Christos Pavlidis, the powerhouse General Manager at Ovolo South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia.
Step inside the bold, creative world of contemporary hospitality as luxury hotel critic Renae Leith-Manos hosts a revelatory podcast conversation with Christos Pavlidis, the powerhouse General Manager at Ovolo South Yarra.
This dynamic property, located in Melbourne’s buzzing South Yarra precinct, is more than just the city’s latest hip address—it’s a testament to Christos’s vision of reimagining the hotel as a soulful, playful lifestyle sanctuary, and his impressive ascent from chef to hotelier is on full display in this must-listen episode.
From Greek Kitchens to Global Hotel Stardom
Christos’s story is shaped by deep Greek roots, a chef’s intuition, and a global hospitality journey. In this episode, he shares his early culinary inspiration, crediting the traditions of his family’s home in Thessaloniki for instilling both a love of food and a spirit of warmth that remains at the core of his leadership.
Christos muses on how Melbourne’s multicultural energy and vibrant Greek community informed his ascent, beginning as an apprentice at the old Rialto and quickly rising through the ranks to pivotal roles at leading luxury hotels.
The podcast uncovers Christos’s belief that true hospitality goes far beyond precise service—it’s about creating soulful moments that linger. He recounts the once-in-a-lifetime experience of opening COMO The Treasury in Perth, and the lessons learned from his time at Crown London, before returning to Australia to lead Ovolo South Yarra’s launch—a fitting homecoming in one of the world’s great food cities.
The Ovolo South Yarra Difference: More Than Retro Glamour
Ovolo South Yarra inhabits a space where retro design, high art, and the pulsating energy of Chapel and Toorak converge. Christos gives Renae a glimpse behind the curtain: the hotel’s luscious 70s-inspired decor, vibrant art collaborations, and renowned “Rockstar” suites named for musical legends are all expressions of his mission to offer an immersive, joy-filled guest experience.
He’s unafraid to break the traditional mold. Christos’s operational philosophy is to “celebrate every day”—including keeping the fridge stocked with Champagne—and to empower his team to inject personality into their work. This leadership style has helped Ovolo South Yarra earn its reputation as a destination for global awards, including a coveted spot in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards Top 1% of Hotels Worldwide.
Wellness, Sustainability, and the Vegan Revolution
One of the episode’s highlights is Christos’s candid account of wellness and sustainability at Ovolo. He speaks passionately about the success of Lona Misa, the hotel’s critically acclaimed, Latin-inspired plant-based restaurant, awarded a “One Hat” by the Good Food Guide in 2025. Under Christos’s stewardship, the kitchen buzzes with creative energy, serving dishes that are as indulgent as they are sustainable—a showcase for Melbourne’s plant-forward culinary trend.
The conversation delves into Christos’s personal wellness journey and the property’s health-conscious focus, from curated vegan offerings to wellness amenities that reflect Australia’s evolving approach to self-care and mindful living. It’s an approach that equally resonates with hip young explorers, eco-conscious travelers, and locals looking for a special night out.
A Playful Approach to Hospitality, Grounded in Excellence
Throughout the episode, Renae draws out the DNA of Christos’s management style: playful yet meticulous, creative yet grounded. Christos riffs on the balance of skill and emotional intelligence, underscoring that “service is what you do for someone, hospitality is how you make them feel.” His commitment is to a guest journey that’s never routine but always rewarding, with each team member empowered to delight and surprise.
He’s ambitious, too: with Ovolo South Yarra’s star rising, Christos wants it to become a global lifestyle hotel icon. He shares his strategies for nurturing a vibrant team culture where creativity is celebrated, feedback is welcomed, and operational agility is second nature—qualities that are increasingly vital in today’s luxury hotel landscape.
Melbourne’s Dining and Cultural Scene: The Ultimate Canvas
No conversation about Ovolo South Yarra is complete without nodding to its location. Christos and Renae celebrate the hotel’s enviable perch among the boutiques, cocktail bars, and legendary Prahran Market—the kind of immersive, hyper-local experiences modern guests crave. Whether it’s the vibrant dining at Lona Misa, the hidden Backroom cocktail den, or exploring Melbourne’s creative pulse, Ovolo South Yarra—under Christos’s direction—offers an urban playground that’s as stylish as it is welcoming.
Where2FromHere? The Future Looks Bright
The episode closes on a reflective note, with Christos sharing his vision for sustainable growth, increased global reach for the Ovolo brand, and a personal travel wish-list that still includes family time in Chile and adventures in Hawaii. For him, the future of hospitality is about marrying timeless warmth with modern relevance—a belief woven through every story, milestone, and guest memory at Ovolo South Yarra.
With its award-winning ethos, passionate leadership, and an infectious spirit, Ovolo South Yarra stands as a testament to how one visionary GM—and his trailblazing team—can turn a city hotel into a destination of soul. Listen to the full podcast to discover Christos’s powerful philosophy and the inspirations that keep him—and this electric Melbourne hotel—at the forefront of contemporary luxury lifestyle hospitality
