Suite Sojourn: Sandrine and Christian – Could you share how you both got your start in hospitality? What originally drew you to this world, and how has your journey evolved over time?

Sandrine and Christian of Pine Cay, the luxury private island resort in Turks & Caicos: We both met at College, preparing for a Degree, Sandrine in Tourism Management and Christian in Hotel Management. We both had a passion for travels and curiosity for the emergence of the luxury hospitality brands setting new benchmarks. The triggering point was a trip to South East Asia in 1987 as students; we had worked two summers in a row to save for a 6-week tour of legendary landmarks. With the help of a London based TO where Sandrine had worked, we did a field trip (partly sponsored by her employer) and discovered hotels and resorts of Thailand, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore. Having visited the Peninsula, Oriental, Raffles, Regent, Dusit Thani, the Manila Hotel, the Eastern and Oriental, we realised that historic and family hotels had become more than just great places to stay but designed as destinations.

Suite Sojourn: With close to six decades of experience between the two of you, how do you envision the future of luxury travel? Are today’s travelers more interested in being part of a “scene,” or are they increasingly seeking out places to disconnect and unwind?

Sandrine and Christian of Pine Cay, the luxury private island resort in Turks & Caicos: Having opened or repositioned several landmarks (Lanesborough London, Ciragan Istanbul, Sandy Lane Barbados), hotels were characterized by ever evolving ambitious construction projects. The shift from architectural grandeur, opulent facilities, hotels and resorts became destinations not just offering five-star amenities but an intuitive level of service meeting guests’ emotional needs. Opulence has been replaced with connections, square meters or linen thread count by authenticity. The luxury travel landscape will continue to evolve with all the premium brands offering a touch of luxury to the masses. On the other end of the spectrum, the travel agents will craft bespoke, hassle free, once-in-a-lifetime travels in partnership with smaller independent hotels. Both will cater to travellers that have no reservations about splurging on unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences carefully curated. For the top tier travelers, breaking bread with our local mangrove or fauna conservationist (San Diego Zoo and Florence University), enjoying a private wine cellar visit and wine presentation by the grower (we fly our favorite wine makers four times a year), going bone fishing with our local butler is more important than enjoying the loungers by the pool. Another change in paradigm is that we cater to four generations and whilst the former backpacker wants to share the experience of a once visited remote destination with its clan, we have to offer an experience that aligns with their most adventurous dreams. We have kite surfing lessons from the beach, free diving at the nearby reef (third largest in the world) and observe in the wild, turtles, bioluminescent glow worms (from Pine Cay shores) sharks, whale watching and dolphins at close range.

Suite Sojourn: What’s the most rewarding part of working together as a couple and family in the business? How do you balance personal and professional life, especially when challenges arise?

Sandrine and Christian of Pine Cay, the luxury private island resort in Turks & Caicos: There’s a lot to be said about how to achieve the all-coveted work-life balance. We met at hotel school, have raised our two children in hotels and our son has also embraced the industry. We have been blessed with owners and mentors who saw value in hiring a management couple and is a trade mark for Relais & Chateaux that families and couples known as Maîtres de Maison. I would say it’s actually made both our work and our relationships stronger.

Suite Sojourn: Even among seasoned Caribbean travelers, Pine Cay is still somewhat of a hidden gem. Was this intentional or more a product of its unique location and ethos?

Sandrine and Christian of Pine Cay, the luxury private island resort in Turks & Caicos: Pine Cay has been an exclusive Club, possession since 1970 of a group of owners that wanted to preserve the unique lifestyle of its community. It is only 3 years ago that the Club incorporated a Relais & Châteaux experience to the Club; the brand affiliation is perfect as we could remain independently owned and ensure the low density concept would be preserved whilst offering intimate, family-run feel, that reflect local culture and heritage while offering a high level of hospitality and personal service.

Suite Sojourn: For readers who may not be familiar, can you help paint a picture of Pine Cay in Turks & Caicos? When is the best time to visit, and what’s the ideal length of stay for someone looking to truly unplug?

Sandrine and Christian of Pine Cay, the luxury private island resort in Turks & Caicos: Having opened or repositioned over 5 resorts through 7 Caribbean islands, I have scouted many beaches and Pine Cay is incomparable. It’s an 800-acre private island in the Turks and Caicos offering secluded luxury, a pristine natural environment, and a sense of community among its limited number of resort guests and residents. Key features include a four mile pristine beach, a commitment to preserving the natural landscape and unique wildlife, and activities like snorkeling, sailing, and stargazing in a tranquil, car-free setting. Turquoise color was invented at Pine Cay! Our winter season is always very popular but the May to July months offer exceptional light, longer days and perfect climate (water and land temperatures match), spring and summer are also exceptional for juvenile animal observation and the sea is quite like a lake.