Etienne Baldeschi

Four Seasons Tenure

• 2008-2015; now since 2016
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Employment History

• Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, French Polynesia; Eden Rock, St. Barths, French West Indies; St. Regis Resort Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Education

• Diploma in Hospitality from Lycée Hôtelier de Dinard, France

Birthplace

• Dinard, France

Languages Spoken

• French, English

Veteran concierge Etienne Baldeschi sees his team as a bridge between the hotel, the local community and the guest: “Our aim is to unlock access and create unique opportunities for travellers to experience the destination more fully.”

As the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto brims with treasures, many of which remain beyond the reach of regular visitors. By cultivating close partnerships with local experts – from artisans and geishas to monks and tea masters – Etienne and his colleagues are able to deliver experiences that immerse travellers in the city’s timeless spirit. Recommendations are meticulously tailored to match individual interests and pace: “The way I think of it, there is one Kyoto for each person. Our role as concierge is to find that Kyoto and bring it to them.”

Hailing from Dinard, a French resort town known for its beautiful beaches, Etienne grew up with the seasonal rhythms of tourism. The area’s strong cultural and gastronomic identity sparked his early interest in sharing local treasures with visitors, a passion that would grow stronger over time and ultimately shape his career.

Starting out in food and beverage, Etienne was quickly drawn to the interactive, experiential side of hospitality, leading him to the preopening concierge team at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora in 2008. A remarkable 15-year journey followed, from an entry-level position all the way to Chief Concierge. During his tenure, he was instrumental in launching an on-site dive centre, an ecological program, and (his personal favourite) the much-lauded Villa Hosts initiative – a dedicated A-to-Z concierge service for the resort’s premium villas.

Working at this globally acclaimed destination also yielded an invaluable cultural education: “Beyond its stunning beaches and lagoons, French Polynesia has an incredibly rich local heritage. Being able to share that with guests from around the world taught me so much and became my favourite part of the job. Japan, too, has an incredible cultural depth – it’s what inspired me to make the move here,” he says.

The transition has proved challenging yet deeply satisfying. While Etienne still has no idea when he’ll get used to Kyoto winters, his concierge heart has never been happier. “Collaborating with true custodians of Japanese culture, who have dedicated their lives to preserving and sharing their craft, is both a pleasure and an honour.”

Indeed, human connection is at the core of each signature experience curated by Etienne. His top suggestion for those wishing to explore Kyoto’s enigmatic charms is Ozashiki Asobi, a private kaiseki dinner in the company of a Maiko, who engages guests with graceful performances and time-honoured conversation games.

Along with strong relationships and careful planning, adaptability is the key to a concierge’s success – a hard-won lesson Etienne seeks to pass on to all his team members. “No two days, no two requests are the same,” he says, emphasizing the importance of being able to tweak and personalize experiences to fulfil each guest’s expectations.

During his leisure time, Etienne enjoys being with family: “with a toddler at home, every day is a new adventure!” He also loves exploring the city on foot, a process that allows subtle details and layers to reveal themselves in their own time. When stepping into one of Kyoto’s numerous temples or shrines, he savours the opportunity to unplug, slow down and simply be present in the moment.