Currently the Deputy GM at Hilton Hotel Tahiti, Laureen embodies the art of leadership and the management of a high-end establishment. With a wealth of international experience, she has honed her expertise through roles in iconic locations like Bora Bora and the Turks and Caicos Islands, where she deepened her understanding of diverse cultures and guest expectations.
Her incredible journey, coupled with her innate sense of service, has allowed her to craft an approach to luxury that blends authenticity with innovation.
Throughout this interview, Laureen Debrosse shares her journey, values, and unique insights into the evolving world of luxury hospitality. A compelling exchange that explores the essence of true luxury, and the impact of intuitive, forward-thinking leadership.
Hello Laureen! You’ve built a remarkable career in luxury hospitality, what initially inspired you to enter this world, and how has your understanding of the guest experience deepened throughout your journey?
My journey into luxury hospitality is somewhat unconventional, as I did not follow the traditional path. I initially aimed to break into the fashion industry, however, I soon realized that fashion was an elitist field, and I lacked the technical skills to design. This realization led me to shift my focus from fashion to a broader admiration for excellence, and from there, my interest in luxury hospitality was born. With a background in Management of Tourism and Culture, rather than hospitality or luxury, I knew that even though I had not followed the typical route, I was still on the path to achieving exactly what I wanted. I first entered the world of luxury hospitality by joining one of the brands I hold in the highest regard: Cheval Blanc. This experience only whetted my appetite for even greater luxury and excellence. After completing my Master degree, I joined a renowned 5-star hotel in Paris, where my role was to be the face of the hotel and ensure that every guest’s experience was flawless. It became clear to me then — luxury cannot be touched, only felt. Scenery may impress, but true luxury lives in the details — in service crafted with care, warmth, and intention. That is the soul of any place. This experience sharpened my intuition and passion for people, whether they are guests or team members and colleagues, helping me develop a strong emotional intelligence that has become one of my greatest strengths in my career.
You’ve had the opportunity to work in incredible destinations like Bora Bora and the Turks and Caicos Islands. What differences have you observed in the approach to luxury and customer experience based on local culture and customer expectations?
When comparing Bora Bora to Turks and Caicos Islands, luxury and guest experience shift significantly in terms of culture, ambiance, and guest expectations. While both are tropical paradises with stunning landscapes, the essence of the experience in Bora Bora leans more into cultural immersion, authenticity, and unique local traditions. The expectations for service are relaxed in comparison, as guests often embrace the natural pace of life and the inherent charm of the island’s cultural differences.
In Bora Bora, the approach to luxury hospitality takes on a more holistic quality, where the experience integrates not just the dream landscape, but also a deeper connection to the local culture and environment. Guests are immersed in an all-encompassing experience that harmonizes relaxation, cultural richness, and the island's natural beauty, creating a balanced and enriching stay that goes beyond just physical indulgence.
In Turks and Caicos, the luxury hospitality experience revolves heavily around relaxation, indulgence in scenic beauty, and exclusivity. Unlike Bora Bora, where the cultural immersion is more deeply intertwined with the overall guest experience, guests in Turks and Caicos expect to be pampered with a top tier, highly personalized type of service, completed by world-class amenities and unparalleled comfort. They seek a more indulgent retreat, allowing them to unwind without extensive interaction with local culture.
As the Deputy GM at the Hilton Hotel Tahiti, could you briefly describe your current role and key responsibilities?
As Deputy GM at Hilton Hotel Tahiti, my role is anything but ordinary. I wear many hats, ensuring the hotel runs smoothly and that every guest experience is nothing short of exceptional. From overseeing daily operations to fine-tuning team dynamics and strategic planning, it’s all about creating seamless, memorable experiences for our guests while upholding Hilton’s renowned standards. One of my primary focuses is operational excellence. I work side-by-side with department heads, keeping an eye on performance, solving problems as they arise, and ensuring that everything runs like clockwork. But beyond just managing operations, my passion lies in building and nurturing a high-performing, cohesive team. I dedicate time to training and empowering staff to meet—and exceed—the high expectations set by Hilton, fostering a collaborative environment where every team member feels motivated to deliver top-notch service. A big part of my role also involves audits and compliance, making sure that Hilton’s policies, safety regulations, and industry standards are always met. Whether it’s performing routine inspections, managing risk, or preparing for unforeseen challenges, I’m ready to step in and lead the charge to safeguard the hotel’s reputation and operations. Additionally, I serve as a reliable and transparent point of contact for Hilton’s representants and the hotel owners, ensuring clear communication and alignment of goals. I work closely with them to address strategic priorities, operational challenges, and growth opportunities, reinforcing the trust and partnership that are crucial to the long-term success of the hotel. In essence, my job blends leadership, strategy, and a laser focus on quality assurance. It's about creating a dynamic environment where excellence is the goal, both for the team and our guests. Every day brings new challenges, but the satisfaction of delivering meaningful service makes it all worthwhile.
