On the island of Lošinj, where pine forests meet turquoise seas and wellness meets refinement, Hotel Bellevue is redefining the art of quiet luxury. At its helm is Gianluca Cugnetto, a seasoned hospitality professional whose journey began not in a boardroom but in the family kitchen of a hotel and restaurant in southern Italy.
With a career spanning multiple countries and decades, Gianluca brings not only technical expertise and management credentials but a deeply rooted understanding of what it means to serve. Raised in Calabria—Italy’s sun-drenched toe—he combines Mediterranean warmth with international insight, blending tradition with innovation in one of Croatia’s most iconic properties.
We caught up with Gianluca to learn how his upbringing informs his leadership, why he believes sustainability and local culture must go hand in hand, and the advice he would give to anyone starting out in one of the world’s most demanding—but rewarding—industries.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
It wasn’t a single moment of inspiration, but rather the natural flow of life. I was born into this world—hospitality was part of my upbringing. Some people talk about discovering their passion; in my case, I grew up living it.
What started with helping my parents evolved into a true love for the industry. I found joy in anticipating people’s needs, in perfecting the smallest details, and in seeing the impact of genuine care and effort. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing you’ve helped create a memorable experience for someone—whether through a meal, a stay, or even a simple smile.
Hospitality has always felt like home to me. The decision to pursue it professionally wasn’t so much a career choice as it was a continuation of who I already was.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Like anyone, I’ve faced challenges and moments of doubt. But looking back, I don’t think I would change anything. Every role, every experience—whether smooth or difficult—has shaped who I am today.
There are always things you could have done earlier or perhaps with a different mindset. But rather than dwell on that, I’ve learned to embrace those situations as opportunities to grow. I believe real professional development happens not in avoiding mistakes but in learning from them.
My journey has made me more adaptable, more aware, and more patient. And for that, I’m grateful.
What defines your management style?
If you ask my team, they’d probably say I’m collaborative, approachable, and supportive—but also very detail-focused and professional. I believe strongly in open communication. Everyone deserves to feel heard and valued. I make a point of encouraging feedback, not just from department heads but from every level of the team.
At the same time, I lead by example. Whether it’s work ethic, guest interaction, or personal conduct, I know that how I behave sets the tone. I strive to be the kind of leader who motivates others to perform at their best—not because they have to, but because they want to.
People are the heart of hospitality. My role is to bring out the best in them.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the hotel, and how does that integrate into the hotel group’s aims?
My vision for Hotel Bellevue is to position it as a sanctuary of refined luxury—where guests can connect with both nature and culture, and where every experience feels bespoke and effortless.
Strategically, we’re focusing on delivering personalised, emotionally resonant experiences that celebrate Lošinj’s heritage. This includes curated wellness programmes, local gastronomy, and immersive cultural offerings. At the same time, we’re embedding sustainable practices across our operations—everything from waste reduction to energy efficiency—because we believe luxury and responsibility must go hand in hand.
This aligns perfectly with the wider goals of our hotel group, which is committed to excellence in the luxury and premium market while contributing positively to the community and environment. Our mission is to set a new standard—not just for service, but for purpose-driven hospitality.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Start wherever you can—and embrace every role. Whether it’s cleaning rooms, working behind the bar, or greeting guests at reception, every position teaches you something vital about how hotels operate.
Stay curious. Ask questions. And most importantly, listen. Listen to your guests, to your mentors, and to your colleagues. Hospitality is all about understanding people—and that requires humility and emotional intelligence.
Also, be patient. This is not an industry for instant success. It takes time to build your skills, to understand the nuance of service, and to grow into leadership. But if you stay committed, the rewards are immense—not just professionally, but personally too.
Build relationships, care about the details, and never stop learning. That’s the recipe for a fulfilling career in hospitality.