Interview with Mr. Christian Kronast,
General Manager of The Temple House
The Temple House, a member of The House Collective, with its current General Manager, Mr. Christian Kronast, is marking a vibrant new chapter in its journey. Nestled in the bustling Taikoo Li area of Chengdu and adjacent to the historic Daci Temple, The Temple House blends Chengdu’s rich cultural heritage with modern luxury. Known for its MICHELIN-Starred restaurant Mi Xun Teahouse, award-winning Mi Xun spa, and innovative design, it stands as a beacon of hospitality in Southwest China.
With over two decades of global experience in hospitality, Christian brings an impressive resume, including leadership roles with InterContinental Hotels Group and pre-opening two Crowne Plaza Hotels in Oman and Indonesia. His passion for wellness, sustainable practices, and cultural exploration perfectly aligns with The Temple House’s ethos of delivering authentic and memorable guest experiences.
SpaChina had the privilege to speak with Christian about his journey, vision for The Temple House, and how he plans to harmonize Chengdu’s traditions with the evolving expectations of modern luxury travelers.
What attracted you to the GM role of The Temple House, and what you are most excited about in working here? With over two decades of experience in hospitality, how are you integrating your past experiences into your role at The Temple House?
The Temple House is inspired by its contemporary design and respect for Chengdu’s rich cultural traditions, which has always fascinated me.
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead such an iconic hotel renowned for its unique blend of traditional Chinese architecture and modern design. I am most excited about immersing myself in the vibrant culture of Chengdu and working with a talented team to continue delivering exceptional guest experiences that reflect the essence of this extraordinary city.
My extensive background in luxury hospitality has taught me the importance of personalised service and creating memorable experiences for guests. At The Temple House, I plan to draw upon these experiences to enhance our service further, ensuring every guest feels valued and cared for. My previous roles have also instilled a deep respect for local culture, which I intend to uphold by continuing to integrate Chengdu’s elements into our offerings, creating a truly immersive experience for our guests.
Chengdu is famous for its rich culture and vibrant modern scene, and The Temple House is known for its blend of cultural heritage and modern luxury. How do you incorporate these elements into the guest experience?
The Temple House celebrates Chengdu’s culture and strives to reflect this in every aspect of the guest experience. From the meticulously restored heritage buildings to our contemporary art collection, each element is thoughtfully curated to showcase the city’s rich history alongside its dynamic modernity. We offer guests an authentic connection to Chengdu through tailored experiences, ensuring they experience both luxurious stay and deeply rooted in the local culture.
With your background in Food & Beverage operations and experience with MICHELIN-starred establishments, how is your expertise influencing the culinary offerings at The Temple House?
Food and beverage are integral to the guest experience. At The Temple House, we are committed to offering innovative dining experiences that reflect Chengdu’s culinary heritage. Drawing on my previous experience, I work closely with our culinary team to elevate our dining experience. For example, we will continue to promote a sustainable dining experience at Mi Xun Teahouse while offering guests in Chengdu a taste of Italian cuisine at Tivano. This approach provides local and international guests diverse and vibrant dining options for an unforgettable culinary journey.
The Temple House boasts an award-winning spa, Mi Xun Spa. As someone passionate about wellness and sustainability, how do you plan to promote healthy living, sustainable practices, and your SPA treatments and other wellness activities?
At Mi Xun, we are dedicated to a holistic approach to wellness that incorporates sustainability in every aspect. We prioritise natural, locally sourced products wherever possible, such as our use of bamboo in the signature bamboo massage – a traditional therapy that reflects both local culture and sustainable practices. Additionally, our Mi Xun Teahouse presents the “Farm-to-Table” MICHELIN Tasting Menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, promoting sustainable catering through both wellness and dining experiences. We will continue exploring partnerships with local farms to further embed sustainability in our offerings, ensuring a positive impact on our community and environment.
Health and wellness trends are constantly evolving globally. How do you ensure that The Temple House stays ahead of these trends? How do you plan to innovate and enhance existing spa and wellness facilities to meet modern guest expectations?
We continuously monitor emerging trends and guest preferences, allowing us to introduce the most appropriate treatments. Innovation is key, and offering customised treatments based on guests’ needs is a winning formula. We will meet our guests’ changing needs by updating our products and techniques from time to time, such as offering personalised face and body treatments, tailoring exclusive treatments to each guest’s different skin conditions.
The Temple House is part of The House Collective, known for its unique luxury experiences. How do you plan to maintain and enhance its distinctiveness?
The “Houses Not Hotels” approach is what makes The House Collective so distinctive. At The House Collective, we celebrate the individuality of the cities, our guests, and our team. Every aspect of the experience, from design to service, is focused on creating a sense of place and connection. At The Temple House, our heritage architecture pays tribute to Chengdu’s history, while the modern artworks and contemporary design celebrate the city’s forward-thinking culture. Moving forward, we will continue cultivating creative collaborations with local artists and designers, and curating cultural programmes that reflect Chengdu’s dynamic personality.
Having lived in eight different countries, how has this diversity of cultural experiences shaped your approach to hospitality and guest relations?
Living in various countries has given me a profound appreciation for cultural diversity and the importance of understanding and respecting different customs and traditions. True luxury lies in personalisation, and I strive to create an environment where guests feel at home, regardless of where they come from. I value empathy and open-mindedness, which are essential in building genuine connections with guests and creating memorable experiences.
As someone who loves travel and adventure, how do your personal interests influence your vision for The Temple House? How do you see travel trends changing globally in the next five years?
For me, travel is about discovery experiences, and I believe a hotel should be the gateway to these experiences. At The Temple House, we create opportunities for our guests to explore Chengdu in ways that go beyond the ordinary – whether through curated tours of the city’s modern art scene, or bespoke experiences that immerse guests in local culture. As for global travel trends, I foresee a continued shift towards experiential travel, where guests seek authentic and immersive experiences.
