Although we don’t discriminate based on sex in any way, we have attracted a very powerful core group of women leaders who share the same values, international outlook and passion for excellence.  The majority of the leadership roles at Villa Monticello happen to be held by women.  The women on our team are also some of the top talent in the world!

For example Ruby Paintsil, the Executive Chef/Owner of Chapter One, Villa Monticello’s fine dining restaurant who has over 25 years experience at a number of prestigious companies in the UK, such as Sanctuary Spa, BBC Television Centre and Restaurant Associates a division of Compass UK. It is rare to see a woman as a head chef and in countries such as the US, there are reports that there are less female chefs than female CEOs. 

With 2/3 women ownership, Villa Monticello is still very much a rarity in the hospitality field in Ghana and internationally. The 16 room boutique hotel first launched in 2011, and was the first to introduce the concept of an intimate luxury world class experience in hospitality in Ghana.

“Over the past few years, the luxury landscape has really begun to develop in Accra-- in real estate, hospitality, retail, and dining. It’s still at early stage but we believe we have contributed to its growth,” says Anita Ottenhof, Deputy General Manager who has nearly 10 years experience in the international hospitality and travel industries working in Europe and Africa.

The idea for VM came about through a desire to create an establishment that paralleled some of the international 5 star niche boutique hotels that the founders loved in cities around the world such as New York, Marrakesh, Johannesburg, and Provence where luxury and service were not mutually exclusive.

“The boutique hotel idea was a new concept in Accra but we have been very well received by guests and recognized by international hospitality industry vanguards such as World Travel Awards, Conde Nast Johanssens and Trip Advisor,” shares CEO, Laurie Awotwi.

Working in collaboration with Ghanaian businesswoman Isobel Acquah, Villa Monticello launched The Lady in 2016 as an empowerment initiative for young women aged 18 to 25 to participate in practical foundational courses covering key topics such as wellness, confidence building, financial awareness, social and business etiquette, and personal grooming. At the end of the first round of the program. select participants were granted internships and one  participant received a scholarship to further pursue her university education.

"Our ultimate goal is to deliver exceptional service and provide an experience for our guests which is second to none. This outlook is applied to all aspects of the VM brand. We are constantly striving to play a significant role in transforming the standards of the hospitality industry in Ghana, the role of women in the industry as well as have a positive impact on the next generation of  African women business leaders."

For more information, visit: www.villamonticello.com

Members of the Villa Monticello Team Pictured (l to r clockwise):

Eugenia Gbemu - Assistant Restaurant Manager

Matilda Mikekpor - Guest Relations Manager

Anita Ottenhof – Deputy General Manager

Laurie Awotwi - CEO

Ruby Paintsil - Executive Chef/Owner, Chapter One Restaurant