Tucked away in the heart of Doñana National Park, La Malvasia offers an elegant four-star escape steeped in Andalusian charm.
Leading the hotel is Elena Coronel, a dynamic new generation hotelier whose passion for hospitality is matched by her vision for elevating guest experience in this lesser-known yet enchanting corner of southern Spain.
With a degree in Tourism and Hotel Management, Elena’s career began at the front desk and has steadily grown through continuous learning and an unwavering dedication to service. Now, in her first general management role, she brings energy, empathy, and strategic thinking to La Malvasia, aligning with the values of the wider Kaizen Hotel Group.
We spoke to Elena about leading with purpose, the power of listening, and what it takes to turn a local property into a regional benchmark for excellence.
What inspired you to pursue hotel management?
The opportunity to create truly memorable experiences. I’ve always been passionate about leading teams and seeing how thoughtful, often small, operational decisions can make a lasting impact on how guests feel. That’s what makes this industry so rewarding.
How do you balance new trends with evolving guest preferences?
By staying close to the guest—listening actively, observing patterns, and being agile in adapting our value proposition. Trends can guide us, but guest feedback always keeps us grounded in what matters most.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Perhaps I would have trusted in my leadership abilities sooner. Impostor syndrome is common, especially early in your career. But experience teaches us that confidence grows step by step—and that you often know more than you think.
How would you define your management style?
Participative, empathetic, and communication-based. I believe in giving people autonomy, creating space for dialogue, and building a team culture where everyone feels encouraged to contribute and improve.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the hotel, and if applicable, how do they align with the hotel group’s objectives?
My vision is to position La Malvasia as a leading reference for quality and guest experience in this beautiful yet underappreciated area of Andalucía. We want to increase guest loyalty and showcase the distinct character of the hotel—its setting, its story, and its people—all while staying aligned with the Kaizen Hotel Group’s commitment to service excellence and growth.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?
Take the time to understand every department. Each role offers valuable insights, and the best leaders are those who can empathise with every function. Most importantly, never lose the joy and passion that first brought you into hospitality—because that’s what makes this industry so special.