Inspiring women we have discovered working in luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, bring their stories and inspiration for International Women’s Day.
Women make up a significant portion of the luxury industry’s workforce but are largely underrepresented in leadership roles within most luxury hotel companies.
The hospitality sector is still very traditional and male-dominated in terms of values according to a paper presented at the International Conference on Tourism Research in 2023.
It also found “the wage differences between men and women are critical, and many of the jobs are stigmatized.”
For International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the minority of women who have managed to break through the glass ceiling and working for some of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands and restaurants from Raffles to Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton and more, in leadership positions, and who are inspiring other women to do the same.
Dagmar Lyons General Manager, Raffles Phnom Penh
Dagmar Lyons is General Manager of the prestigious Raffles hotel in Phnom Penh Cambodia and says International Womens Day is important: “It’s a moment to celebrate the achievements of women around the world, acknowledge the progress we’ve made, and reflect on the work still needed to ensure true gender equality. It’s also a powerful reminder to support, uplift, and inspire the next generation of women in leadership.
Lyons says empowerment is key as a woman working in luxury hotels “Empowerment starts with self-awareness and confidence. I make a conscious effort to lead by example, advocate for inclusivity, and ensure that every team member—especially women—feels valued and supported.
I also believe in mentorship, open communication, and recognizing talent, ensuring that women in our industry have the opportunities and encouragement they need to grow.”
She says being a woman in luxury hotels still has obstacles but it she has found ways around it: “Being a woman in leadership within luxury hospitality has been both rewarding and challenging. Women in hospitality often have to work harder to prove themselves, especially in leadership roles. While there is growing representation, we still face barriers, particularly when it comes to leadership roles. However, I’ve found that staying authentic, confident, and results-driven has allowed me to earn respect and drive meaningful change.”
https://www.raffles.com/phnom-penh
Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong The Slate Phuket
Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong is an influential woman in Thailand’s tourism industry, blending heritage, creativity, and visionary leadership. As the owner of the multi award winning beachfront five star resort The Slate in north west Phuket designed by Bill Bensley, she is a Thai national and one of Thailand’s leading women in luxury Hospitality.
Today she is a woman carrying on her family’s legacy—her father, Wichit, was instrumental in putting Phuket on the global tourism map.
Growing up, her father had a significant influence on her career, Wichit saw there was scope for Pukhet to become an international holiday destination, and conceived the idea for the Slate Hotel, with a strong emphasis on a traditional Thai look and feel. However Krystal had her own vision, studying at The University of Buckingham, in the UK and the acclaimed Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne in Switzerland, stepping into the role of co-owner in 2007 she convinced him to transform the Slate to a new modern Luxury.
She has worked with some of hospitality’s biggest brands, including The Intercontinental Vendome in Paris, then Switzerland and Hawaii. Fast-forward to today, Krystal works on showing the world how Phuket evolved into one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world.
Krystal focuses on uplifting women in roles of power within their specialties, such as Chef Piak, who leads the resort’s lauded signature restaurant, Black Ginger and she has recently opwned Coolies Club, a restaurant bar desigend by Bill Bensley.
Beyond hospitality, Krystal is spearheading an ambitious marina development in Phuket, aligning with Thailand’s vision for marine tourism. With sustainability and innovation at the core of her ventures, she continues to shape the island’s future while honoring its past. This is Renae’s review of The Slate.
Tracy Keeley Restaurant Owner + Managing Director, Lunetta and Lunetta Trattoria, Australia
The driving force behind Lunetta in Canberra, Tracy Keely shares her journey of revitalising a beloved piece of Canberra’s history and navigating a career in leadership.
She reflects,”Being a woman in a leadership position in the luxury hospitality industry comes with its unique challenges, but it’s incredibly rewarding. At Lunetta, I’ve made it a priority to foster a team-oriented, inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and valued. It’s empowering to be a woman in this space, and it’s a privilege to break down barriers for future generations of women in hospitality.”
She comes from a very close family who have not only supported her but work with her; “My family has had a profound influence on my career. Growing up, we were always taught the value of hard work. My parents’ emphasis on these values instilled in me the confidence to take risks and the belief that anything is possible with determination. Now, working alongside my sons, Nicholas and Matthew, on the Lunetta project has been a dream come true, and a reflection of the close-knit family values we’ve carried forward.”
