In the dynamic world of luxury hospitality, where exceptional service meets cultural sophistication, Gianluca Cugnetto stands out as a true maestro. With over 20 years of international experience managing some of the globe’s most prestigious hotels, Cugnetto has built a reputation for innovation, guest-centric leadership, and operational excellence.
While he gained public attention through his decade-long relationship with Emmy Award-winning actress Hannah Waddingham, his career in hospitality is a testament to hard-earned expertise and passion for the industry. This in-depth exploration covers his early beginnings, professional milestones, personal life, and lasting impact, providing everything you need to know about this influential figure.
Career in Hospitality: Experience Built Over Decades
Whether you’re researching hospitality careers, curious about celebrity connections, or planning a stay at a five-star resort, understanding Cugnetto’s journey offers valuable insights into what makes luxury travel truly memorable. From revenue management strategies to creating inclusive workplace cultures, his approach embodies the essence of modern hotel managementEarly Life and Education: Foundations in Italian Heritage and Global Ambition
Gianluca Cugnetto hails from Italy, a country renowned for its rich culinary traditions and warm hospitality. Born into a family with roots in the restaurant business, Cugnetto was immersed in the world of food and service from a young age. This early exposure ignited his passion for the hospitality sector, where he learned that exceptional dining experiences are key to guest satisfaction. Though details of his exact birthdate remain private—estimates place him in his 50s based on his extensive career timeline—his Italian ethnicity and upbringing have profoundly influenced his professional style, blending European elegance with a global perspective.
Core Values Shaped by Early Exposure
To solidify his expertise, Cugnetto pursued specialized education in the United States. He studied Revenue Management at Cornell University in New York, a prestigious program known for equipping leaders with data-driven strategies to optimize hotel profitability. This academic foundation was crucial, teaching him how to balance guest experiences with financial success—a skill he has applied throughout his career. For aspiring hoteliers, focusing on such certifications is essential; they provide tools like yield management techniques that can increase revenue by up to 10-15% in competitive markets [Hospitality Industry Reports].
His early influences extended beyond academia. Growing up in a restaurateur family taught him practical lessons, such as the importance of sourcing local ingredients and personalizing service—principles he carries into luxury settings today.
Career Journey: From Global Roles to Leadership Excellence
Gianluca Cugnetto’s professional path is a masterclass in adaptability and growth within the hospitality industry. Spanning continents including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the UK, his roles have evolved from food and beverage specialist to general manager, showcasing his versatility in luxury hotel management.
Early Roles and International Exposure
Cugnetto’s career began with foundational positions that honed his skills in food and beverage operations, a cornerstone of hospitality. Between 2007 and 2010, he served as Director of Food and Beverage at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, overseeing global dining experiences that emphasized quality and innovation. This role involved managing multicultural teams and adapting menus to regional tastes, a challenge that built his reputation for cultural sensitivity.
He then transitioned to Anantara Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand, in November 2010, continuing as Director of Food and Beverage. Here, he navigated the complexities of Asian luxury markets, implementing strategies that enhanced guest loyalty. His seven years in London further expanded his expertise, working with brands like Marriott and Relais & Châteaux. These experiences taught him the value of emotional connections with guests—advice for industry pros: Always prioritize “yes” over “no” in service requests to foster repeat business [: Hospitality Leadership Insights].
Notable stints include directorships at Le Méridien Dubai and The Sheraton, where he managed high-volume operations in dynamic environments like the Maldives and Caribbean. These roles highlighted his ability to thrive in diverse settings, from beach resorts to urban hotels.
Breakthrough Leadership at Hotel Du Vin
In 2015, Cugnetto took on the role of General Manager at Hotel Du Vin in Brighton, England, following its acquisition by Frasers Hospitality. Describing himself as a “food and drink guru,” he pledged to elevate the boutique hotel to the city’s top spot. Under his leadership, the property underwent significant upgrades, including modernized conference facilities, revamped menus, and enhanced restaurant offerings. He focused on high standards, drawing from his international background to infuse global luxury into a local context.
Key achievements included improving guest satisfaction scores and boosting revenue through innovative events. For hotel managers, Cugnetto’s strategy here is instructive: Invest in staff training to create a positive culture, as engaged teams directly correlate with higher guest ratings—often by 20% or more [Employee Engagement Studies in Hospitality].
As Maître de Maison at Château de Codignat in France (under Relais & Châteaux), he emphasized personalized attention, treating each guest like family. This period also saw him consulting for the Affluent Consumer Research Company, advising luxury brands on market trends and growth strategies.
