An Interview With Tamara Lohan

What’s the most useful technology used by your customers that you've created?

I’m always surprised by how much our wish-list functionality is used. People love making lists, I guess! What’s really great about it, however, from my perspective, is the rich data we get back on our customers, which then helps us personalise recommendations for them.

Who or what motivates you?

New and memorable experiences of any kind – whether it’s discovering an eye-opening new hotel or watching my son ride his bike without help for the first time. I try to keep my life full of opportunities to experience new and interesting things that make me feel like I’m alive, learning and progressing, not just sitting there watching time go by.

What piece of technology could you not live without?

Everyone tends to say their phone, of course, and I’m no different – we live our lives through our phones. But my next most important item is my headphones; they’re special Monster running headphones and they get me through  my marathon training and my morning run to work. I couldn't run without music.

What is the biggest challenge that you have overcome?

It’s a challenge that I face every day, and to be honest, I’m not sure I've overcome it yet: maintaining a balance between a very demanding job and two very energetic children. I’m constantly struggling with the guilt that I’m not dedicating enough time to the growth of one, or that I’m missing out on the growing up of the other.

Of all the amazing places you have stayed what has been your favourite hotel, city or country?

Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali – it’s an absolute fantasy of a hotel: a calm, serene and beautiful place with absolutely spectacular architecture and the most incredible infinity pool. One of those rare hotels that gives you goosebumps when you arrive and is wrenches at your heartstrings when you leave.