In terms of career success in hospitality, she has plenty of advice. Tracey says, “Building relationships is key—whether it’s with mentors, colleagues, or guests. In this industry, there’s a lot of power in being genuine, creating trust, and maintaining integrity. Additionally, you need to work hard, be resilient, and not shy away from leadership opportunities, even when they feel daunting. My strength comes from my resilience and my ability to stay grounded despite the challenges I face. I try to remain true to myself and my values, and I always strive to uplift those around me. A strong woman is someone who faces adversity head-on, learns from it, and continues to grow.
Tracy adds, “One of the biggest challenges women in hospitality face is the underrepresentation of women in senior roles. We also often face the challenge of work-life balance, especially in a fast-paced industry like ours. Despite these challenges, it’s incredibly important to continue advocating for change, creating inclusive environments, and supporting one another as women.”
She looks to other women for inspiration and names Sara Blakley as her biggest inspiration; “One woman who I greatly admire is Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. Her entrepreneurial journey is an inspiring one—starting with just $5,000 and transforming Spanx into a multi-billion-dollar company. Her story demonstrates the power of innovation, determination, and staying true to your vision, no matter the challenges.”
Tina Liu, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, Thailand
Tina Liu says even though she has reached the top of the luxury hotel world, as GM of The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, in one of the fastest growing locations globally, she can still be overlooked, even in the smallest of ways which is one of her ongoing challenges; “A challenge that I encounter frequently is being overlooked. It might mean not being addressed when standing next to a man or the assumption that the person in charge is a man. I try not to take it personally and make a conscious effort to address everyone in front of me,” she says.
But despite this, Tina says she frequently meets men who are supportive of her career trajectory, “I see all of us as executives with the same goals. There are men out there who are more comfortable being around other men but there are usually men who also enjoy the diversity of being around both men and women. I will gravitate toward these men”.
Tina’s story is not a straight line to the top. She has had her share of challenges. Born in Thailand, then moving to the United States when she was seven, she travelled back and forth between Asia and America after her parents’ divorce. Her Chinese mother was a powerhouse who not only inspired her but empowered her to be a success.
“Both of my parents were successful entrepreneurs who taught me early on to drive my own career and work hard. They also taught me about being “street smart” in the sense of emotional intelligence which has served me well in the people business. As such, this has enabled me to open and walk through doors throughout my career journey.”
She says that now that she is at the top of her industry, accountability is the key to her success, “I take personal accountability for every failure and every success and that makes me a strong person,”she reflects.
Tina believes that any woman can succeed with the right mind set; “Success in any career requires sacrifice and hard work. There is always a way to make things happen if we really want it,” and she says International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us all to focus on women in the industry and how we can support them and give them career advancement,” The issues that we address on International Women’s Day are the same and just as important every day but it gives us pause.”
Beatriz Avila, General Manager Villa Le Corail, Gran Melia Nha Trang, Vietnam.
Beatriz Avila is the General Manager of Villa Le Corail Gran Melia in Nha Trang, Vietnam and is a woman redefining leadership in the luxury hotel industry. With a background deeply rooted in design and architecture, she has built an amazing career in luxury hospitality, turning passion into purpose.
“Success comes from preparation, perseverance, and passion. My career has always been about people—building relationships, guiding teams, and leading with purpose,” she says.
“One of the greatest challenges I have faced is navigating situations where a leader and their team have different ambitions or values. It can be difficult when the vision does not align, but I have learned to use emotional intelligence to bridge gaps, to understand what truly motivates people, and to help find common ground.”
For career inspiration, she credits her mother, “Her strength, her resilience, and the way she raised me while always staying positive have been my greatest inspiration. She taught me to be independent, to appreciate beauty in all things, and to be the best version of myself. One of the most valuable lessons she ever gave me was: “You do not need anyone. Be ready to be the best version of you.” That is advice I carry with me every day.
Beatriz says her leadership style is built on listening, understanding, and empowering those around her,” I believe that challenges teach us resilience, but more importantly, they teach us empathy. The most important thing is to love what you do. Passion will drive you through the long hours, the challenges, and the constant evolution of the industry. Trust your instincts and believe in yourself. Your path will not always be straightforward, but if you stay true to your values, you will find your way.”
On International Women’s Day, she says: “It is a day of recognition, of empowerment, and of giving a voice to those who may not have one. There are still many women in the world who are fighting for basic rights, for respect, and for opportunities. If this day can inspire confidence in even one woman, if it can shine a light on the need for progress, then it has meaning.
Click here to see where Beatriz works.
