Felix Murillo is right where he belongs – or, at least, where it first dawned upon him that he was at Four Seasons to stay. “It’s so exciting to be back at this Hotel 15 years later, and a wonderful time to be in Istanbul,” says the general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, who was part of the opening team that transformed a century-old prison into the 65-room gem back in 1996.

While Four Seasons has another, splashier 170-room property on the banks of the Bosphorus, Murillo’s Istanbul address is often the first stop for guests. “They usually come here first to spend a few days with all of the city’s main historical sites within walking distance, and then move on to the Bosphorus,” he says. “The combination of both Hotels makes for quite an experience.”

Murillo should know, having previously been Hotel Manager at the Bosphorus property, one of 10 addresses on three different continents he has been a part of through nearly two decades with Four Seasons. Now ensconced in the heart of the city, Murillo is about maintaining the Hotel’s “elegant-yet-cosy ambiance” as well as the intimacy guests have grown accustomed to, led of course by Four Seasons passion for extreme personal service. He will also oversee redefining the Hotel’s culinary offerings and recasting the rooftop terrace with more of a lounge feeling.

One of five siblings born to restaurateurs in Madrid, Murillo ended up in the hotel industry simply because his parents didn’t have enough openings in the family business to go around. “It was the tradition that when we turned 12 we went to work in one of our delicatessens. My parents had three. I was born fourth, so I took an apprenticeship at a big hotel.” He was fascinated from day one. “It was like Disneyland – I was swept up by the amazing bustle,” he says, laughing that, “Only later did I realise how much hard work is involved.” Years later, his parents called with an opening for him. “By then, I was at Four Seasons, so…”

A talent with a foil, Murillo put aside dreams of competitive fencing to focus on hotel school. Subsequent dreams of doing openings have been richly satisfied by Four Seasons, five in total. “Prepping a hotel is a fascinating process that really lets you absorb the people and culture of a destination while revealing what makes for success in this business.” And that would be? “Having self-confidence and a strong desire to do things for others. Bottom line, that’s what Four Seasons is about.”