John O'Sullivan

Regional Vice President and General Manager

“The future of hospitality is through the sincere and genuine embracing of our environment and the removing of formalities. As hoteliers we can curate a range of possibilities and inspire guests to be the creators of their own destinies.”

Four Seasons Tenure

Since 1995
First Four Seasons Assignment: Four Seasons Resort Aviara (formerly a Four Seasons resort)

Employment History

Four Seasons Resorts Bali; Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence; Four Seasons Resort Aviara (formerly a Four Seasons resort); Forte Méridien Hotels; Forte Crest Gatwick, West Sussex; Forte Grand Castle Hotel, Windsor; Bush Hotel Farnham, Surrey

Education

Hotel Management degree, Shannon College, National University of Ireland; Management Studies diploma, Middlesex Business School, England

Birthplace

Sligo, Ireland

Languages Spoken

English

Unconventional and irreverent, John O'Sullivan's reputation as an unapologetic innovator and forward-thinking disrupter is well known among colleagues and clients alike.

With the opening of Naviva, John is channeling his creative energy into the forward-thinking new Resort that he fondly refers to as a “portal of liberation.” Over the past several years, John helped concept and create the brand’s first adult-only luxury tented resort in the Americas, where guests are the architects of their own transformative journeys.

“Naviva is profoundly experiential, allowing guests to go as deep as they want to go. Everything at Naviva is created for guests’ own inelastic time experiment, rather than set itineraries and structured menus,” says John. “The beauty and mystery of Naviva is it has ability to weave various elements and components of nature and guests’ aspirations together. They can have a high-quality tequila, amazing food that’s prepared especially for them, and a relaxing treatment in one of the Resort’s spa pods but still leave room for spontaneous experiences that can happen throughout their stay – it all co-exists together.”

John’s hospitality career began in an Irish kitchen at age 12 and has seen him circumvent the globe, always learning and growing. Currently Regional Vice President and General Manager in Punta Mita, John is a true Renaissance man, with three published poetry books and hundreds of paintings expressing his duality of purpose between art and the art of hospitality. John wears many hats (and sometimes wigs) – he is also a father, husband, mentor, community leader, and a licensed ordained minister, available to perform client or guest weddings. Affectionately known as The Irishman, JOS, Dr. Juan, or Reverend O’Sullivan, there is one gospel he preaches around the world: “You can delay paradise, but you can never deny it!”