Rowena Carter, Regional Director of People & Culture Four Seasons Sydney, Australia
“I fell in love with hospitality as a teenager, because it made me see the power of connection and the magic of delivering flawless experiences. From operations to People & Culture, my passion has only grown. Hospitality offers limitless possibilities—you get to work with incredible, service-driven people and get a chance to travel the world while doing what you love.
“Balance comes from loving what you do, though true dedication requires some sacrifice—just like an athlete, the effort makes the achievement worthwhile. Working with Four Seasons gives me the opportunity to stay in the best hotels around the world, and work with the most authentic and friendly people – who wouldn’t love that?” explains Rowena.
Rowena says there have been many career highlights including working with a wide range of respected, global luxury and lifestyle brands including Firmdale, 8Hotels, Ovolo Hotels, The Lancemore Group, but there have also been tough times; “COVID and its aftermath were the toughest times in my career and on a personal level. So many of us were deeply impacted and the working world shifted dramatically. There were moments of doubt, times I had to dig deep to push forward, but I’ve learned that the ups and downs are essential—they help us truly appreciate what we have and celebrate our highlights.”
Rowena says there are a range of women who have and who continue to inspire her; “Women who lead at the top of the business world have inspired me endlessly, as have the powerful women in my people & culture network. I’ve also been fortunate to have worked with some incredible men who empowered me and encouraged me to believe in myself.
In terms of leadership she says “the greatest gift a leader can give is simply making space for someone to shine and having trust in their vision. Doing what you love is both important in your work and outside of it, and for me, I need to get out into nature and open spaces to recharge. An example is once per month, myself and a group of mums from my daughters’ school go on a long (sometimes four hour) walk, and that is our way of taking care of each other and offering a platform to share. Whether women are doing it on their own or within relationships what I’ve learnt is not to make assumptions on how people are experiencing their life and what brings them joy.”
And she says International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate, appreciate, and reflect—not just on progress, but on the work still ahead. True change must be sustainable and inclusive of all humans, regardless of gender.
Click here for a review of Four Seasons Sydney.
Caitlin Baker, Chief of Staff, Such and Such & Pilot Restaurants, Australia
Caitlin Baker is breaking barriers and transforming the fine wine and hospitality space for women in hospitality. Caitlin is the Chief of Staff at Such and Such and award winning Pilot, in Canberra, and she has been announced as Canberra’s 2024 Sommelier of the Year.
Growing up in a family of six with a full-time working mother, Caitlin learned invaluable lessons that she carries with her today. She says; “Hard work is rewarded, and having intention with whatever you do is vital”. Caitlin’s success has come from trusting her instincts and taking risks.
“Success as a woman in the industry begins with understanding your worth and being prepared to take risks. One of the beauties of being a woman is having excellent intuition,” she explains. This mindset, coupled with her passion for wine, has been a driving force in her award-winning career.
But she reveals it has not been easy; “Imposter syndrome never goes away, but you do have to learn to be able to put it aside so that it doesn’t stop you from growing. I have had a lot of tough moments in the industry, especially being a manager from a young age. I think the hardest aspect is being a woman working in a space that has been male dominated for so long. In my early twenties at wine tastings there would maybe beone other woman here.
I also worked in a lot of venues where upper management was male and hiring of women was not even thought of. It was hard, and it made me realise I had to leave the industry in a better way then I found it. I have spent the last 5 years making changes both through Venus Vinifera but also by prioritising hiring women wherever I can in the restaurants I am in. I wake up everyday asking myself “what else I can do?”. I want it to be easier for the women ahead of me than it was for me.”
She has some fantastic tips for women in hospitality: Realise your worth, Seek mentorship from the people you look up to, Be prepared to show up even when you don’t feel like it, Take risks, they often pay off and Travel when you are young, work overseas if you can – the world of hospitality is not confined to the town you are in.
Beyond her professional achievements, Caitlin is a passionate advocate for women in the workplace. Through her involvement with Venus Vinifera—a local community initiative that holds weekly meetings in various Canberra restaurants including Pilot—she has mentored young women, fostered open conversations about gender equality, and tackled issues that women face in the hospitality industry. “By focusing on the women around me, it comes back to me and empowers me to be better all the time. In some ways, it’s like a circle—empowering others empowers me,” Caitlin explains.
As Caitlin continues to break new ground in her career and advocacy, she serves as a shining example of strength, resilience, and intuition.
