Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Four Seasons Tenure 

• Since 2004 
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo 

Employment History 

• Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia; Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, Four Seasons Explorer and Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Maldives; Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Hawaii; Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica; The Grand Mayan Acapulco, Mexico; The Grand Mayan Puerto Peñasco, Mexico

Birthplace 

• Toluca, Mexico 

Education 

• Degree in Hotel Business Administration from Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City 

Languages Spoken 

• English, Spanish 

“There is something special about Northern Thailand,” says Ivan Giles. “The landscapes are extraordinary, but what truly stays with you are the people, the traditions and the warmth that naturally makes you feel welcome from the moment you arrive.” 

As General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Ivan brings a wealth of international experience and a deep passion for creating meaningful guest experiences. His career with Four Seasons has taken him across some of the world's most sought-after resort destinations, including Costa Rica, Hawaii, the Maldives, Langkawi and beyond, shaping a leadership approach grounded in curiosity, cultural connection and genuine care. 

For Ivan, hospitality has always been about people. 

“I've always been fascinated by the way travel brings people together,” he says. “What drew me to hospitality was the opportunity to create meaningful moments for people from all over the world. I realised early on that a hotel can become part of someone's most treasured memories, and that's an incredible privilege.” 

That belief aligns naturally with the values that first attracted him to Four Seasons more than two decades ago. 

“The Golden Rule has always resonated with me,” he explains. “Four Seasons has a unique way of making luxury feel deeply personal through genuine care, thoughtful service and meaningful human connections.” 

Before arriving in Northern Thailand, Ivan served as General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, where he worked alongside his team to create memorable guest experiences inspired by the island's natural beauty and the UNESCO Global Geopark. Prior to that, he was Resort Manager at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and also oversaw the award-winning Food & Beverage portfolio across Four Seasons Explorer and Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah. Alongside maintaining exceptional quality and service standards, he played an active role in developing future leaders within Four Seasons. As a leader, he is equally focused on creating an environment where team members can flourish.   

“People perform at their best when they feel trusted, respected and supported,” he says. “My role is to create an environment where our teams can grow, thrive and take pride in what they do, because that ultimately translates into exceptional guest experiences.”   

Now based in Northern Thailand, Ivan looks forward to celebrating the individuality of two remarkable resorts that together offer an unparalleled connection to the destination. 

“Chiang Mai invites guests to reconnect with culture, nature and wellbeing, while the Tented Camp offers a rare sense of adventure, conservation and discovery,” he says. “Together, they showcase the remarkable diversity of Northern Thailand and offer guests a journey that cannot be replicated anywhere else.” 

Whether guests find themselves surrounded by emerald rice fields in Chiang Mai or immersed in the rugged beauty of the Golden Triangle, Ivan believes the destination itself should shape every experience. 

“The destination should always be at the heart of the journey,” he says. “Whether it's meeting local artisans, discovering regional cuisine or learning about centuries-old traditions, these moments create a deeper connection to place.” 

His appreciation for authenticity also informs his perspective on luxury today. 

“Luxury is no longer about excess,” Ivan reflects. “It's about time, space, authenticity and feeling genuinely cared for. It's about experiences that feel personal and meaningful. Every property has its own character, but the culture of care and respect remains consistent. I've been fortunate to work alongside extraordinary colleagues who inspire me every day.” 

As he begins this new chapter, Ivan is excited to work alongside the talented teams at both resorts while continuing to celebrate the spirit of Northern Thailand. 

“I hope guests leave feeling more connected,” he says. “Connected to the destination, to the people they've met and perhaps even to themselves. Those are the experiences that stay with us long after we return home.”