Few careers in hospitality capture the spirit of Mediterranean elegance and international excellence quite like Giacomo Battafarano’s.
A seasoned hotelier with more than 25 years of global experience, Giacomo has led luxury properties across Italy, the UK, Portugal, Egypt, and the Maldives—bringing vision, creativity, and consistency to some of the world’s most iconic hotel brands.
His leadership journey includes high-level roles with Starwood, Le Méridien, and Marriott International. Since joining Rocco Forte Hotels, he has overseen the successful launch of Rocco Forte Private Villas, elevated Verdura Resort’s status as Europe’s best golf destination, and managed the landmark Hotel de Russie in Rome. Today, he serves as Managing Director Southern Area, overseeing key properties in Puglia, Palermo, and Sicily—with new projects opening soon in Noto and Naples.
From lifeguard to luxury, Giacomo’s path has always been driven by his passion for people and the art of service.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
Growing up in a seaside town, I was always drawn to the energy and joy of large hospitality resorts. As a teenager, I got my lifeguard certification and worked at one of the resorts I’d admired since childhood.
That first summer showed me what hospitality was really about: the passion, the resilience, and the joy of making people feel special. Later, when I stood at a career crossroads, I decided to leave behind a path in law and pursue hospitality. I enrolled in a Master’s in Hospitality Management—and never looked back.
I began my career with a passion for service and a strong desire to create memorable guest experiences. Over the last 25 years, I’ve worked across an array of destinations—from the UK and Italy to the Maldives and Egypt—leading properties for major international hotel groups including Starwood, Le Méridien, and Marriott International.
Since joining Rocco Forte Hotels, I’ve had the privilege of launching key initiatives like Rocco Forte Private Villas in Sicily and overseeing the acclaimed golf programme at Verdura Resort, voted the best golf resort in Italy and Europe. I also served as General Manager of Hotel de Russie in Rome, one of Italy’s most iconic urban luxury hotels.
In my current role as Managing Director Southern Area, I oversee operations at Masseria Torre Maizza (Puglia), Villa Igiea (Palermo), Verdura Resort, and Private Villas (Sciacca), with new openings planned in Noto (2026) and Naples (2027). My career has always been about transformation—rebranding, renovations, repositioning—and above all, putting people at the centre of the experience.
How do you balance emerging trends and evolving guests’ preferences?
Trends come and go, but the guest experience is timeless. For me, it’s about making each stay unforgettable.
Personalisation is key—we aim to anticipate our guests’ needs and surprise them in thoughtful, meaningful ways. That’s how we turn satisfaction into loyalty and create memories that linger long after departure.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
I stand by the choices I’ve made. Each step has shaped who I am as a leader. That said, I do wish I had made more time for myself along the way. Balance is important—and I don’t rule out pursuing that more consciously in the future.
What defines your management style?
I see myself as an orchestra conductor. Every team member plays a vital role, and it’s my job to ensure the harmony of it all.
I strive to help each person shine as a soloist in their own area of excellence, creating a culture where everyone contributes to the same symphony of exceptional service.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the hotel, and how does that align with the group’s aims?
My focus is always the guest—both internal and external. Our colleagues are internal guests, and without their dedication, nothing is possible.
I work to foster passion across the team, ensuring that excellence in service becomes second nature. Every interaction should reflect the personal touch that defines Rocco Forte Hotels—a family-run company rooted in the art of hospitality for over four generations.
Another core priority is strengthening ties with the local community—collaborating with tourism and cultural partners to enhance each destination’s identity and create value that extends beyond the property.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Have passion. Be tenacious. Give yourself time—and believe in what you do.
Without that belief, the rest won’t work. But with it, you can go anywhere.