By Shruti Menon Seeboo
In the realm of The Lux Collective, where hospitality is elevated to an art form, Smita Modak orchestrates a symphony of talent development. Her vision extends beyond traditional training, shaping a culture where potential blossoms into mastery. The conversation with her revealed the intricate mechanisms that drive the collective’s commitment to nurturing its people. Initiatives like the Luxury Immersion Programme and the partnership with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David are pivotal in bridging the gap between academic theory and practical expertise, redefining the landscape of hospitality education.
Smita illuminated the importance of real-world application, emphasising how hands-on experience transforms individuals into exceptional leaders. The interview explored how programmes such as Circle of Care and collaborations with Polytechnics Mauritius foster inclusivity and cultivate the next generation of industry professionals. Beyond skills and qualifications, the discussion delved into the crucial role of employee well-being. The Lux Collective’s dedication to holistic health, from preventative measures to mental wellness support and the partnership with LetsBe, underscores its commitment to a thriving workforce.
This exploration into Smita’s approach reveals a strategic dedication to development, reinforcing the belief that true luxury emanates from the empowerment and well-being of its people. It is a glimpse into how The Lux Collective is crafting a future where its human capital is its most valued asset. Excerpts:
- International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate progress while recognising the work still needed to achieve gender equality. How does The Lux Collective actively support women in leadership, and how do initiatives like the Luxury Immersion Programme and Circle of Care contribute to fostering gender diversity in the hospitality sector?
At The Lux Collective, about 35% of our workforce—including operational teams—are women, and this diversity significantly influences our workplace culture by promoting fresh perspectives, empathy, and collaboration. We’re committed to elevating talented women into leadership roles through targeted development initiatives. Initiatives like our Luxury Immersion Programme, introduced by our CEO Olivier Chavy—where our first nominees were two incredible operations leaders—provide targeted development experiences specifically designed to deepen their understanding of luxury operations. Complementing this, our Circle of Care initiative actively engages local communities, creating meaningful opportunities for women to thrive.
- Developing future leaders requires structured learning opportunities. Could you share how The Lux Collective Training Academy, in partnership with the University of Wales, is equipping hospitality professionals with internationally accredited qualifications and real-world skills to advance their careers?
Our partnership with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David is special because it values both practical industry experience and formal education. In hospitality, career paths vary—some professionals pursue traditional studies, while others gain deep industry knowledge through hands-on experience. This programme bridges the gap, recognising the expertise of experienced professionals while providing them with an internationally accredited qualification from the university. It is rewarding to see our Team Members immediately applying new skills at work, strengthening their leadership abilities, and fulfilling personal aspirations through continued learning.
- Hospitality is an ever-evolving industry. What key skills do you believe professionals need to thrive in today’s landscape, and how is The Lux Collective addressing these through its training programmes and leadership development initiatives?
Hospitality professionals today need to lead teams across different ranks and age groups, keep up with evolving technology, understand their guests—what truly matters to them—and adapt their service accordingly. Just as important is having self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations. At The Lux Collective, we address these areas in our training programmes by offering practical, hands-on learning sessions on effective leadership, guest-centric service, and digital skills. We also build emotional intelligence and self-awareness through targeted workshops. This ensures our team members feel confident, adaptable, and ready to excel in an industry that never stops evolving.
- Beyond formal education, practical experience plays a crucial role in shaping future leaders. How does The Lux Collective integrate hands-on learning, mentorship, and career acceleration opportunities through initiatives and why is it important?
At The Lux Collective, we strongly believe that real-world experience is essential in shaping great hospitality leaders. Our cross-exposure programmes allow team members to experience different roles, departments, and even properties, providing them with valuable operational insights. Mentorship also plays a significant role—we connect emerging talent with experienced leaders, fostering relationships built on genuine learning and guidance. Additionally, our career development programs offer clear opportunities for growth. Together, these initiatives create an environment where team members feel well equipped, truly understanding how their roles contribute to the bigger picture.
- Building a strong talent pipeline is essential for the growth of the hospitality sector. How does The Lux Collective’s collaboration with Polytechnics Mauritius contribute to nurturing and developing future hospitality leaders, particularly in Mauritius?
The partnership with Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd. helps elevate our participants by immersing them in an academic environment, enhancing their leadership skills, and bringing them up-to-date with current industry trends. The part-time Certificate and Diploma in Hospitality Management Programmes provide experienced hospitality professionals with an excellent opportunity to further their knowledge and credentials while continuing their careers. Additionally, our collaboration allows young students from Polytechnics Mauritius to gain practical, hands-on experience at our resorts, effectively preparing and strengthening the next generation of hospitality leaders in Mauritius.
