With vacation season upon us, Radha Arora has his sights set on a stay at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, an idyllic castle in Austria whose provenance dates back to 1461.
“I would start by exploring the city of Salzburg—visiting the historic sites, sampling the restaurant and mixology scene, tracking down the most unique clothing and decor shops,” the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts president says of his ideal itinerary. “I have a habit of getting lost in the hunt for vintage decor and lighting when I travel, so I would obviously dedicate some time to perusing the city’s selection. I would also make a point to take in a show from the Salzburg Festival, which offers one of the world’s most impressive artistic programs and thereby draws the best artists and musicians from across the globe.”
“Back at the resort, I would indulge in more leisurely pursuits, like visiting the spa for a locally inspired treatment or two and enjoying a boat ride to take in the beauty of Lake Fuschl, then that of the surrounding mountains on a nature walk or hike, followed by some authentic Austrian cuisine,” he adds.
Restoring the Rosewood Schloss Fuschl to its former magnificence required careful guardianship—something Rosewood Hotels & Resorts prides itself on, with this being the latest addition to a portfolio of architectural landmarks. Rosewood collaborated with preeminent architects and designers like GA Group, Dippold, and Bauer Sthal to preserve the historic charm of the castle while updating it with modern touches.
Arora compares a stay at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl to something out of a storybook with the modern fairy tale unfolding “in the extraordinary moments and experiences,” he says. The resort features original furnishings transformed into modern amenities alongside breathtaking views, and small details inspired by the past.
Arora, a New Delhi native and current Los Angeles resident, is no stranger to appreciating the storied past of a property. After his family lived in Moscow and London due to his father’s career, they moved to Paris where they resided at the Hôtel de Crillon (which was built in 1758 and is now a Rosewood hotel). The Crillon’s façade faces the Place de la Concorde, a fixture of the French Revolution.
As a result of his global upbringing, Arora was compelled to become a hotelier, starting his career as a night receptionist at the Inn on the Park London. He climbed the ropes to become hotel manager at the Ritz London, and then accepted an offer to come back to the Four Seasons hotel group. After a 17-year tenure, he left his position as the regional vice president and general manager of the Beverly Wilshire to join Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.
Before your next trip, Arora offers a primer on how to live and travel like a power player with his must-haves.
Style File
SUMMER SUITING: Loro Piana.
POCKET SQUARE: Brunello Cucinelli makes the best pocket squares, and I have quite the collection. In the summertime, I’ll wear a nice silk square. To me, a pocket square completes an outfit, and I rarely ever go without one.
WRIST CANDY: Audemars Piguet for a dress watch.
Self-care
HAND WASH: Aēsop Resurrection.
COLOGNE: Creed Aventus. The scent is classic and fresh with hints of ginger, sandalwood, and pink peppercorn.
DAILY VITAMIN: Perelel + Erewhon.
At Home
RECENT ADDITION: A pair of table lamps circa 1955. I have a passion for vintage lighting. During all of my travels, I make a point to source something.
FINE CHINA: Ginori 1735. I have sets in green, yellow, and pink.
AROMA: The Diptyque Baies candle is a favorite.
THE UNEXPECTED: Artwork by Tony Rubino of Queen Elizabeth II smoking a cigarette.
At Work
ON MY DESK: A classic Mercedes model car from the ’60s.
TO STAY FOCUSED: I always keep my desk organized to keep from feeling overwhelmed. It is the same for my emails— I try to have a clean inbox.