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The Eye of Katya: How Barnes Hospitality Redefines Sustainable Luxury and the Art of Living Internationally

Tristan Delmas, Director of the Hospitality branch at Barnes since April 2024, is shaping the future of luxury hospitality by driving the expansion of three exceptional brands: Maison Barnes, Maison Boissière Barnes Résidence, and Un Moment Barnes. With a career rich in experiences at iconic establishments such as the Burj Al Arab in Dubai and the Four Seasons George V in Paris, he combines excellence, warmth, and the French art of living to reinvent the codes of luxury. In this exclusive interview, he shares his innovative vision, strategic ambitions, and insights into meeting the evolving expectations of increasingly demanding international clients.

K.P: Who is Tristan Delmas?

Tristan Delmas, Director of the Hospitality Division at Barnes

T.D: My journey in hospitality began with the influence of my grandfather, who worked as the Communication Director at Philips and organized international press trips. This environment fascinated me and inspired me to study hospitality, starting with a Bachelor’s degree at Vatel Hotel Management School in Paris. My first professional experience was at the Four Seasons George V in Paris, under the guidance of Éric Briffard and Anne-Laure Soulier, the recruitment director, which marked my debut in luxury hospitality.

I then pursued my dream in the United States at the Park Hyatt Washington, starting as a bellboy and working my way up. A year in Beijing further enriched my experience before I returned to school to complete an MBA with a specialization in Asset Management and Entrepreneurship at ESSEC Business School, IMHI.

Returning to the Four Seasons George V as a Manager in Training (MIT), I gained invaluable experience in accommodation services, which I consider a true education in excellence.

In 2018, an opportunity to take on the operational management of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai allowed me to refine my skills over five years. Finally, in 2023, I joined the One&Only Za’abeel in Dubai to open the group’s first urban resort before joining Barnes, thanks to Thibault de Saint Vincent, to develop hospitality and the art of living within this prestigious company.

K.P: Why is Barnes, a key player in luxury real estate, now focusing on hospitality?

T.D: Barnes has always been an innovative force in luxury real estate. The move into hospitality reflects its desire to meet the growing demand from clients who seek unique experiences beyond property ownership.

Barnes has diversified its offerings by launching specialized branches such as Barnes Yachting and Barnes Art. Exclusive events like classic car rallies and golf tournaments demonstrate this commitment to building meaningful connections. Maison Barnes follows the same logic, providing a space where passions, networks, and expertise come together to enrich the client experience.

K.P: Your background in luxury hospitality has exposed you to exceptional projects. How does this experience help you meet the needs of a demanding clientele and anticipate new trends, particularly among digital nomads targeted by Barnes Hospitality?

Tristan Delmas will develop the Barnes Hospitality branch with Maison Barnes, Barnes Residences, and Moments Barnes. - © Barnes Hospitality

T.D: I learned from Mr. Sharp, the founder of Four Seasons, that emotional intelligence is the key to successful client relationships in luxury hospitality. This approach is based on three pillars:

Get it right: Ensure flawless execution.
Get me right: Understand and anticipate individual needs to personalize each experience.
Create the "Wow" effect: Surprise clients by exceeding their expectations.
By combining these principles with a deeply human approach, we can offer bespoke experiences that attract and retain demanding clients, especially digital nomads.

K.P: The three brands under Barnes Hospitality each have unique identities with highly personalized services. How do you manage this diversity while maintaining overall consistency?

T.D: Each of our three brands has a clear concept:
Un Moment Barnes, launched in Mougins, redefines real estate agencies with a warm, immersive approach that goes beyond traditional transactions. It includes convivial moments like wine tastings or art gallery tours.
Maison Boissière, Barnes Residence in Paris offers a "home away from home" experience across 16 unique apartments. Every detail, from breakfast to personalized dinners, delivers a five-star Parisian residence experience.
Maison Barnes in New York is a versatile living space combining accommodations, gastronomy, and events. Centered around 40 passions, it offers exceptional soirées and collaborations with brands like Stradivarius, Château Angelus, and Christofle, alongside cuisine by the renowned chef Daniel Boulud. Despite their variety, these events share a philosophy of fostering connections and promoting the French art of living.

K.P: How is the French art of living reflected in the new locations in Paris, New York, and Mougins? How do these places stand out from other luxury establishments?

Café Boulud at Maison Barnes in New York, created by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud. - © Barnes Hospitality

T.D: In Paris, we prioritize an authentic experience where client independence is valued through discreet yet attentive service. Without a traditional reception, our team remains available 24/7 to meet all expectations.

In New York, Maison Barnes provides an exclusive living space with five private lounges, a wine cellar, a showcase of six major French brands, and two restaurants designed with Daniel Boulud. Every detail reflects French craftsmanship while adapting to the city’s dynamic energy.

These locations blend French tradition with contemporary innovation, meeting the expectations of an international clientele.

K.P: What role does event planning play in creating authentic connections with your international clientele?

