Passion, Purpose & Creating Legacy with Merry Antoja

With over twenty years of experience across Europe and Asia, Merry Antoja, General Manager of Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella, has built her career on a foundation of passion, resilience, and authentic leadership. From leading major hotel openings in Vietnam to pioneering the first Kimpton Hotel in Spain, Merry exemplifies how creativity, empathy, and a people-first mindset shape exceptional hospitality leadership. 

She recently shared her journey on Leading a New Era; IHG’s podcast that takes listeners behind the scenes of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels and into the minds of the General Managers who lead them. Hosted by David Littlewood and Eunice Clements-Tweedie, the series features Merry as a guest, exploring the personal challenges, cultural insights, and leadership philosophies that have defined her path. 

Leading a flagship Kimpton property in Marbella demonstrates what it takes to succeed and offers valuable lessons for aspiring General Managers, as shown by Mary’s inspiring story. 

 

How does hotel management in a new culture impact leadership and guest experience strategies? 

Merry Antoja’s passion for hospitality was sparked early and is deeply rooted in her love for people and connection. Growing up in Spain, she was drawn to the energy and warmth that hospitality brings, finding motivation in the relationships she built with both guests and her team. “The team is my motivation and energy,” she reflects, emphasising how people have always been at the heart of her career. 

 

Her journey took a bold turn when she accepted her first General Manager role in Vietnam - a leap into a completely new culture and environment. It was a challenging time, marked by distance from home and the need to adapt quickly. “It was not easy,” Merry admits, “but I came back stronger.” Living and leading in Vietnam taught her resilience and self-reliance, and most importantly, the universal truth that regardless of culture, people seek kindness, respect, and joy. 

This experience opened her mind and heart, reinforcing that hospitality transcends borders. It fueled her commitment to leading with empathy and authenticity, qualities that continue to define her as she guides Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella today. 

What key leadership lessons emerge from leading a luxury hotel like Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella? 

For Merry Antoja, the heart of Kimpton Los Monteros is its people—the team and guests who bring energy to the hotel. While the design blends Marbella’s vibrant 1960s and ’70s legacy with modern touches, it’s the culture that truly stands out. Merry fosters a sense of belonging where every team member feels respected and empowered to be authentic. This inclusive culture extends to guests, inviting meaningful connections with the hotel and its surroundings. 

 

Balancing leadership with well-being is also central to Merry’s approach. She prioritises daily rituals—morning coffee, walks with her dog, moments of reflection—that ground her and help maintain calm amid the demands of hospitality. She promotes wellness within her team through shared activities like paddle tennis tournaments and encourages finding personal balance to sustain energy and passion. 

Together, these elements create a vibrant, supportive workplace and an unforgettable guest experience, embodying the true essence of luxury hospitality. 

 

What makes Kimpton Marbella unique, and how does the environment cultivate belonging and wellbeing? 

For Merry Antoja, leadership goes beyond managing daily operations; it’s about fostering a culture where team members feel valued, empowered, and inspired to bring their authentic selves to work. She emphasises the importance of blending creativity with empathy to build strong connections within the team and with guests. 

Key leadership lessons from Merry include: 

• Balance Logic with Empathy: Merry encourages leaders to “follow your gut and heart,” creating a supportive environment driven by passion and purpose. 
• Promote Authenticity and Inclusivity: She fosters a culture where team members can be themselves and feel a strong sense of belonging. 
• Lead with Joy and Purpose: Her joyful, purpose-driven style inspires loyalty and personal growth within the team 

This philosophy is reflected in the vibrant, inclusive culture at Kimpton Los Monteros, where team members feel respected and motivated to thrive. 

 

What does the future of luxury hospitality look like through Merry Antoja’s vision? 

Merry Antoja envisions the future of luxury hospitality as a blend of authenticity, local experiences, sustainability, and thoughtful integration of technology.  

She believes guests increasingly seek genuine connections and meaningful moments that go beyond traditional accommodations. “Luxury cannot lose the human touch,” she emphasises, highlighting the importance of keeping people at the centre of hospitality even as technology advances. Merry also sees sustainability and a focus on real, local experiences as key trends shaping the industry’s future. By honouring the unique culture and environment of each destination, luxury hotels can create lasting memories that resonate deeply with guests. 

Regarding legacy, Merry hopes to be remembered as an approachable, human leader who supports and empowers her team. “Leadership is a big responsibility,” she reflects, “and it’s about helping people grow and feel like family.” Her goal is to build a culture and team that endures beyond her tenure, leaving a foundation for future leaders to thrive and continue evolving the hospitality experience. 

 

Inspired by Merrys’ story? 

What makes Merry Antoja’s journey compelling is not just the major milestones, but the many small steps of courage and learning that shaped her leadership. Each experience - even the challenging or unfamiliar ones - helped her develop resilience and a deeper understanding of authentic hospitality.  

For those aspiring to a GM role, her advice is clear: embrace change, cultivate creativity, and lead with heart. “You’re never completely ready for the next challenge,” she reflects, “but when you take it on, you grow into the role - and empower others to grow alongside you.” 

At IHG, we’re building the future of luxury and lifestyle hospitality, and we’re always looking for leaders who are ready to step into their next chapter. If you’re interested in General Manager opportunities in Santa Monica or other iconic destinations, explore our GM career openings here and discover how you can say yes to growth, just like Younes did. And to hear his story in full, tune in to the second episode of our Leading a New Era podcast here!