Alex Novo began his profession in Miami, serving milkshakes and cones at Carvel and moonlighting as an engineer on the Doral Golf resort in the summertime. However Novo additionally grew up within the hospitality enterprise — his father labored in esteemed resorts like Casa de Campo Resort & Villas within the Dominican Republic. “He was my mentor,” Novo says. Right now, he’s moved past soft-serve — Novo lately was named the realm managing director for the trendy W Lodges life-style model within the U.S. and Canada.

The Port Washington, N.Y.-based tastemaker chatted with us from Aspen, sharing every part from his favourite vacation spot to his journey necessities.

What’s one of the best under-the-radar attraction in your house metropolis?

The summer time sunsets in Port Washington, N.Y.

What’s your favourite room service order?

Membership sandwich and fries.

What’s your favourite resort amenity?

Spa.

What’s your go-to minibar snack and drink?

Combined nuts and Food plan Coke.

Favourite room view: seashore, metropolis or wilderness?

Metropolis.

What’s your on-the-road wellness routine?

By no means greater than two days with out a exercise.

What was essentially the most awe-inspiring pure surprise you’ve encountered whereas touring?

Niagara Falls.

What are your favourite outside actions?

Boating and fishing.

What’s your dream trip?

Amalfi Coast.

What was your most memorable meal?

First time I went to Daniel in NYC.

Window seat or aisle?

Aisle.

What are your journey necessities?

My Rimowa carry-on and Aer backpack.

What’s your go-to airport outfit?

If I’ve a gathering after I land, it’s often denims and a blazer. If I don’t have a gathering, something by Vuori.

Which film are you able to watch endlessly on the aircraft?

Today, Prime Gun: Maverick.

What vacation spot is having a second proper now?

Japan.

Which metropolis pleasantly shocked you essentially the most throughout a go to there?

Malaga in Spain.

How do you discover a brand new vacation spot?

Ask the Uber or taxi drivers the place to enterprise.

Who do you most admire within the hospitality business?

There are such a lot of, however individuals I’ve had direct contact with: Ian Schrager, [founder of EDITION hotels]; Jon Tisch, [co-chairman of the Board of Loews Corporation and executive chairman of Loews Hotels & Co]; Dan Flannery, [COO of Loews Hotels & Co]; Bob Kharazmi, [SVP and managing director, Luxury Brands, Marriott International and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection]; and Tony Capuano, [president/CEO of Marriott International, Inc.].

What’s the worst hospitality pattern you’ve seen?

So many gifted younger managers leaving our enterprise completely throughout and after COVID.

What hospitality pattern do you wish to see extra of?

Snug and approachable luxurious.

What’s an overrated culinary fad?

I lately learn an article about flowers frozen in ice cubes. And avocado toast.

What does hospitality imply to you?

Constructing an incredible tradition for company and our staff.

What’s essentially the most underrated trait in an excellent chief?

By no means settling and punctuality.

What would be the largest change within the business in 10 years?

AI is the simple reply, however I consider it’s expertise retention and growth.

What vacation spot can you come to time and again?

Spain.

What’s the final nice e book you learn?

The Impediment Is the Means by Ryan Vacation.

What’s your favourite cocktail?

Barely soiled vodka martini with additional olives.

What’s one of the best enterprise recommendation you ever obtained?

When you find yourself beginning, at all times say sure to initiatives and new alternatives, and be open to completely different disciplines.

If you happen to might change one factor in regards to the journey business, what wouldn’t it be?

Notion of our expertise exterior of our business. Our expertise doesn’t obtain sufficient credit score for all the abilities they develop.

What’s been your largest accomplishment?

My household — my spouse and two fantastic daughters.

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