Antoine Chevanne: The best hotel concept? Choice, space, time.
Q: Your personal story, Antoine?
A: During my early childhood I grew up with my parents and grandmother in the countryside (the reason I feel so close to the nature). Then I was in paris from 6th grade until my graduate studies in economics. I have kept strong attachments to the countryside since I spent all my weekends there. My holidays were spent between Biarritz and St. Tropez. Until I bought our house in the South West, five years in Ahetze. 
My first contact with the universe of deluxe hotel management occured through Hotel Byblos where I spent a week of vacation each year with my parents, then during my studies when I met many Palace managers for my Thesis. So my personal story is quite simple: a happy childhood, then graduate studies in order to have the choice of my career.
Q: You have known the hotel Byblos since you were a child, what do you feel when you go back there?
A: Being at the helm of such a flagship at 28 year old was adventurous and risky... but mainly thrilling. A wonderful opportunity since I like adventure and risk (measured), traveling (because you always make meaningful encounters) and living strong sensations. In short: I like life.
One day a journalist wrote about me: "There is a Byblos blood running in his veins... It's true."
Q: Your concept of luxury and high end hotel management?
A: Choice, Space, Time. Choice because it is synonymos with freedom. Freedom is a luxury. Space because it is mandatory to feel at ease. Time. We live in a world where everyone is in a hurry and nobody seems to have time to do anything anymore. Our work as hotel managers is to give our time to our clients so that they can find time for themselves.
Q: Where do you go for your holidays?
A: I enjoy discovering new horizons, new countries... and if I don't have time, I choose my country house in St-Jean-de-Luz as soon as I have few free days, which is not often.
Q: Your favourite city?
A: In France I truly like St Tropez "off season" and right now I have a strong attraction to Rio de Janeiro.
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Antoine Chevanne is the CEO of Groupe Floriat and he continues the family tradition for hotel management. Hotel Byblos is a legendary St. Tropez hotel.