Charla Forinton’s career has been luxury all the way. After studying hotel management in New Hampshire USA, she started her career with Venice Simpson Orient-Express on the trains side, moved to Starwood when the brand was first launched and then to Four Seasons Hotels. “After five fab years heading up the regional sales team, I decided to leave London, had a short time away from the industry to make tarts (!) and returned to join Hosmark. After 10 happy years I was asked to join Leading Hotels of the World and most recently started my perfect job as Director of Global Sales with Rocco Forte Hotels.”

Your career in a nutshell 

It’s been luxury all the way. After studying hotel management in New Hampshire USA, I started my career with Venice Simpson Orient-Express on the trains side, moved to Starwood when the brand was first launched and then to Four Seasons Hotels. After 5 fab years heading up the Regional Sales team, I decided to leave London, had a short time away from the industry to make tarts (!) and returned to join Hosmark. After 10 happy years I was asked to join Leading Hotels of the World and most recently started my perfect job as Director of Global Sales with Rocco Forte hotels.   

The elevator pitch…

I love being based at the HQ of a small luxury hotel group like Rocco Forte Hotels where you can help influence the importance of the groups sector internally.  Sir Rocco is a highly respected figure head in the hotel industry and I’m truly proud to be part of such a wonderful family-owned business.  From London to Rome, Sicily to St Petersburg, Brussels to Edinburgh, each property is as unique as the place it calls home.  

What’s new?

Not only is the Queen celebrating a big milestone this year, but we are celebrating our 25th anniversary at Rocco Forte Hotels.  Watch this space for how we’re going to celebrate…

Most memorable moment

I honestly think one of my very first fam trips was my most memorable.  I wasn’t long at Orient-Express, and we put together the ultimate client fam – Orient-Express, QEII sailing to New York and flew Concorde home.  It was unbelievable!  The fact that I experienced something that can no longer be done makes it even more memorable.  And it sealed the deal for me having a lifelong career in the incentive world.  

Dream incentive

If budget was limitless, I would arrive by private yacht at the harbour at Palermo, do a buyout of the new Rocco Forte Villa Igiea, take over the Opera House for a private concert with Robbie Williams and then go to the interior of Sicily for a cookery lesson with Yotam Ottolenghi. I can but dream….

Sun or snow?

Sun please.  The bleak grey skies at the moment make me yearn to feel the warmth of the sun on my face.  I haven’t visited our hotel in Puglia but the thought of a G&T by the pool sounds good to me.

City break or country escape?

Country escape – put the wellies on and take the dog on a long country walk by the coast to a pub with amazing food and sit with mates and lose the afternoon.

The bucket list

I was due to visit India for a big birthday in 2020 but along with so many things, it had to be first postponed and then cancelled.  I’d love to get that resurrected. Japan is also on the list followed by Chile.