YONDER

“Co-founder of the “Maisons et Hôtels Sibuet” group with her husband Jean-Louis, this visionary couple initiated a subtle revolution in hospitality over 30 years ago: creating luxury sanctuaries where you feel at home. He, a talented builder, and she, an outstanding decorator and communicator, have imagined places imbued with warmth and conviviality, a perfect reflection of their aspirations. It is at Megève Let it all begin. In 1981, the couple bought a small hotel with 23 rooms. Jocelyne, with her innate talent for decoration and a keen sense of hospitality, brings this establishment back to life. Their philosophy? Create places where each customer feels at home, far from the impersonal stereotypes of traditional palaces.

This unique vision attracts customers in search of authenticity. Follow the Hotel Mont-Blanc, the Lodge Park in Megève, and other jewels in provence like the Bastide de Marie, and on the French Riviera with Villa Marie at Saint-Tropez.

In 2016, the duo pushed the boundaries of luxury to caribbean with Villa Marie Saint-Barth, an oasis of refinement under the palm trees. In the meantime, Jocelyne innovated by launching the Pure Altitude spa in 1990, a precursor in the art of combining well-being and natural products. Jocelyne, now separated from Jean-Louis but still a business partner, continues to shape each establishment with an inimitable signature, combining comfort, elegance and conviviality.”

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“Yonder: Between us, have you ever considered giving up everything to open a food truck in Bali or another exotic adventure?

Jocelyne Sibuet: Frankly, not really. The idea of giving up everything for a food truck in Bali is not my style. Even though sometimes we go through difficult times, they are behind me. Our job is incredibly engaging and exciting, even if there are days with and without, like everywhere. Sometimes you have more problems than you need, but the virtues of this job are incomparable. Creating unique experiences for our customers, whether in authentic luxury or in a more natural and natural version, brings me immense satisfaction. So while a getaway under the palm trees may seem tempting at times, the idea of leaving everything never really appealed to me.”

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“Tell us about the first time you realized you were made for the hotel business.

You know, it wasn't really a meteoric revelation that I had. To be honest, I am not sure that I would have chosen the hotel business if the circumstances had been different. My ex-husband was already in the field and wanted to pursue a career in it. I grew up in this environment, but I probably wouldn't have chosen it right away. I fell into it a bit by chance, or rather by default. But over time, I developed a real passion for this job. Creating projects from start to finish, watching them come to life, has become a source of immense joy. At the end of the day, it's a total joy to do what you love, even if the journey to get there was unexpected and full of surprises.”

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“The Sibuet family has become a real hotel empire. When you get together as a family, do you talk about hotels or do you manage to discuss something else?

It really depends on the moment and the context. Yes, we often talk about hotels, especially when we travel or when an experience inspires us. Ongoing projects sometimes come into our conversations. But when we are all reunited with the grandchildren, we change the register. We love to have barbecues and every year we have a family tradition of going out together. During these moments, we really try to leave professional discussions aside, to relax and enjoy more fun and relaxed topics. But when you do a job you love, it's not a punishment to talk about work. For Marie and Nicolas, who are in the thick of the action on a daily basis, these moments of disconnection are precious. As for me, having taken a step back, I even find pleasure in discussing our projects, since it is no longer my direct daily life.”

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“What are the dishes in your hotels that you absolutely can't resist?

Ah, there are so many! Each establishment has its specialties, but if I had to choose, I would say truffle shells from Fermes de Marie. It is a regressive dish that is unanimously accepted. Then there is the bouillabaisse from Villa Marie in Saint-Tropez, where our chef prepares a version that is simply divine. Oh and the little stuffed vegetables in Provence... These three dishes are real must-haves for me! “

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“Do you have a ritual or a mantra that you follow before opening a new hotel?

A ritual? Yes, you can say that! For me, the most important thing is to really experience the place before it opens. I spend a night in the room, exploring the hotel as a guest would, to feel every detail. Nothing beats on-site experience to detect what might be wrong in terms of organization or presentation. Living the experience beforehand is absolutely essential to ensure that everything is perfect for our future customers..”

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“The hotel industry in France has evolved a lot. If you could go back in time, what era would you like to open a hotel and why?

Honestly, the current era is a perfect fit for me. If I had to take a quick leap into the past, it would be to make it easier to find people motivated to take up this profession. Today, it is a real challenge to recruit and retain teams. Each era has its pros and cons, whether in Provence, Saint-Barth or in the mountains, styles and experiences vary enormously. But I must say that the present offers a multitude of opportunities and rewarding experiences that I would not trade for anything in the world.”

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“How do you see the future of the hotel industry in France?

Global competition is fierce with spectacular places popping up everywhere, but France has a unique asset: its art of living. We have incredibly diverse regions and real French know-how. If we continue to cultivate our traditions and infuse our distinctive style into each project, the future of the hotel industry in France looks promising. In short, as long as we remain true to our charm and authenticity, we have all the cards in hand to shine on the global stage.”

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“What is your greatest pride in terms of sustainable development in your hotels?

Without hesitation, the project initiated by Nicolas at Bastide de Marie! He created an incredible vegetable garden, an herb garden, and an agricultural farm from which we get much of our vegetables. We also have hives and a large greenhouse where we will organize themed dinners. This is an ambitious and important project for us, and I am really proud of what we have achieved. It's our little piece of green paradise!”

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“If your hotels had their own personality, which would be most likely to party until 3 am?

They are pretty good kids, but I would say the Hotel du Mont Blanc. This one has a little touch of madness. With a history full of memorable evenings and memorable events, it is the perfect night owl. Jean Cocteau partied there after the war, and this artistic and festive spirit is still in the air. “

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“What is your secret to managing stress in an industry that never sleeps? A dose of yoga, a cup of tea or a good glass of wine?

A bit of everything, to be honest! There are days when yoga saves me, others when a cup of tea works wonders, and sometimes a good glass of wine is the best solution. Nicolas and Marie also have their own little rituals to decompress: a glass of wine or a walk in the heart of nature in the Alps. We adapt according to the mood of the moment!”

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“Can you share with us a moment when you knew that Marie and Nicolas were ready to take up the torch? Was it a critical decision, a show of leadership, or a simple gesture that convinced you?

Everything was done quite fluidly. We never really forced things. Marie and Nicolas grew up in this environment and absorbed our way of working like sponges. Marie was not very motivated at first, but over time she found her way. Nicolas, on the other hand, was motivated from the start and took over the management of one of our restaurants. It wasn't a major decision or a dramatic moment, just a natural progression. They each showed leadership in their own way, and before we knew it, they were already ready to take over!”

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“If you could invite any celebrity to stay in one of your hotels, who would you choose and why?

We have already welcomed numerous personalities, heads of state, royal families, and show business stars. But if I had to choose, I would love to invite the Dalai Lama. It would be an incredible opportunity to share moments of peace and wisdom. “

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“After a long day at work, what is your favorite cocktail to unwind?

A Margarita! “