Imelda Shllaku

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2025
• First Four Seasons Position: Current

Employment History

• Hotel La Palma, Capri, Italy; Kernzner International, Dubai, UAE; Baglioni Hotels & Resorts, London, UK; Porto Montenegro, Tivat; One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives; Armani Hotels & Resorts, Dubai; Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, London; Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Milan

Education

• Certificate, Hotel Management and Owner Relations, and Certificate, Professional Development and Hospitality Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA

Birthplace

• Kukës, Albania

Languages Spoken

• Albanian, Italian, English, French

Walking through the ancient stairways, sculptural gardens, and sun-dappled terraces of San Domenico Palace, Taormina, Imelda Shllaku feels a deep connection to the past—and a fierce commitment to the present. As General Manager of this iconic Four Seasons hotel perched above the Ionian Sea, she effortlessly blends reverence for history with a passion for exceptional hospitality. “I love imagining how monks once moved through here, and hearing the old wood and stone speak of them as it speaks to our guests,” Imelda reflects. But her focus remains firmly on today’s visitors: “Every guest is unique, and my goal is to make them feel truly special.”

Her greatest asset? The team she leads. Imelda is hands-on and deeply present, fostering a family-like culture where every member knows she is invested in their success. Drawing on more than 30 years of global luxury hospitality experience—across six countries—her leadership is infused with a distinctly feminine touch: caring, anticipating, and obsessing over the smallest details. “My mother taught me that attention to detail creates opportunities for all of us to do extraordinary things together,” she says.

Imelda also makes a priority of growing the Hotel’s relationships with the local community, the better to benefit guests as well as the businesses and cultural institutions they patronize. She believes Four Seasons has done a great job of building partnerships in Taormina since refurbishing and reflagging the property in 2021, and that area restaurants, retailers, transportation, and wineries have upgraded for the destination's growing appeal. “Community outreach is a big responsibility, because everyone has to work together,” she observes, noting the importance of teaming with locals to create Four Seasons-style experiences, from luxury private boat tours along the Taormina waterfront, to helicopter trips to dinner at wineries on Mount Etna.

Born in Albania, Imelda embarked on her career in hospitality immediately after high school. She joined a newly established hotel in Tirana at the dawn of the internet era, quickly mastering multiple operational roles. Her warm demeanour and genuine curiosity won her guests’ hearts and made her a beloved presence in the industry.

Her career blossomed as she moved through reservations, guest relations, front office, and rooms management departments she cherishes for their vibrancy and challenge. “The front office is where bonds with guests begin and end,” she says. Her client‑focused approach, honed across diverse markets from the Caribbean to Milan, remains central to everything she does.

That focus has only sharpened since Imelda arrived at San Domenico Palace. While her days are typically filled with meetings, she is always sure to make the rounds to hobnob in public areas throughout the property. She is also happy to be interrupted, should need ever arise. “Meetings can be paused: We’re not doing open heart surgery, after all.”

On downtime away from the property, Imelda is a dedicated walker. “I’m out the door at 7:00 am, and it’s all downhill from there!” she says, playfully, of the sloping route she takes to the Hotel. “I love the way it boosts the endorphins.” Energized by her daily walks and thanks to her passion and expertise in the guest experience, Imelda’s mission is to ensure that San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel is not just a place to stay—but a living, breathing experience where history, hospitality, and heartfelt connection converge.