Does the luxury hospitality sector in Tahiti have any unique characteristics? How do you adapt to these particularities?
It has the unique characteristic in that it is not as developed as many might expect! While Tahiti is often overlooked in favor of the other islands like Bora Bora or Moorea, it is currently still working on how to position as Destination in itself. This process, naturally, takes time, but the local government is dedicated to further developing the island’s appeal. In this context, the Hilton Hotel Tahiti stands out as the most reliable qualitative offering in the area. However, it is often perceived merely as a stopover location, whereas our goal is to transform it into a full-fledged destination. We offer a diverse range of room categories and a complete dining experience, with a well-rounded food and beverage selection. At the heart of our strategy is an unwavering focus on the guest experience. We strive to provide more than just a stay—we aim to deliver an unforgettable experience. This includes impeccable service, immersive cultural experiences, and a comprehensive range of offerings within the hotel all designed to fully enrich our guests' time with us.
How do you assess the importance of leadership in the luxury sector? What qualities should a leader possess to succeed in this field?
In the luxury sector, leadership is not just important — it is non-negotiable. The standards are higher, the pressure is relentless, and the margin for error is razor-thin. But that is exactly what makes it so compelling. This industry demands strength, vision, and heart — and a great leader brings all three without compromise. To truly succeed, a leader must first be profoundly human — someone who is trusted, respected, and real. It’s not just about giving direction; it’s about being the person others turn to when things get tough. The one who solves problems with clarity, stays calm under pressure, and shows up when it matters most. But just as crucially, a great leader challenges their people — because comfort is the enemy of growth. Leadership, at its best, is built around personal development. A great leader places growth at the center of their culture — nurturing confidence, inspiring ambition, and helping others discover their full potential. That’s not about control; that’s about empowerment. And yes — the best leaders are demanding. They set the bar high and keep it there. They don’t tolerate mediocrity — not from themselves, and not from anyone on their team. They question the status quo, stretch expectations, and operate with a mindset where excellence is not a goal, but a standard. Resilience is another non-negotiable. A true leader doesn’t break, doesn’t back down, and certainly doesn’t scare easily. They support their team, hold them accountable, and always act with fairness and purpose — with the aim of making people better, not just more productive. But above all, intuition is the quiet superpower that sets exceptional leaders apart. Feeling the room. Reading people’s energy. Sensing unspoken needs. It’s this depth of connection that makes someone more than just a manager — it’s what builds trust, culture, and emotional resonance. Because in luxury hospitality, it’s never just about the service. It’s about soul.
Despite the challenges and constant changes in the industry, what continues to motivate you to work in luxury hospitality?
To be honest, if it were not for the challenges and constant evolution, this industry would not be for me. I do not stand for easy or comfortable — I thrive in environments that push me, keep me sharp, and demand creativity, resilience, and adaptability. Luxury hospitality is dynamic by nature. It requires you to reinvent yourself constantly, to anticipate rather than react, and to find innovative ways to exceed expectations — every single day. That is exactly what motivates me. The pressure, the pace, the pursuit of excellence — it all feeds my energy. I am driven by the idea that there is always a new level to reach, both for myself and for the teams I lead. Change is not something I fear; it is something I welcome. It is in the midst of transformation and challenge that we grow, and that’s where I feel most alive and most inspired.
To end on a more personal note, if you were...
- A flavor : Salty
- A book : L’Alchimiste, from Paulo Coelho
- A quote: "Call it bold, call it too much — I call it knowing exactly who I am, and never settling for less!"
- A human quality : Intuition
