Guenter Gebhard, Regional Vice President & General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, shares how the brand is revolutionizing hospitality in Saudi Arabia, turning “bleisure” into the new face of luxury travel.
Blurring the Lines Between Business and Leisure
As the boundaries between work and life continue to fade, Guenter Gebhard stands at the forefront of a new hospitality era — one where luxury, time, and purpose converge. Sitting atop Riyadh’s iconic Kingdom Centre, the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh has become a symbol of how modern travellers redefine success, balance, and experience.
“In today’s world, business and leisure are no longer separate journeys,” Gebhard tells Forbes Middle East. “Business travellers seek speed and discretion, while leisure guests crave authenticity and connection. Our mission is to merge those worlds — creating a seamless, personalized stay that feels effortless yet deeply meaningful.”
Award-Winning Vision
That forward-thinking philosophy recently earned the property the title of “Best Bleisure Hotel in the Middle East” at the 2025 Business Traveller Middle East Awards. For Gebhard, the accolade is more than recognition — it’s validation of a mindset.
“At Four Seasons, we’ve always led with empathy and innovation,” he says. “As Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector transforms, we’ve evolved to serve a new generation of travellers who want both productivity and rejuvenation in one experience. This award honors the team’s ability to anticipate change before it happens — and to deliver consistently at the highest standard.”
Time: The Ultimate Luxury
For Gebhard, luxury today is measured not in opulence, but in how much time we can reclaim.
“Time has become the rarest and most valuable currency,” he explains. “Modern travellers want depth, discovery, and efficiency. Riyadh, with its rising connectivity and cultural richness, represents this shift perfectly — a destination where meaningful experiences extend far beyond the boardroom.”
At Four Seasons Riyadh, guests find that ethos embedded in every detail — from locally inspired gastronomy and cultural immersion experiences to the unparalleled service that defines the brand’s DNA.
Expanding the Four Seasons Legacy Across Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has opened a new chapter for global luxury brands, and Four Seasons is seizing the moment.
“We’re expanding into destinations that reflect the Kingdom’s bold future — from the Red Sea and AMAALA to NEOM, Diriyah, AlUla, Jeddah, and Makkah,” Gebhard reveals. “These aren’t just hotels — they’re curated ecosystems where lifestyle, culture, and sustainability coexist.”
The group’s push into branded residences also reflects a growing demand for long-term luxury living, offering residents the seamless blend of home comfort and world-class hospitality.
Leading with Purpose and Innovation
When asked what defines great leadership in hospitality today, Gebhard’s answer is simple yet profound: “Adaptability and authenticity. You must listen to your guests, your market, and your people — and then act with purpose. The luxury traveller of tomorrow values connection, creativity, and credibility.”
With his visionary approach and relentless pursuit of excellence, Guenter Gebhard embodies the spirit of the modern entrepreneur — one who doesn’t just manage luxury, but redefines it for a new generation.
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