Maison Barnes in New York, with its reception area resembling a luxury hotel. - © Barnes Hospitality

T.D: Event planning is central to our loyalty strategy. Each month, we organize themed events around various interests, such as art, gastronomy, and craftsmanship.

For example, we collaborate with iconic brands like Stradivarius to offer immersive experiences such as private concerts or masterclasses. These initiatives strengthen our relationships with clients by showcasing their passions, fostering a lasting connection to Barnes Hospitality.

K.P: What innovations or technologies are essential for ensuring a flawless customer experience while addressing sustainability and flexibility challenges?

Maison Boissière Barnes Residence, a Parisian "home away from home" experience - © Didier Delmas

T.D: In luxury hospitality, technology is an essential tool for a seamless and personalized experience without replacing human interaction, which is a cornerstone of the French art of living.

We use dedicated apps for real-time interaction with clients, whether for in-room services or premium concierge requests. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) also plays a central role. With advanced tools, we now identify client preferences, anticipate their needs, and tailor our offerings, whether for bespoke experiences or passion-driven activities.

K.P: Can you elaborate on the 40 passions you mentioned?

T.D: Our passions are grouped into six main categories to cater to diverse interests:

Entrepreneurship and prestigious sports: golf, show jumping, polo, sailing, yachting.
Exceptional arts and crafts: architecture, sculpture, painting, photography.
Gastronomy and wine: mixology, art de la table, exclusive tastings.
Art of conversation and cultural debates: poetry, literary cafés, discussion salons.
Philanthropy and social engagement.
Artisan craftsmanship: watchmaking, jewelry, fashion, beauty, fine craftsmanship.
While rooted in the French art of living, we enrich these categories with local influences to create authentic and immersive experiences.

K.P: The development of Barnes Hospitality is built on solid expertise in real estate as well as the art of living. How do you work with architects and designers to ensure that each new project respects aesthetic excellence, privacy, and the practical expectations of clients?

Maison Boissière Barnes Residence: The spirit of the garden comes alive in this luxury residence. - © Barnes Hospitality

T.D: We collaborate with renowned French architects and artisans, such as Stéphanie de Ricou, whose handcrafted creations blend traditional techniques with modernity. Everything is crafted by hand, honoring French expertise.

In our Maisons, we showcase this cultural richness by providing a platform for artists to express themselves freely. We also emphasize traditional techniques and noble materials, preserving artisanal heritage while meeting the aesthetic and functional expectations of our clients.

K.P: You’ve worked in diverse markets, from the Middle East to Asia. How do you assess the receptiveness of European and American markets to Barnes' new hospitality concepts, and what specific challenges do you face in adapting the French heritage to these regions?

T.D: Since the pandemic, client habits have evolved. We now welcome many digital nomads—travelers who stay longer and blend work with leisure. To meet these needs, we have designed apartments that offer a home-like atmosphere while hosting events centered around shared passions, encouraging interaction and a sense of belonging.

This adaptation is crucial, as the market now demands personalized offerings that combine luxury, comfort, and conviviality.

K.P: What is the minimum duration for a stay at Maison Barnes Residence?

T.D: We offer flexible stays. Some clients come for three days a week, while others choose to stay for several months.

K.P: What are the rates?

T.D: Our rates start at €690 per night, depending on the location and services provided.

K.P: Do you have competitors?

T.D: We do not perceive any direct competitors in this sector. While some hotel groups are venturing into residences, our expertise in real estate gives us a unique legitimacy.

We confidently position ourselves as Ambassadors of the Art of Living, promoting French savoir-faire and fostering connections around shared passions to offer a true alternative.

K.P: Do you plan to include wellness spaces?

T.D: Yes, we have identified this need and will integrate it into our future projects. However, Maison Boissière Barnes Residence and Maison Barnes New York did not have the necessary space for such facilities.

K.P: With a group expanding into several international destinations, how do you envision the future of Barnes Hospitality in the next five to ten years? What major trends do you think will redefine luxury hospitality, and how will Barnes adapt?

The Speakeasy at Maison Barnes in New York, a lively venue by Barnes Hospitality. - © Barnes Hospitality

T.D: We aspire to become a key reference in luxury hospitality by developing the Maison Barnes concept in cities rich in culture and history, such as Abu Dhabi, Venice, Madrid, and Paris.

The future of luxury hospitality lies in personalization, cultural immersion, and personal enrichment. We will continue to evolve, drawing inspiration from our real estate expertise to design exceptional living spaces and unique events.

K.P: Sustainability and ecology are major issues for the hospitality industry. How does Barnes Hospitality address these concerns in the development of its new brands?

T.D: We integrate sustainable practices at every level of our projects. Our residences are decorated with antique furniture and objects that are restored and updated to give them new life. Each apartment thus has a unique identity.

We also organize events with an educational component, raising client awareness of the importance of sustainability and the transmission of heritage. Circularity and the promotion of artisanal heritage are at the heart of our approach.
Janvier 2025
By Katya PELLEGRINO