Cambodia Leadership Review
Few properties in Southeast Asia carry the legacy, prestige, and emotional resonance of Raffles Hotel Le Royal. As its General Manager, Dagmar Lyons is entrusted with leading one of Cambodia’s most iconic institutions—a hotel that has embodied timeless elegance and resilience since 1929.
In this exclusive interview, Dagmar reflects on the meaning of stewarding such a historic landmark, how global leadership experience informs her approach in Phnom Penh, and what it takes to preserve Raffles’ heritage while adapting to the evolving demands of today’s luxury traveler.
Leading a Cambodian Icon
CLR: Raffles Hotel Le Royal holds a unique place in Cambodia’s history as a symbol of elegance and resilience since 1929. What does it mean to you personally and professionally to lead such a legacy property? How do you approach the responsibility of honoring its heritage while steering it forward in today’s competitive luxury hospitality market?
Leading Raffles Hotel Le Royal is both a tremendous honour and a profound responsibility. Personally, it means being a steward of a national treasure – a place that has witnessed the ebb and flow of Cambodian history, from its golden eras to its most challenging times.
I feel deeply connected to the stories that live within these walls, and everyday I am inspired by the resilience, grace and culture richness the hotel represents.
Read More: Shanty Town Spirit Celebrates a Decade of Transformative Work at Raffles Hotel Gala
Professionally, it’s a unique privilege to lead a property with such a storied legacy. Raffles Le Royal is not just a hotel – Its an icon. The challenge and joy lie in honouring that legacy while ensuring the hotel continues to evolve in ways that resonate with today’s luxury traveller.
To balance heritage with progress, my approach is rooted in authenticity and purpose. We preserve the architertural intergity and timeless service traditions that define Raffles, while carefully integrating modern amenities, sustainbility practices, and personalized guest experiences that reflect contemporary expectations.
Yet what truly resonates in Cambodia is the spirit of humility and geninue care thats inherent in Khmer culture. By aligning this with international best practices in luxury hospitality, we’re creating a service experience that feels both refinded and deeply human. It about building pride in local identity while delivering at a global level.
Culinary & Cultural Prestige
CLR: From Restaurant Le Royal to the legendary Elephant Bar, Raffles is known for its distinctive F&B experience. How do you plan to continue evolving the hotel’s culinary identity while staying true to its heritage and the tastes of a discerning, international clientele?
At Raffles Hotel Le Royal, we are deeply proud of our rich heritage – from the refined Indochine flavours of Restaurant Le Royal to the timeless charm of the legendary Elephant Bar.
Our culinary identity is rooted in storytelling, authenticity and elegance. As we look to the future, our goal is to evolve in a way that honours this legacy while embracing innovation and global influence.
We are enhancing our menus with more locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, working closely with Cambodian farmers and producers to spotlight the exceptional quality of the region. At the same time, we are introducing curated collaborations with renowned international chefs and mixologists to bring fresh perspectivies and globally inspired experiences to our guests.
Our culinary evolution will also be guest driven – attuned to the palettes of our well-traveled clientele, who seek both authenticity and surprise. Whether through refined tasting menus rooted in Khmer cuisine or seasonal reinterpretations of classic colonial-era dishes, we aim to deliver a dining experience that is luxurious, culturally immersive, and unmistakably Raffles.
Sustaining Luxury in a Competitive Market
CLR: In today’s fast-changing hospitality environment, what does “luxury” mean to you? How is Raffles Phnom Penh adapting to the expectations of modern luxury travelers while preserving the timeless charm that sets it apart?
In today’s fast-changing hospitality environment, luxury is no longer defined solely by opulence or exclusivity – its about authenticity, personalization and meaningful experiences.
For me, true luxury lies in the ability to anticipate and fulfill a guests unspoken desires, while creating a sense of place that feels both inspiring and deeply comforting. Its the seamless blend of impeccable service, cultural immersion and emotional connection.
At Raffles Hotel le Royal, we are uniquely positioned to offer that kind of luxury. Our hotel is a living testament to Phnom Penh’s rich history, having welcomed guests since 1929. The timeless charm of our colonial architecture, heritage suites, and storied Elephant Bar remains intact – but we’ve carefully integrated modern expectations as well.
In this we had the unwavering commitment from our Owners, colleagues and other stakeholders.
Whether it’s through curated local experiences or our commitment to sustainability and wellness, we are constantly adapting. Todays luxury traveler seeks both substance and story, and we are proud to offer both – rooted in tradition, elevated by innovation, and delivered with the signature warmth and elegance of Raffles.
Leadership, Recognition & Resilience
CLR: You’ve led hotels to achieve Forbes Five-Star ratings and other global accolades. What leadership principles guide you during both high-performance moments and times of challenge?
Leadership in luxury hospitality, especially within a storied property like Raffles Le Royal, requires unwavering clarity of purpose and a commitment to both consistency and adaptability. During high-performance moments, I focus on celebrating excellence, amplifying team strengths and ensuring that we never grow complacent – success must be a platform for continuous refinement.
In times of challenge – whether external disruptions or internal shifts – I turn to resilience, transparency, and empathetic leadership. It’s essential to remain visible, to communicate clearly and honestly with the team, and to make decisions anchored in our core values of graciousness, respect, and attention to detail. Regardless of the climate, I lead with a long-term vision, balancing immediate priorities with the preservation of our legacy.
CLR: How do you build and sustain a culture of excellence within your team?
Excellence at Raffles is not a goal – its a daily habit. It begins with curating the right talent – those who not only possess technical skill but who embody our ethos of geninue hospitality.
Consistency is achieved through clear standards, regular feedback and empowerment. I encourage my leaders to lead with heart, to model the standards we expect and to recognize performance in meaningful ways.
We celebrate the small wins, learn from setbacks and foster an envirnoment where everyone understands their role in delivering unforgettable experiences.
CLR: What leadership principles guide you during periods of both growth and challenge, and how do you foster excellence among your team?
Periods of growth require vision, alignment and agility. I lead with a focus on strategic clarity, ensuring every department understands how their goals contribute to our collective success. During challenges, my leadership is rooted in calm presence, and principled decision making. I believe in facing adversity with integrity and using it as an opportunity to strengthen our culture.
Fostering excellence is an ongoing journey. It involves nurturing a performance-oriented yet emotionally intelligent culture, where high standards are paired with high support. At Raffles le Royal, we uphold tradition while embracing innovation, and I continuously challenge the team to elevate both the guest journey and their personal development. Excellence becomes sustainable when it is lived authentically, every day, by every colleague. CLR
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