After more than a decade of experience working in the international luxury space – much of it with the Four Seasons brand – Sandra Oliva was promoted to general manager at the award winning Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas. She just moved to Los Cabos in December 2024 for the role.
Her career at Four Seasons has given her the opportunity to travel the world and visit over 45 of the hotel’s properties. She has worked in Geneva (Switzerland), Saint Jean Cap Ferrat (France), Miami (USA), Paris (France), Florence (Italy), Philadelphia (USA) and now Los Cabos (Mexico).
“This is the first time I have lived in Latin America since I left Peru, and the first time I work in my native language, Spanish,” Sandra says. “Previously, I have only worked in French, English or Italian environments before moving here, so this is an incredibly meaningful opportunity for me.”
Sandra brings with her an eclectic background. She is a French citizen born in Lima, Peru, and besides Spanish, she’s also fluent in English, French and Italian. She earned two degrees – one in hotel and tourism management, the other in marketing – and then began her first job at a hotel in Paris as an events coordinator.
In honor of Women’s History Month, below is an interview with Sandra – one of the exceptional women breaking barriers in the international hotel industry.
Can you tell us more about your very interesting family background? Also, where were you raised?
I was born in Lima, Peru. My father´s parents had Chinese (Cantonese) origins and he was a “Francophile” (in love with France). He signed me up for French school in Lima when I was three years old, and that is where I learned to speak French. All my schoolmates had French origins except me; I was one of the rare locals.
My father passed away when I was a young teenager, at which point I moved to Toulouse in the southwest of France and officially received my French citizenship.
What cities, countries did you receive your education?
I went to the French School of Lima in Peru, then in Toulouse, France (Lycée Saint Sernin). From there, I went to Hypokhâgne, which is a very exclusive and competitive academic undergraduate program that specializes in French literature and humanities.
I eventually decided to study something that would allow me to have an international career and travel. So, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism and then a master’s degree in marketing at the University of Toulouse. Since then, I have obtained certificates in digital marketing from Columbia University and food and beverage management at Cornell University.
I know you’ve had a brief departure from hospitality in 2020, what do you love most about working in hospitality that made you come back?
During the pandemic, hotels closed and I felt the need to go back to what I considered home so that I could be close to my family and loved ones. I moved back to my apartment in Paris, a very cozy nest in Montmartre, with the idea to do a few months sabbatical. Louis Vuitton contacted me to co-manage their most renowned store in Place Vendôme in Paris – a four-story building with 115 employees. After that experience, I knew I wanted to come back to hospitality and become a General Manager, to Four Seasons specifically, as it is the leading luxury hotel brand in the world. But the main reason for my return was that I realized that I wanted to work in an industry and at a company where kindness is an asset.
What are you looking forward to in your role now as General Manager at the Four Seasons Costa Palmas? Can you describe a typical day?
The hotel is located in an area of Los Cabos, the East Cape, which is away from the crowds and surrounded by breathtaking nature. In all my travels, I have never seen such beautiful natural landscapes or swam in more spectacular beaches. Also, the quality of service in Mexico is exceptional, from the heart, and based on genuine kindness.
I would like to elevate our existing offerings with new, creative initiatives that highlight our incredible food and beverage outlets – we have 13 in the Costa Palmas community – our world-renowned spa, and the multiple unique activities of this breathtaking destination.
While no day is ever the same, which is a big part of why I was drawn to hospitality, we have a saying around here that I have found to be true, “there are no bad days on the East Cape.”
Do you feel it is more challenging as a woman in this role? If so, in what ways?
I think being a general manager is a demanding role, whether you are a man or a woman, because it requires a personal investment in terms of time and focus. More than challenging, I would say that it is an extremely exciting role. The day to day needs are multiple and enriching. From studying floor plans with engineers to enhance our product, or choosing the best dishes for a new seasonal menu, to teaching the quality standards in each department, listening to our employees, connecting with the guests during their stay, working with sales and marketing on strategies for the year, optimizing our costs and procedures, and so much more, there is never a dull moment!
As a GM, I lead over 600 employees, so I spend part of my day connecting with the team and giving direction through well-thought out strategies. It is a dream job and a role that constantly reminds me that every challenge we may encounter is just an opportunity waiting to be seized.
Did you have female mentors throughout your career who helped you succeed to where you are today?
I’ve had the privilege of working with many women at Four Seasons that helped me to grow, each with different personalities and backgrounds. My current area president is a woman, Ilse Harley, and my previous regional vice president was Cornelia Samara. I also had the chance to work hand-in-hand with Daniela Trovato in Europe, and all of them have been very inspiring leaders.
However, more than any one person, the women who have continuously helped me to succeed were the women who were on my teams, under my leadership, or peers. There is so much that we can all learn from one another. It was my honor to be a representative for them, and for the dreams that they had.
Do you see more women rising to the ranks of general manager, or is it still mainly men in this arena?
There are still more general managers who are men than women currently, but the percentage is growing exponentially every year and I believe it will continue to do so, in large part because there is more and more female representation in this role.
When we see someone who might look like us in a certain role, it helps us to dream and to set goals.
Every culture has a variety of obstacles pertaining to this conversation, however, I feel incredibly proud to work with a brand like Four Seasons who gives opportunity based on merit and experience. Our teams are better and stronger because of our differences.
Do you yourself mentor other women, or give back to organizations that help women who want careers in hospitality? What other causes are important to you?
Throughout my career, I have had several women mentees, we keep in touch regularly, and I make myself available for any advice they may need. It is an honor to be a small part of shaping tomorrow’s hospitality superstars.
There are so many worthy causes, but one that is near and dear to my heart is helping to fight against women and children trafficking. It is a terrible plague that is unfortunately present in the travel and tourism sector.
What is your message, or most important piece of advice, to other women who would like to rise in the ranks of hospitality?
The secret of guaranteed success is consistency. Be the best version of yourself every day. Have a positive attitude, and you will stand out amongst the crowds and be trusted with more responsibility.
It never came to my mind that being a woman could stop me in my career ambitions. Although I faced unconscious bias many times, it never affected my consistent conviction for equality with my male peers. Not for a second.
What do you hope to achieve in your role as general manager at Four Seasons Costa Palmas?
I want this Resort to be known as one of the world´s best, because it truly is. It is a hidden gem, located in a magical, natural destination away from the crowds, and with an exquisite design. There is nothing like it anywhere else in the world.
This article was created in partnership with FIPROTUR Los Cabos under the private trust. See the website disclaimer here. For more information, visit https://fiproturloscabos.com.
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