An accomplished hotelier with three decades of distinguished experience operating luxury properties worldwide, Lionel Álvarez took the reins of Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort as Managing Director in March 2008.

Mr. Álvarez came to acclaimed Five Diamond Las Ventanas as it was completing an extraordinarily successful first decade that set it apart as one of the world's great resorts. Taking the challenge, he has committed to elevating Las Ventanas' internationally heralded guest experience to an even higher level over the next years. "People are the difference in hospitality," he said. "There is nothing more important than recruiting, motivating, coaching, guiding and believing in your people - each of whom becomes part of a dedicated, professional team that is truly committed to knowing who our guests are, what the personal needs and expectations of each guest are, what additional services we can offer to make their stay better, and how we can delight them in every way."

Prior to being named Managing Director of Las Ventanas, he was general manager of one of Portugal's most exclusive properties, Aquapura Vale Do Douro Hotel, Villas and Spa, located in the Douro Valley wine country.

Before Portugal, Mr. Álvarez managed another of Mexico's most luxurious properties. He was  general manager of Paraíso de la Bonita, the Five-Diamond resort near Puerto Morelos in the Riviera Maya.

Other previous experience managing luxury properties has taken him from the Indian Ocean to the South Seas including serving as general manager of the Beau Rivage Hotel, a Five Star resort in  Belle Mare, Mauritius, and of Aman Resorts' exclusive Hotel Bora Bora in French Polynesia.