A New Chapter of Timeless Luxury

Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale on Raffles Sentosa Singapore’s Vision for the Future

By Rini Mukkath

On 1 March 2025, the iconic Raffles brand will unveil its first all-villa resort in Singapore: Raffles Sentosa Singapore. Set amidst lush tropical greenery with sweeping views of the South China Sea, the highly anticipated property is being helmed by hospitality legend Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, who brings with him nearly four decades of global experience.

In an exclusive interview with LuxeCode, Giovanni shares his journey, from his humble beginnings in Southern Italy to spearheading world-class projects across the globe and his philosophy behind what defines true luxury today.

A lifetime in hospitality

“My journey started when I was just 17,” Giovanni recounts. “I’m from the south of Italy, the Amalfi Coast, an area renowned for its beautiful resorts. In school, we had a programme where half the year was spent in practical training and that’s when I fell in love with the hospitality world.”

That passion led him to Switzerland, then England, and eventually to senior roles across the Middle East and Asia. His impressive résumé includes opening The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi and leading operations for The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts in Singapore. Most recently, as Cluster General Manager of Raffles Sentosa Singapore and Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, Giovanni has been instrumental in bringing the new Raffles property to life.

Bringing legendary service to Sentosa:-

With 62 private villas—each with its own pool, terrace, and garden—Raffles Sentosa Singapore is designed as a sanctuary where nature, heritage, and wellness converge. But it’s not just the setting that makes this property special.

“What we’re bringing here is the iconic Raffles service,” Giovanni says. “The butler service, the attention to detail, and above all, creating meaningful, emotional connections with our guests. That’s something I want to pass on to our team here—especially the new generation.”

He sees his role not only as a leader but as a mentor. “I’ve been fortunate to learn from the best. Now I want to inspire others, just as I was inspired. Great hospitality is a craft, and it’s passed down.”

Standing out in the luxury landscape

Asked how Raffles Sentosa Singapore aims to distinguish itself in an increasingly crowded luxury market, Giovanni says it’s all about consistency—and the human touch.

“We’re not reinventing the wheel,” he admits. “But what sets us apart is how we make people feel. Luxury is no longer just about marble floors or gold fittings. It’s about creating memories, offering tranquillity, warmth, and a sense of belonging.”

He adds, “When guests arrive, they’re treated like royalty. But by the time they leave, they’re part of our family. That emotional bond is what defines true luxury.”

A sanctuary in nature

The resort’s location on Sentosa Island offers more than just beautiful views—it also presents a unique opportunity to embrace sustainable hospitality.

“We are nestled in a rare environment surrounded by nature, trees, and biodiversity that has been here for over a century,” Giovanni explains. “We’re not just preserving it, we’re enhancing it. For example, we planted six trees on 27 February to celebrate the hotel’s opening and Singapore’s anniversary.”

The resort has also taken serious steps towards eco-conscious operations, earning the Green Globe Certification and embedding sustainability into its daily practices.

“Sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a responsibility,” Giovanni says. “We are committed to protecting the flora and fauna that make this location so special.”

Designed for today’s discerning traveller

The Raffles Sentosa Singapore experience is tailored for a global audience. While Giovanni mentions that many early bookings have come from Australia and local guests within Asia, the Indian market is also emerging as a strong focus.

“The resort is ideal for Indian travellers looking for a luxurious destination for weddings, retreats, or family celebrations,” he notes. “We offer privacy, space, and bespoke experiences—all within 15 minutes of the city centre.”

Redefining modern luxury

As the conversation turns to the changing face of luxury, Giovanni is reflective.

“Luxury used to be about how things looked. Now it’s about how things feel. We aim for guests to leave Raffles Sentosa with memories they’ll pass down to the next generation.”

One of his most treasured moments? “Our very first guest was a four-year-old child staying with their family,” he shares. “Seeing the joy on that child’s face—and knowing that they’ll carry that memory with them for years—is what this job is all about.”

Raffles Sentosa Singapore is more than just another five-star hotel. Under Giovanni Viterale's stewardship, it promises to be a place where luxury meets legacy and every stay is unforgettable.

For more information or booking enquiries, visit: www.raffles.com/sentosa

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