easily book their appointments to enjoy a comprehensive relaxation and rejuvenation experience without needing to travel to external spa facilities. Our priority is to use high-quality products, employ specialized professionals, and offer personalized treatments to ensure that each guest has a unique and refreshing experience tailored to their individual needs and preferences.
Thank you, and we wish you the best of success!
