Eco Escape Hospitality
Meet Our Team
Management Team
Philip Cyril Raj
Philip is a highly accomplished hotelier with over 30 years of experience in Asia, renowned for his ability to introduce innovative concepts and elevate service standards across the hospitality industry. As the CEO for Bay Hotels & Resorts, he had successfully managed operations for the Bay Hotel Ho Chi Minh and simultaneously opened new projects in Danang and Hoi An.
Philip’s expertise extends beyond management; he played a pivotal role in setting up the previous Bay Hotel Singapore and remains a trusted leader in the industry.
In addition to his corporate achievements, Philip is passionate about projects like the Bus Collective, where he applies his visionary approach to create meaningful repurposing of decommissioned public Buses, his foray into conservation is always cutting edge. Known for his astute planning abilities, he consistently earns the confidence of hotel owners by delivering outstanding results, including generating a remarkable 45% GOP within the first year of a hotel’s opening.
Prior to his success with Bay Hotels, Philip held key roles, including Director of Hotel Development at Millennium & Copthorne International, where he managed major projects across Singapore, India, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. He also advised City Development Group (CDL) on new hotel developments like W Hotel Sentosa and South Beach.
Philip has spearheaded multiple pre-opening projects in China’s Chengdu, Wu Xi, Taichung, and Shanghai, handling all aspects from sales and marketing to branding, budgeting, and human resources. His ability to think outside the box and provide inspirational leadership has been instrumental in pioneering luxury boutique brands like Naumi Hotel and Scarlet Hotel, as well as contributing to iconic properties like the Grand Hyatt, Meridien Changi, The Intercontinental Hotel, and more.
With accolades such as “The Best New Hotel Worldwide” in the Travelers Hot List and “One of the Best New Hotels in the World” by Luxury Travel Magazine, Philip’s reputation for excellence precedes him. His commitment to lifelong learning is evident in his completion of a Master of Business Administration and Management from Singapore Management University, balancing his education with an intensive career. A proud alumnus of SHATEC, Singapore’s first hotel industry school, Philip continues to inspire those around him with his forward-thinking strategies and relentless pursuit of innovation in hospitality.
Tanya Pillay-Nair
Tanya is an innovative force in the global hospitality industry, embarking on a transformative journey to redefine hotel development through eco-conscious projects worldwide. With an illustrious career spanning over 30 years, Tanya is an industry leader with an extensive background in hotel management, eco-hospitality, and global training. Her unique vision seamlessly blends luxury, sustainability, and community engagement, making her an influential advocate for environmentally responsible hotel developments.
Pioneering Eco-Hotel Development Tanya’s passion for conservation and sustainability drives her mission to create eco-centric hotels across the globe. Her approach reimagines the guest experience by integrating the beauty of the natural environment into every facet of the hotel’s design and operation. From sustainable architecture to nature-based guest activities, Tanya’s developments will be more than places to stay—they are immersive, environmental sanctuaries. This innovative model appeals to the modern traveller, who seeks authentic, eco-friendly experiences without compromising luxury.
Her commitment to sustainable development goes beyond just the guest experience. Tanya champions initiatives that protect the environment and empower local communities and set up long-term research stations. Each hotel project under her care will be designed as a “carbon sink” to offset environmental impact, ensuring that these developments contribute positively to the ecosystems in which they reside. The Hotels located in gateway cities will have a rural urban connection in the way food is grown and served and celebrating a return to artisanal craftsmanship.
Global Training and Leadership Tanya’s success is deeply rooted in her remarkable career in hospitality training, which has spanned across continents. Tanya studied at the University of Buckingham, graduating in 1993 as their first cohort of International Business with Hotel Management Degree students with a year at the Hotel Consult Cesar Ritz in Switzerland. Then two decades, later a mid-career retool with an online INSEAD course Innovation in the Age of Disruption and also an online revenue program with Cornel University.
Having worked with over 180 clients worldwide, Tanya has revolutionized how hospitality teams are trained, blending best practices in customer service with passion and heart. Her expertise in revenue enhancement, coupled with her dedication to innovation, has allowed her to generate over $53 million in revenue for hotel clients globally over the years.
