Q&A with 8Hotels – Rowena Carter

Oh how we love boutique hotels! lastminute lovely Nicole sat down with Rowena Carter from Australia’s very own 8Hotels Collection to get the inside word on how travel rocks her world.

1. Tell us a little about 8Hotels and what your day-to-day role involves?
8Hotels is Australia’s leading independent Australian boutique hotel collection and I launched the HR & Training department three years ago. Since then, 8Hotels has grown from seven to 21 hotels. As the Head of HR & Training at 8Hotels, my day involves anything and everything, from the recruitment process right the way through to aligning employees with our culture and philosophy and offering a personalised approach to training, development and career progression.

2. How much travel is involved with your job? Which destinations has your role taken you to?
I travel to all 8Hotels properties around Australia four to five times a year. Locations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Thredbo, Daylesford, Canberra and Perth. Sometimes I may need to travel to our properties in Paris, Fiji or Bali, too!

With so much travel, little creature comforts make all the difference, so my time in the Virgin Lounge is definitely a perk…

3. What is the best hotel you’ve ever stayed at?
I adore our very own Hepburn at Hepburn. It’s stylish, luxurious and secluded. Tokoriki Island Resort in Fiji is another favourite – a great place to spend some quality time with your partner enjoying the purest simplicity of island living!

4. Tell us about your favourite holiday?
I have travelled to so many places it is hard to mention just one! I love holidays and places that allow you to experience things you would never come close to enjoying in your normal day-to-day life.

The most unique trip would be my holiday to Reykjavik in Iceland. Such a beautiful landscape and culture. I also really enjoyed my holiday to The Gambia too.

The most memorable holiday was my year long trip around Australia when I was 18. I remember leaving and thinking how lucky we all are to have everything on our doorstep, from snow to dessert, amazing food, gorgeous wine regions and spectacular beaches. We really do have it all and this was why I wanted to move back here – and here I am, enjoying this very special country!

5. What is your number one piece of travel advice?
Don’t forget your hair brush. Seriously, they’re really annoying to buy as they never stock good quality brushes in a supermarket. I think I went through at least ten in my first year of travelling. Hot tip – check your bags one last time when you think you’ve finished packing.

6. Celebrity you’d most like to find yourself sitting next to on a plane?
I have always fantasied about sitting next to a rock star. I am a huge music fan and enthusiast – I have a music background and even have my own band. Sitting next to Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and having a singing session on a flight would be a dream.

7. Packing: do you roll, fold or shove it all in there? Any tips to share?
All of the above! My choice of suitcase and how busy my schedule is will determine if I am neatly folded and strategically packed… it is almost certain that my packing for the return trip home won’t be as tidy as the way I packed to go on holidays. Everything goes in the wash when I get home even if I haven’t worn it so why not shove it all in on the way back 🙂 .

8. What, in your opinion, makes an amazing boutique hotel?
I could ramble on about the beautiful décor and furnishings, which do add to the boutique experience but I really think it’s the people that make a boutique hotel special. I may be a little biased because I work in HR, but it is that personalised service that creates a unique vibe and a warm feeling that you rarely experience in larger, more corporate style hotels.

9. Any tips to share for managing jetlag?
Chlorella – the best thing you can do for yourself. Hit the super foods and fresh produce, a good vitamin C supplement and plenty of water. If you land home in the evening, once you open the door to your house, open the door to your fridge and pop a bottle of bubbles… that ALWAYS helps me.

10. Where is next on your travel wish list?
My partner is from Brazil so South America is on the cards next year. South America is really coming into its own and establishing itself as a cultural hub that is influencing and competing with the rest of the world now.

Just look at the South American food craze at the moment. They’ve really launched into the international market and have so many people wanting to head over and experience the culture first hand. The atmosphere and perception I have of South America is relaxed and mellow with a wealth of beautiful history and culture. I cannot wait to experience it for myself!

Book your stay at one of the many 8Hotels around the globe here.