1 Hotel & Homes, the luxury hotel brand led by nature, has appointed key members for its Melbourne-based leadership team, in preparation for the launch of the brand’s first Australian property, 1 Hotel & Homes Melbourne, slated to open March 2025. As a mission driven luxury lifestyle hotel brand inspired by nature, 1 Hotels, founded by industry visionary Barry Sternlicht, cultivates the best of sustainable design and architecture, together with extraordinary comfort and an unrivalled level of service.
Nestled along the banks of the city’s famous Yarra River, the luxury property will feature 277 guest rooms and 114 hotel-branded residences, several innovative dining options and a stunning lobby bar with breathtaking waterfront views.
Other luxurious amenities include Bamford Wellness Spa, an indoor pool, large function centre and access to 3,500-square-metre public parklands that hug the meandering riverfront.
To launch 1 Hotel & Homes in Melbourne, the global team has recruited top local and international talent, with the appointments of Hotel Manager, Director of Marketing and Director of Sales assembled from leading tourism and hospitality venues worldwide.
Johannes Brosemann will serve as Hotel Manager, whose appointment follows five years as Executive Assistant Manager at Brisbane’s renowned Calile Hotel — considered by Conde Nast Traveller as Australia’s leading boutique hotel. Prior to this, Brosemann held a long career in senior management positions at Hilton, including two years as Director of Operations for Hilton Munich Airport and key managerial roles at Hilton Hotel Brisbane.
Director of Marketing, Libby Escolme, brings a wealth of global experience, having lived and worked in five countries, in both global and local roles for prestige brands across: hotels, prop-tech, real estate, retail, services and FMCG sectors. This includes a notable role as Global Vice President of InterContinental Hotels Group, Upscale Portfolio in London. As a certified integrative nutritionist, Libby’s dedication to furthering her knowledge around health and how we can live better for longer with less impact on the planet, makes her appointment particularly aligned with 1 Hotel & Homes philosophy for cultivating luxurious experiences that support and enhance the wellness of its guests.
Elena Fragasso, joins 1 Hotel & Homes Melbourne as the property’s Director of Sales following a distinguished hospitality and sales career spanning 15-years with prestigious corporate and lifestyle brands. This includes a recent position as Director of Sales for the Park Hyatt Sydney, Sales Director for W-Union Square NY, USA; Director of Sales & Marketing for Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, and two stints with Starwood Hotels & Resorts both in Sydney and Los Angeles.
“We’re immensely proud of the leadership team that we’ve assembled,” says 1 Hotel & Homes Melbourne Managing Director, Damon Page. “They’re a true representation of the core vision and values of 1 Hotels, and are all exceptional leaders known within the industry for their rich wealth of experience and ability to drive growth, cultivate creativity and build teams with integrity and empathy”.
More details on the opening of 1 Hotel & Homes Melbourne will become available as the property prepares to open in the Northbank precinct of the city, which is currently preparing for major development, including pedestrian walkways, retail, bars, and nightlife.
However, some details have been released, particularly highlighting the property’s biophilic design, which will include recycled and reclaimed timber from the site’s heritage wharf & shed as well as other local rail bridges and wharfs, places nature at the forefront, allowing guests, visitors, and residents to immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings.
The distinctly Melbournian vibe is inspired by Victoria’s landscape – The Dandenong Ranges, The Great Otway National Park and the Yarra River. From sustainable architecture to locally sourced materials, programming and partnerships, every aspect of the hotel is designed to create a harmonious connection between luxury and nature. 1 Hotel Melbourne is being developed in partnership with Riverlee and is part of the multi-purpose Northbank project, Seafarers.
1 Hotel & Homes Melbourne opens late March 2025.