Current Role: General Manager at Hotel Bellevue
Since June 2023, Cugnetto has served as General Manager of the five-star Hotel Bellevue on Lošinj Island, Croatia—a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. This appointment marks a pinnacle in his career, overseeing a property renowned for its award-winning spa (named Croatia’s Best Hotel Spa in 2022) and Michelin Plate-awarded restaurant, Matsunoki. Located in the scenic Čikat Bay, the hotel blends modern luxury with natural beauty, offering 206 rooms, wellness facilities, and sustainable practices.
In this role, Cugnetto focuses on unique guest experiences, operational efficiency, and profitability while fostering an inclusive workplace. He integrates local Croatian elements—like fresh Adriatic seafood—with international standards, promoting sustainability through community involvement and eco-friendly initiatives. For travelers, Hotel Bellevue under his guidance exemplifies “barefoot luxury,” where relaxation meets sophistication. Pro tip: When managing resorts, prioritize eco-tourism; it appeals to 78% of millennials and can increase bookings .
His leadership has been praised for creating memorable stays, with emphasis on wellness and culinary excellence. As of 2026, the hotel continues to thrive, adapting to post-pandemic trends like personalized wellness retreats.
Getting to Know: Gianluca Cugnetto, General Manager of Hotel …
Personal Life: Family, Relationships, and Privacy
Beyond his professional accolades, Gianluca Cugnetto is known for his private yet devoted family life. He was in a long-term relationship with British actress and singer Hannah Waddingham for over a decade, starting around 2012 after meeting through mutual friends. The couple welcomed their daughter, Kitty, in 2014—coinciding with Hannah’s 40th birthday. Kitty, now around 12 years old, has faced health challenges, including Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), but remains a central joy in their lives.
The pair split amicably around 2023, with Hannah referring to herself as a single mother in interviews. Despite the separation, they maintain a positive co-parenting dynamic, prioritizing Kitty’s well-being. Hannah has shared that her Emmy award resides in Kitty’s bedroom, symbolizing her daughter’s importance. Cugnetto, ever private, rarely discusses personal matters publicly, focusing instead on his career.
Family moments, like Easter outings or travels, highlight his role as a father. For those balancing high-profile careers and parenthood, Cugnetto’s example shows the power of privacy: It protects loved ones while allowing professional focus.
Net Worth, Legacy, and Influence in Hospitality
Gianluca Cugnetto’s net worth is estimated between $1.5 million and $3 million as of 2024, derived from his senior roles in luxury hospitality. This figure accounts for salaries, bonuses, and consultancy fees, though exact details are undisclosed. In an industry where top general managers earn $200,000-$500,000 annually, his wealth reflects decades of dedication.
His legacy extends beyond finances. Cugnetto has influenced the sector by championing guest emotional connections, sustainability, and team empowerment. As a consultant, he advised brands on affluent consumer trends, helping drive growth. For emerging leaders, his career offers lessons in resilience: Adapt to global shifts, like post-COVID recovery, by innovating services—such as contactless check-ins that boosted satisfaction by 25% industry-wide [ Hospitality Tech Reports].
In Croatia’s tourism scene, his work at Hotel Bellevue promotes Lošinj Island as a wellness destination, contributing to the local economy. Overall, Cugnetto embodies E-E-A-T in hospitality: Experience through global roles, Expertise in revenue and F&B, Authoritativeness via leadership, and Trustworthiness in guest-focused ethics.
Exciting News: Hotel Bellevue Appoints Gianluca Cugnetto as New GM
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Gianluca Cugnetto?
Gianluca Cugnetto is an Italian hospitality executive with over 20 years in luxury hotel management, currently General Manager at Hotel Bellevue in Croatia.
What is Gianluca Cugnetto’s career background?
He has held senior roles at Starwood, Anantara, Hotel Du Vin, and more, specializing in food and beverage and revenue management.
Is Gianluca Cugnetto married?
No, he is single. He was in a long-term relationship with Hannah Waddingham, ending around 2023.
Does Gianluca Cugnetto have children?
Yes, he has one daughter, Kitty, born in 2014, whom he co-parents with Hannah Waddingham.
What is Gianluca Cugnetto’s net worth?
Estimated at $1.5-3 million, based on his hospitality career earnings.
Where does Gianluca Cugnetto work now?
He is General Manager at the five-star Hotel Bellevue on Lošinj Island, Croatia.
What education does Gianluca Cugnetto have?
He studied Revenue Management at Cornell University, complementing his practical experience in hospitality.
