Meet Francesco Trevisan, concierge at the Belmond Hotel La Residencia in Deià and a proud member of the elite Les Clefs d’Or association. From serving Hollywood A-listers to arranging extravagant guest requests, his career has been a whirlwind of surprises. Here, he tells ‘Humans of Mallorca’ about his unlikely start in hospitality, surreal experiences, and his big plans for 2025.
From Padua to Paradise
Where are you from?
Padua, a UNESCO-listed city in northeast Italy, just 20 minutes from Venice. Padua is home to the second oldest university in Italy and that’s where I studied ‘Foreign Languages for Business.’ Then I did a Master’s in ‘Hotel Management’ in Milan.
How did you get into hospitality?
I originally dreamed of being a barber or running a bar, like my grandfather. But at 14, I visited a hotel with my school, met the General Manager, and fell in love with the world of hospitality.
How did you end up in Mallorca?
I first visited Mallorca at 17 and loved it. In 2016, I was set to work for Belmond in Sicily, but a last-minute opening in Mallorca changed everything. I seized the opportunity and never looked back. After two years, I returned to Italy for more experience but came back in 2021. I was always intrigued by the concierge desk. There was always so much activity there, and I was curious about the long lines of guests waiting to speak with the concierge. Eventually, I discovered why…
Life as a Concierge: Luxury, Logistics and Last-Minute Miracles
What does your job involve?
First and foremost, you need to be a great ambassador for your destination, offering the best recommendations for unique experiences. You also need to be an excellent event planner, as guests often ask for special arrangements to celebrate unique occasions. You should have a creative mind to handle last-minute requests, and be a pretty good actor… your smile needs to shine all day. You need to make everything happen for guests — whether it’s champagne in the suite, a private museum tour, or a last-minute private jet to Ibiza.
Any unusual requests or memorable experiences?
One guest wanted his wedding cocktail on the historic Sóller tram — so we booked the tram for the entire day! Another memorable moment was when I had a beer with Harry Styles, the famous singer, at Sa Fonda after my shift. He was there as a guest, and it was a fun experience!
What’s the most challenging part?
Logistics. Mallorca’s booming luxury market means demand for cars, yachts, jets, and top restaurants is higher than ever. We’re an island, we need meticulous planning to deliver top-tier service.
What are you most proud of?
My team is made up of hard-working individuals who put in a lot of effort to make our guests’ stays truly unique. Without them, it wouldn’t be the same. They are simply amazing people and great professionals.
As well my parents, they gave me always all lot of support and great example.
Then there’s Les Clefs d’Or — our global concierge network. We’re 4,000 members strong (you can recognize us by the golden keys pin we wear on our blazers), around the world, all dedicated to making our guests’ stays at our properties unforgettable!
Inside Belmond La Residencia
What makes it special?
I’ve worked for Marriott, Dorchester, and Four Seasons, but this hotel feels magical. From the very first time I saw the hotel, I had an amazing feeling. The atmosphere is magical (of course, Deia plays an important role). There are so many spots to discover, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and reconnect with yourself, and of course, at our restaurants you can experience the best of Mallorca’s gastronomy.
Who stays here?
We host actors, musicians, influencers, and footballers — many you wouldn’t recognize immediately but later spot in Forbes.
Any hotel mishaps?
On my first day, I was preparing flowers for Kate Moss and accidentally locked myself in the cold room for 30 minutes! Thankfully, a housekeeper saved me.
Looking Ahead: Awards and Ambitions
Biggest achievement in 2024?
Winning Spain’s Best Under-35 Concierge Award from Les Clefs d’Or.
What’s next for 2025?
Representing Spain at the Les Clefs d’Or International Congress in Madrid. I’ll friendly compete against 16 top young concierges for the World Young Leader Award.
Personal dream?
A trip to the Caribbean!
And what’s your life philosophy?
Always find a reason to smile, even in tough times — humor is the most important, ingredient in life!
Text by Anastasia Barysheva
