Meet Olivier Gibaud, a leader who sees hospitality as more than a profession—it’s an art form, a passion, and a commitment to creating unforgettable moments. As General Manager of Twinpalms Hotels & Resorts, he has spent over two decades shaping one of Thailand’s most celebrated independent luxury brands. His journey to the top, however, was anything but conventional.  

Olivier’s love for cooking first drew him into the world of hospitality, but before fully pursuing his career, he answered the call to serve in the Swiss army, where he became an officer. The experience instilled in him a deep sense of leadership, precision, and accountability—qualities that would later define his management style. 

Following his military service, he honed his skills at the prestigious École Hôtelière de Lausanne, a decision that set him on a path to global success. His career took him to the U.S. in the late 1980s, but it was Asia’s rapid growth and dynamic hospitality scene that truly captured his imagination. Working with renowned luxury brands like Mandarin Oriental, Regent, and Four Seasons, he refined his expertise in large-scale hotel operations. However, he soon realized that his real passion lay in independent hotels, where he could create truly bespoke guest experiences. 

Over 20 years ago, Olivier partnered with Twinpalms Hotels & Resorts founder Carl Langenskiöld to bring a bold new vision to life. Together, they built the brand from the ground up, crafting an identity that blends independence, innovation, and personal connection. For Olivier, hospitality is more than service—it’s a craft. His ability to balance structure with creativity, independence with excellence, has positioned Twinpalms as a benchmark for affordable luxury in Asia and beyond. As he continues to redefine what it means to be a leader in independent hospitality, one thing remains constant: his dedication to delivering experiences that leave a lasting impression.  

Discipline, Adaptability, and Consistency in Hospitality 

Olivier’s leadership philosophy was forged in the military, where he learned that determination, respect, and decisiveness are fundamental traits of an effective leader. In the hospitality industry, these qualities have shaped his approach to leadership—one that values listening and collaboration, yet remains firmly rooted in making well-communicated decisions and executing them with confidence. 

Adaptability has also proven to be a critical lesson. Hospitality is an ever-evolving industry, demanding a keen awareness of both internal operations and external market shifts. At Twinpalms, Olivier ensures the team remains agile, continuously observing, listening, and adjusting strategies to stay ahead of industry trends. 

Above all, he believes leadership is about consistency. It is not just about making decisions, but about executing them with unwavering commitment. By upholding this standard, Olivier ensures that every guest experience aligns seamlessly with Twinpalms’ brand promise, reinforcing the company’s reputation for excellence.  

Leading Twinpalms in the Competitive Luxury Hospitality Market 

Managing and growing a luxury hospitality brand in an increasingly competitive landscape requires a delicate balance among three key players: the owner, the team, and the guests. According to Olivier, true success is achieved when all three are satisfied in unison. Owners must be committed to respecting and supporting their team, who, in turn, are empowered to deliver exceptional experiences to guests. When this chain remains intact, success follows naturally. 

At Twinpalms, the brand’s growth strategy is rooted in continuous innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Staying ahead of the curve means investing in design, service, and unique experiences that distinguish the brand in a crowded market. The recent launch of Twinpalms Bangtao Phuket Tented Resort exemplifies this approach. Its success is a testament to the brand’s ability to anticipate and exceed guest expectations, reinforcing Twinpalms’ position as a leader in luxury hospitality. 

Balancing Thai Hospitality with Innovation for the Modern Traveler 

Thai hospitality is globally celebrated for its warmth and sincerity, and preserving this essence while evolving to meet modern travelers’ expectations requires a thoughtful approach. Olivier emphasizes that a key strategy at Twinpalms is prioritizing local talent—not only by employing Thai professionals but by investing in their growth. By exposing team members to global best practices and encouraging them to experience world-class dining and hospitality in major cities, Twinpalms ensures that fresh insights are continually integrated into the guest experience. 

At the same time, the brand embraces modern innovations that enhance the guest journey. From seamless technology to holistic wellness facilities designed for both body and mind, Twinpalms ensures that every interaction is both deeply personal and effortlessly contemporary. This fusion of tradition and innovation allows the brand to maintain its signature hospitality while staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry. 

Staying True to Values in Hospitality 

One of the most challenging moments in Olivier’s career came when he was dismissed from a senior position at a luxury hospitality brand. After voicing concerns about the operational direction of the property and standing firm in his beliefs, he was asked to leave. It was a humbling experience, but it reinforced his commitment to staying true to his values. Six months later, the General Manager was also let go—validating Olivier’s instincts about the misalignment in operations. 

This setback became a defining moment, teaching him resilience and the importance of unwavering self-belief. Rather than allowing the experience to shake his confidence, Olivier remained steadfast in his passion for hospitality. His dedication never faltered, ultimately shaping the leadership philosophy that has guided him to success today.  

