Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2009
• First Four Seasons Assignment:  Food & Beverage Manager in Training at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Employment History

• Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River; Four Seasons Resort Seychelles; Four Seasons Lion Palace St. Petersburg (formerly a Four Seasons hotel); Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui; Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Education

• Bachelor's Degree, Economics, Lycee Francais de Bruxelles: Jean Monnet 
• Higher National Diploma (HND) in Hospitality Management, specialized in Accounting and Business Management, Ecole Hôtelière de Paris Lycée Jean Drouant

Birthplace

• Minsk, Belarus

Language Spoken

• English, French, Russian

Born in Minsk, Belarus, to a French father and a Belarusian mother, Nicolas Gonthier developed a global perspective from a young age. At the age of six, his family relocated to the island of La Réunion, which sparked his lifelong affinity for island living. He later spent six formative years on Nuku Hiva in French Polynesia, a remote island home to just 2,000 inhabitants, before returning to La Réunion, a place he still considers home.

Nicolas’ passion for languages and cultures was ignited early. Raised in a French and Russian-speaking household, he pursued English fluency through immersive experiences in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. At 17, he left home to complete his Baccalaureate at the French Lycée in Brussels before enrolling at the prestigious École Hôtelière de Paris, Jean Drouant (Le Médéric), where he earned a Brevet de Technicien Supérieur in Hotel Management. Inspired by the legacy of Michelin inspectors who had studied there, Nicolas once dreamed of joining their ranks.

He began his hospitality journey in boutique hotels, quickly discovering a deep passion for the industry. In 2009, he joined Four Seasons as a Food and Beverage Manager in Hong Kong, gaining valuable experience across Caprice, the Executive Club, In-Room Dining, Blue Bar and The Lounge.

His Four Seasons path next brought him to Koh Samui in 2011, where he served as Assistant Manager for In-Villa Dining and the former Lan Tania. In 2013, he joined the pre-opening team at the former Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, helping to launch SinToHo while reconnecting with his Russian roots.

In 2015, Nicolas moved to Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, overseeing ZEZ Restaurant along with Pool and Beach operations, Recreation, and the Kids For All Seasons program. In 2019, he joined the pre-opening team at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, working through the challenges of the pandemic alongside a team of world-class professionals.

In 2024, Nicolas returned to Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui as Director of Restaurants and Bars. Despite being naturally introverted, his enduring love for food and beverage continues to shape his growth. His leadership style is grounded in humility and a firm belief that excellence comes through continuous learning, including the lessons gained from mistakes.