- The Lux Collective’s Circle of Care programme focuses on inclusivity and flexible employment opportunities for women. Could you share how this initiative is making a tangible impact, particularly in supporting women in local communities?
Our Circle of Care programme is really about inspiring our operational teams to think differently and more inclusively. One idea we particularly love is providing part-time job opportunities specifically tailored for young mothers who could only work during their children’s school hours. This type of thoughtful initiative exemplifies exactly what Circle of Care stands for—simple yet meaningful solutions that empower women to pursue professional opportunities while comfortably managing family responsibilities. Initiatives like these also remind our teams how small shifts in thinking can lead to a significant impact, positively influencing both our local communities and workplace culture.
- The hospitality industry thrives on a strong people-centric culture. How does The Lux Collective cultivate an organisational culture that fosters engagement, innovation, and excellence among employees?
At The Lux Collective, our Purpose, ‘We Make Each Moment Matter. We Care About What Matters,’ is a constant reminder that we’re in the business of time. Guests entrust us with their most precious possession—their time—and this shapes every experience we create. Our team members across all brands truly live by this belief. We understand each guest values something different, so we encourage our teams to recognise these differences and create genuine, meaningful moments in their day-to-day interactions. This is our DNA—and it naturally drives engagement, innovation, and excellence throughout the organisation.
- Employee well-being is becoming a major focus for businesses worldwide. How does The Lux Collective ensure a supportive work environment, and what key strategies are in place to enhance both mental and physical well-being?
Team Member wellbeing is a key priority at The Lux Collective. Our resorts regularly organise preventive health initiatives, including general health check-ups in collaboration with healthcare professionals, allowing our teams to proactively manage their health. Additionally, we offer confidential access to professional psychological support to promote mental wellness. Initiatives such as yoga, mindfulness sessions, and fitness activities further support overall well-being. While we acknowledge that everyone’s needs differ, we’ve created an environment built on genuine initiatives driven by our operations, with the aim of supporting our Team Members’ physical and mental health in the best ways possible.
- The Lux Collective has partnered with LetsBe on wellness initiatives. How does this collaboration align with your organisation’s values, and what impact have you observed on employee well-being so far?
Wellness is a key focus for us this year, and our partnership with LetsBe Mauritius Ltd. reinforces its importance. This initiative aligns with our philosophy of ‘making a moment matter’—in this case, for the Team Members on the programme. The LetsBe transformation journey is fully guided, providing access to professionals like nutritionists, psychologists, doctors, and health coaches. It’s not just about physical health but about overall well-being, helping our Team Members feel their best. When we take care of ourselves, we are in a better position to create meaningful moments for others, both at work and beyond.
About The Lux Collective
The Lux Collective (“TLC”) is a Mauritian-born global luxury hotel operator and manages brands LUX*, SALT, TAMASSA, SOCIO and Café LUX*. At the heart of its purpose, TLC makes each moment matter and cares about what matters. Putting people first is the core of TLC’s culture as well as staying true to the values of being passionate, responsible and innovative in all that it does. By providing comfort through thoughtful and exquisite designs, TLC creates experiences that make each moment matter for all guests. It is committed to operating in a considered and respectful manner that is mindful of future generations.
Through its signature Groupwide sustainability project Tread Lightly, The Lux Collective promises an eco-conscious stay throughout its hotels. Its partnership with Altruistiq, a group of CO2 experts, focuses on the environmental footprint and ensures that emission sources are tracked using the highest international Science-Based standard.
Growing the global presence, TLC currently manages 18 operating resorts and hotels in Mauritius, Maldives, Ile de la Reunion, China and Tanzania, and with 12 more hotels in its development pipeline in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
An affiliate member of IBL, a major economic player in the Indian Ocean and a public-listed leader of the “Top 100” Mauritian companies, IBL is active in key sectors of the Mauritian economy, with a global portfolio of approximately 300 subsidiaries and associated companies.
About LUX*
At LUX*, time is luxury. LUX* helps people to celebrate life by delivering consistently on the promise of a different kind of luxury; hospitality that is Lighter. Brighter. In a world where a deeper sense of connection can be hard to reach, even on vacation, it enables guests to break from the ordinary. Staging exceptional experiences in different locales – whether on the Beach, in the City or in Nature, it transforms the everyday into the extraordinary through elevated service, contemporary spaces and crafted escapes to truly disconnect and relax – with Life Extraordinary.
About SALT
SALT is a humanistic approach to hospitality launched in November 2018, connecting modern explorers with meaningful travel experiences. It introduces a new breed of hospitality for the culturally curious. Devoted to the wonder of all things local and sustainable, SALT takes guests to people – not just places. Unveiling the heartbeat of destinations and their communities, it gets them out there exploring – the SALT way.