In addition to her vast industry experience, Tanya has consistently evolved with the needs of the market. From her early career with global hotel chains like Hyatt, Hilton and her recent Regional Training Development and Audit Role with Bay Hotels and Resorts, to her role as the owner of Training Circumference, Tanya has delivered results- oriented training programs that enhance both operational efficiency and guest stay experience. Her programs focus on eco-tourism, nature-based guest engagement, believing that purpose must lead the way. She has empowered hospitality teams in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, ensuring they align with her vision of creating luxurious yet meaningful guest experiences.
Commitment to Conservation and Social Responsibility Tanya’s passion for conservation is reflected in her six years of dedicated volunteering with the Jane Goodall Institute Singapore (JGIS), where she served on the board and co-lead Conservation and Partnerships Committee. Through her galvanizing ground up role, Tanya has helped raise awareness about biodiversity, habitat preservation, and endangered species, engaging thousands of people in conservation efforts. Her advocacy extends beyond her work with JGIS, as she collaborates with various permaculture inspired farms to promote sustainable farming, heirloom food preservation, and ethno botanical knowledge.
Building a Legacy of Eco-Luxury As she embarks on new or re-inventing existing eco- hotel developments worldwide, Tanya Pillay-Nair and our team are not only shaping the future of luxury hospitality but also setting a new standard for environmental stewardship. Her global experience, coupled with her unwavering commitment to conservation, positions her as a leader who not only inspires but also delivers on her vision. Tanya’s projects are designed to leave a lasting legacy for owners, our team members and our children. A place where guests can indulge in the creature comforts while knowing they are contributing to the protection and preservation of our planet.
Through her expertise, passion, and innovation, Tanya Pillay-Nair is leading the way for a new era of sustainable hospitality, where luxury and responsibility coexist harmoniously.
Tanya has trained 250 hotels over the last 30 years.
Rozana Read
Rozana has close to 20 years of experience in hospitality operations. Throughout her career, she has managed various operations and performed different roles including working direct with owners. Being a preacher of service excellence, Rozana is always conducting training and workshops for everyone, ensuring that everyone can help to spark joy to their co-workers and guests. This has resulted in tremendous positive reviews and emails sent by guests complimenting the hotel.
Focusing on constant research and development, including re-inventing the wheel on many occasions, emphasizing with quality in products and services delivery, through constant engagement with guests, has always been her key focus. Her mentality has helped hotels thrive with sustainable and growth.
Her passion is being made possible with all the pre-opening and setting up of new entities, working on concepts and the most memorable opening experience will be opening hotels in Vietnam. She was previously running operations for Millennium & Copthorne M Hotel and also the boutique Moon Hotel.
Matthew Leesbourne
Matthew Leesbourne is an award-winning hospitality executive with over 20 years of expertise in luxury hotel management, operational excellence, and AI-driven innovation. In 2020, he was appointed as the Guest Relations and Behavioral Analyst by His Excellency the Prince of Riyadh and the Ministry of Tourism, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the Future Hospitality Summit. His contributions included providing strategic insights to elevate global hospitality standards. As a G20-appointed Hospitality Industry Analyst, Matthew continues to shape the sector with transformative solutions.
With the emergence of ChatGPT by OpenAI, Matthew co-developed a multi-level AI system operating akin to a quantum AI platform—a patented multifaceted engagement suite designed to optimize guest interactions, enhance engagement, and drive revenue generation. This innovation, developed through an exclusive distribution partnership with OpenAI, represents a groundbreaking application for the hospitality industry currently in development.
As Global Senior Manager for People & Learning at COMO Hotels, Matthew revolutionized L&D programs across 18 properties, integrating generative AI solutions to elevate training, personalization, and operational efficiency. Armed with a doctorate in International Hotel Management, he merges strategic leadership, cutting-edge technology, and industry expertise to redefine hospitality excellence.
Certifications: AI in Business Strategy, Generative AI in Learning.
Awards: Julian Star®, LQA Star, MOSCAR, Leading Hospitality Innovation.