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Something exciting is brewing at the Kempinski Hotel
San Lawrenz, and General Manager Marlene Ambuehl
can’t wait to share it.
She gives Ramona Depares the
scoop on what guests can expect.
The Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is in the midst of a transformation. Renovations began in 2023, with a clear ambition to elevate the resort while remaining faithful to the beauty and architecture of Gozo - and General Manager Marlene Ambuehl is determined to strike the right balance.
“The renovation journey actually began before my arrival, with a clear vision to elevate the resort while staying true to the beauty, heritage, and architecture of Gozo,” says Ms Ambuehl.
“For us, it was about striking a balance, enhancing the look and feel of the property to meet the expectations of today’s luxury travellers, while preserving the authentic charm that makes Gozo so special.
The first priority was to ensure that our guests feel both the heritage and the refinement the moment they arrive.”
That balance is perhaps most evident in the approach to two key venues: Il-Baldakkin and L’Ortolan. “For Il- Baldakkin and L’Ortolan, our focus went far beyond refreshing the interiors.
Of course, we wanted to introduce lighter tones and more elegant finishes to create a brighter, more luxurious atmosphere, but equally important was improving the flow of the spaces and making them more comfortable and functional for our guests.”
She points out that this was only possible thanks to the support of the ownership family and a team of designers. “The goal was to honour Gozo’s natural warmth and character while elevating the experience to meet and exceed the expectations of today’s luxury travellers.”
Kempinski Hotel General Manager Marlene Ambuehl
For the General Manager, the renovations are not simply about aesthetics, but about shaping how guests connect with the property. “The heart of this project is about connection. I want our guests to feel completely at ease, surrounded by beauty, but also by a sense of comfort and warmth.
That’s why we are putting a lot of thought into the details, from creative breakfast and all-day dining concepts to relaxed spaces where guests can linger over a drink or a meal. My aim is to create an environment where people can truly slow down, recharge, and feel at home, while still experiencing the magic of Gozo.”
That philosophy extends to the first impression to greet guests. “We want our guests to feel an immediate sense of serenity, as though they have stepped into a private oasis,” Ms Ambuehl explains.
“From the moment they arrive, the atmosphere should feel calm, refreshing, and inspiring, a place where they can unwind by the pools, stroll through the gardens, or simply enjoy a thoughtfully curated meal or drink. Every element was designed to convey that sense of escape and relaxation.”
L’Ortolan, in particular, is central to the vision. “This has always been our breakfast and weekend barbecue venue, but with the renovation it will become so much more. We see it as a vibrant culinary hub, not only for our daily offerings, but also for special events, and unique pop-up dinners in collaboration with talented chefs.
My vision is to celebrate Gozo’s food culture by showcasing fresh, local flavours in a setting that feels both relaxed and elegant.”
That’s why we are putting a lot of thought into the details, from creative breakfast and all-day dining concepts to relaxed spaces where guests can linger over a drink or a meal. My aim is to create an environment where people can truly slow down, recharge, and feel at home, while still experiencing the magic of Gozo.”
That philosophy extends to the first impression to greet guests. “We want our guests to feel an immediate sense of serenity, as though they have stepped into a private oasis,” Ms Ambuehl explains.
“From the moment they arrive, the atmosphere should feel calm, refreshing, and inspiring, a place where they can unwind by the pools, stroll through the gardens, or simply enjoy a thoughtfully curated meal or drink. Every element was designed to convey that sense of escape and relaxation.”
L’Ortolan, in particular, is central to the vision. “This has always been our breakfast and weekend barbecue venue, but with the renovation it will become so much more. We see it as a vibrant culinary hub, not only for our daily offerings, but also for special events, and unique pop-up dinners in collaboration with talented chefs.
My vision is to celebrate Gozo’s food culture by showcasing fresh, local flavours in a setting that feels both relaxed and elegant.”
Of course, major works can create disruption, but the
team has been proactive. “Guest comfort is always our
top priority.
We have already planned alternative spaces to ensure that no experience is compromised, and we are being very proactive in how we communicate with guests.
The idea is to make the transition as seamless as possible so they continue to feel well taken care of, without even noticing the behind-the-scenes work happening around them.”
For Marlene Ambuehl, luxury is not defined by design alone. “For me, true luxury has never been about chandeliers or marble floors, those are just backdrops.
What guests remember are the people. The warmth, the conversations, the feeling of being genuinely cared for. That’s why I encourage my team to go beyond service, to anticipate needs before they are voiced, to create moments of surprise, and to build authentic connections with our guests.
Consistency is key, but so is creativity, and I encourage my team to keep finding those little touches that turn a stay into a story worth retelling.” And what will success look like, once the dust has settled?
The General Manager doesn’t hesitate. “Success, for me, will be when the new spaces don’t just look beautiful, but actually enhance the way we serve our guests. If we see that the design makes our operations smoother, our teams happier, and our guests more satisfied, then we have achieved what we set out to do.
Ultimately, I would like Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz to be the place everyone wants to be, the address in Gozo that people talk about, return to, and feel proud to be a part of.”
We have already planned alternative spaces to ensure that no experience is compromised, and we are being very proactive in how we communicate with guests.
The idea is to make the transition as seamless as possible so they continue to feel well taken care of, without even noticing the behind-the-scenes work happening around them.”
For Marlene Ambuehl, luxury is not defined by design alone. “For me, true luxury has never been about chandeliers or marble floors, those are just backdrops.
What guests remember are the people. The warmth, the conversations, the feeling of being genuinely cared for. That’s why I encourage my team to go beyond service, to anticipate needs before they are voiced, to create moments of surprise, and to build authentic connections with our guests.
Consistency is key, but so is creativity, and I encourage my team to keep finding those little touches that turn a stay into a story worth retelling.” And what will success look like, once the dust has settled?
The General Manager doesn’t hesitate. “Success, for me, will be when the new spaces don’t just look beautiful, but actually enhance the way we serve our guests. If we see that the design makes our operations smoother, our teams happier, and our guests more satisfied, then we have achieved what we set out to do.
Ultimately, I would like Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz to be the place everyone wants to be, the address in Gozo that people talk about, return to, and feel proud to be a part of.”
