Raised in Mauritius, Mr Vella Ramasawmy has built a distinguished global career in luxury hospitality, spanning continents and cultures. Throughout his journey, one constant has guided him: a deep belief in the power of human connection and purpose-driven leadership.

As Managing Director of The Biltmore Mayfair, Vella has led the hotel through a remarkable transformation, positioning it as one of London’s most elegant luxury destinations. Find out more as Vella shares his journey, his vision of modern luxury, and how to keep the soul of hospitality alive even in the most complex environments.

Q) Please share a little about yourself. What led you to embark on a career in hospitality?

I was born and raised on the island of Mauritius, a place where warmth, generosity, and pride in welcoming others are part of daily life. Hospitality wasn’t a career path; it was a way of being. From a young age, I learned that the joy of hosting lies in the smallest gestures —anticipating a guest’s need before it's voiced and making someone feel instantly at ease.

That early immersion in authentic hospitality sparked a lifelong fascination. I became intrigued by how the world’s finest hotels blend precision with poetry, how great leadership transforms operations into experiences, and how excellence can be both a personal pursuit and a shared commitment.

Mauritius, in many ways, trained me from childhood. Tourism was not just an industry; it was the heartbeat of our economy. Foreign guests were more than just visitors; they were the reason we thrived. That mindset instilled in me a sense of responsibility and pride that I carry to this day. The combination of curiosity, humility, and a deep desire to elevate others is what drew me into hospitality, and it continues to be my compass.

Q) At The Biltmore Mayfair, you’ve overseen both transformation and repositioning. What strategic decisions were essential in elevating the property into the ranks of London’s iconic luxury addresses?

When I arrived at The Biltmore Mayfair, I saw more than a five-star hotel. I saw a canvas — one rich with potential to become a modern icon rooted in British heritage and Mayfair sophistication.

The first step was redefining the brand story. We moved away from the identity of a global chain and embraced the freedom of independence, allowing us to shape a narrative that felt distinctly ours. This meant anchoring ourselves in timeless British elegance, tailored luxury, and intuitive service — all bespoke to our guest profile to create a sense of place that feels unmistakably “Biltmore”.

Next, we focused inward — on our people. A transformation is only as strong as the culture that sustains it. We invested in developing leadership, nurturing emerging talent, and instilling a sense of ownership at every level. Every team member became a guardian of the guest experience, knowing that excellence lies in care, consistency, and pride.

Strategically, we redefined our market positioning to align with the modern luxury traveller — one who seeks depth, detail, and meaningful experiences. This involved elevating our F&B offering, refining the guest journey across every touchpoint, and ensuring consistency across pre-arrival, stay, and beyond.

Q) The Biltmore sits at the crossroads of Mayfair’s heritage and the modern traveller’s expectations. How do you honour the building’s legacy while crafting a guest experience that feels distinctly of today?

The Biltmore Mayfair is more than a hotel: it’s a chapter in London’s cultural and architectural story. We’re lucky to operate within a building that carries with it the grace of history and the grandeur of Mayfair tradition. But our role is not only to preserve, it is to reinterpret.

We draw from the building’s classical charm, but we pair it with the spirit of today’s luxury guest: someone who seeks authenticity, discretion, and personalised relevance. This philosophy is expressed in our interiors — where classic elements are layered with contemporary textures — and in our service, which is both refined and intuitive.

We also place deep emphasis on emotion. Today’s traveller doesn’t want opulence for its own sake, they want meaning. So we craft moments that are personal, surprising, and deeply human. Whether it’s a bespoke dining ritual or a quiet gesture that anticipates a guest’s preference, we aim to create memories that linger.

To honour heritage is to give it context in the present. And in doing so, we don’t just preserve the legacy of Mayfair — we invite our guests to live it.

Q) What does a day at work look like for you?

My day usually starts around 6 am, when the hotel is just beginning to stir. Those early hours are important — I spend time with my team, making sure everyone feels prepared and supported, and I walk the floor to see that the basics are in place: breakfast laid out just right, fresh produce checked, early check-outs met with warmth. These small details are what guests remember, because they set the tone for the rest of their stay.

As the day unfolds, my focus is split between people and precision. I look closely at service flow — ensuring amenities are ready, public spaces feel welcoming, and our service is intuitive rather than instructed. At the same time, I stay close to my team, listening, guiding, and encouraging them to bring warmth and personality into every interaction.

By the time evening comes, my measure of the day is simple: were our guests comfortable, were they cared for, and did my team feel supported in delivering that? If the answer is yes, then the hotel has lived up to its promise.

Q) You’ve led multicultural teams of nearly 40 nationalities and achieved exceptional retention. What do you believe makes people stay, not just in a hotel, but in a shared mission?

Diversity isn’t just something I value; it’s the very foundation of how I lead. I’ve had the privilege of living and working across the globe and each country has taught me a new dimension of what it means to belong and to connect.

You can’t lead effectively unless you listen, learn, and adapt. You need to focus on the individuals and not on titles or nationalities.  People respond when they feel genuinely understood and that’s how you foster true belonging.  

At The Biltmore Mayfair, we’ve built a culture where all members of staff feel seen, heard, and empowered. When the mission aligns with their values, they don’t just give you their time — they give you their heart.

Luxury service is human at its core. When people feel part of something meaningful, when they feel seen and celebrated as individuals, they stay. Not just in the building but in the journey.

Q) What do you enjoy outside of work? What recharges and inspires you?

Creativity fuels me. I’ve always been drawn to architecture and design, especially the use of colour, which has such power to shape mood and atmosphere. That’s why I play a very hands-on role in the interiors and renovation projects at the hotel.

One of my simple but most enjoyable moments is working with our florist each week. Together we create new arrangements for the lobby, and it never fails to feel special — the process of shaping something fresh and beautiful that instantly lifts the space and the spirits of those who walk through it.

Beyond that, I seek out places where artistry thrives — galleries, historic landmarks, or simply streets rich with character. These encounters recharge me. They remind me that hospitality, at its heart, is also an art form: the art of creating environments where people feel inspired, connected, and at home.

This story was adapted from Vella’s interview with Vendôm Talents.