Creating Constant Growth in Twinpalms’ Luxury Experience 

For Olivier, staying ahead in the competitive luxury hospitality market means embracing continuous evolution. At Twinpalms, the brand focuses on three key elements to remain at the forefront: maintaining world-class facilities and services, keeping offerings fresh, and setting trends rather than merely following them. Whether through the renovation of the iconic Catch Beach Club, investing in cutting-edge wellness and fitness facilities, or pioneering unique concepts like the Twinpalms Bangtao Tented Resort, Olivier ensures that innovation is always part of the brand’s DNA. Looking ahead, the anticipated introduction of the Twinpalms Treehouses promises to further elevate the brand’s offerings. 

At the heart of these innovations is a commitment to the guest experience. Olivier believes it must be seamless, intuitive, and emotionally engaging. This is achieved through the curation of micro-moments—subtle yet powerful gestures that forge emotional connections, such as ambient lighting, unexpected acts of kindness, and impeccably timed service. Every detail is designed to balance the guest’s overall journey, crafting an experience of effortless indulgence that lingers long after they depart. 

Key Trends Shaping the Future of Luxury Hospitality 

As the luxury hospitality industry continues to evolve, Olivier identifies three key trends that will shape its future: 

• Technology-Driven Comfort: Guests increasingly expect seamless digital integration, and this trend will only grow stronger. What began with in-room smart controls is expected to expand into AI-enhanced personalization, creating tailored experiences for each guest. Technology will enhance comfort and convenience, allowing for a more customized and efficient stay. 
• Wellbeing: Today’s travelers are seeking more than just relaxation; they desire experiences that rejuvenate both their body and mind. Olivier believes that luxury brands will need to dedicate unique spaces to promote wellness, ensuring guests have access to holistic experiences that go beyond traditional spa treatments. 
• Elevated Guest Experiences: The focus is on creating guest journeys where every touchpoint comes together to offer a consistently exceptional experience. Each aspect of the stay should complement and elevate the others, making guests feel truly cared for. As expectations rise, Olivier sees this as an essential part of the luxury segment’s future. 

In addition to these evolving trends, sustainability will play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s trajectory. Twinpalms is committed to this direction, with upcoming projects like the Twinpalms Treehouses designed to blend harmoniously with nature. These immersive experiences are crafted with a lighter environmental footprint, reflecting the brand’s ongoing dedication to sustainability. 

Building a Lasting Legacy 

Olivier’s leadership philosophy is anchored in leading by example, driven by passion, and guided by respect and discipline. Having spent much of his adult life in Asia, he has come to deeply value the philosophy of balance. A testament to this balance is his personal life—Olivier has been happily married for over 30 years to a strong, professional Thai Lady and together, they’ve raised two children while embodying these guiding principles. This harmony in his personal life provides him with the grounding and perspective needed to lead with effectiveness in the dynamic and diverse environment of the Asia-Pacific region. 

When reflecting on his legacy, Olivier points to the people he has had the privilege of working with and mentoring. Many of his former colleagues have risen to positions of leadership, becoming General Managers and influential figures in their own right. Their growth, Olivier believes, is his greatest achievement. For him, hospitality is not about buildings or brands—it is fundamentally about people and the culture that is built together. This focus on nurturing talent and fostering growth continues to define his leadership journey. 

Aiming to Redefining Luxury Hospitality 

“Our vision remains to continue redefining affordable luxury hospitality through innovation and unique guest experiences,” says Olivier. With Twinpalms Surin Phuket Resort celebrating 20 years and Twinpalms MontAzure Phuket Resort marking its sixth anniversary, Olivier reflects on the brand’s solid foundation and expertise. Yet, he emphasizes that Twinpalms continually seeks new ways to delight guests. One of the key strategies for doing this is through evolving environments and transforming surroundings—creating fresh, enriching experiences that surpass traditional expectations. The recent launch of Twinpalms Bangtao Tented Resort and the upcoming Twinpalms Treehouses are prime examples of the brand’s commitment to evolving with guest expectations, offering innovative ways for travelers to escape. 

As travelers increasingly seek immersive, nature-driven experiences with minimal environmental impact, Olivier and his team have responded by developing resorts that are both luxurious and in harmony with their natural surroundings. This philosophy underpins Twinpalms’ dedication to creating spaces that offer a perfect balance of indulgence and environmental mindfulness. The brand remains committed to its ethos of “Infinite Discovery and Delight”—while the form may evolve, the essence of Twinpalms will always be about crafting unforgettable moments for each guest. 

Advice to Aspiring Luxury Hospitality Professionals 

For young professionals looking to build a career in luxury hospitality, Olivier offers one simple yet profound piece of advice: Only do it if you love it. 

“Hospitality is a profession that demands passion; every word and every action impacts someone—be it a guest, a team member, or a stakeholder,” he says. Without genuine enthusiasm for the industry, it is impossible to truly excel. However, for those who  

embrace hospitality with an authentic love for service and experience creation, every day becomes an opportunity to craft moments of joy. 

“If you truly love what you do, every day will feel like another day in paradise,” Olivier adds. “And that joy will naturally spread to those around you.” 

To know more, please visit: https://www.twinpalmshotelsresorts.com/