“Some of the things our guests love the most are how charming and safe Belgrade is,” says Marko Milisavljević, director of sales and marketing at Saint Ten, the five-star luxury boutique hotel in the Serbian capital. Often overlooked as a city break, Belgrade is a great starting point to understand the complex but important history of the Balkan region. The city is filled with attractions to visit, like the Kalemegdan Fortress, the alternative Savamala district, or the Museum of Yugoslavia, which takes visitors on a journey through both the region’s golden years and troublesome times.
“Belgrade is a historically significant, global business hub for the Balkans, but it also has a vibrant nightlife and can accommodate to different lifestyles,” shares Marko. Catering to different types of guests is something Milisavljević and his team at Saint Ten do with aplomb. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Saint Ten mixes ornate architecture with modern furnishings to provide guests with a comfortable refuge away from the city’s hustle and bustle. With 56 sophisticated rooms and suites, a fine dining restaurant, well-stocked bar, and an in-house spa, the luxury property has everything you need for a relaxing city break.
LLM’s Ina Yulo Stuve sat down with Marko to find out a little more.
Did you always know you wanted to work in hospitality?
Actually, I did not. I was a professional football player prior to entering the tourism and hospitality industry. I made the decision to change my profession as a result of a few serious sports injuries. I began working at Embassy Suites by Hilton in Florida after obtaining my bachelor’s degree in Serbia. Working in the food and beverage, banquet, housekeeping, and reception departments allowed me to improve my skills and played a large role in the beginning of my hospitality career.
In your opinion, what makes Saint Ten stand out from other facilities in the capital?
A key factor is the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere and personal touch. And its historical location where so many political milestones took place also sets it apart.
What does luxury mean to you?
The luxury market is always evolving. Guests are becoming more knowledgeable about hospitality and there is no room for improvisation. A quality product, devoted staff, guest segmentation, and detail-oriented management are all crucial factors, but for me personally, the most significant factors are the positive vibe that permeates through the entire hotel and the level of communication we have with our guests.
If you had to plan an itinerary for your guests around the city, where would you send them?
Our popular city tours and attractions include the Saint Sava temple, Kalemegdan fortress, Knez Mihailova street, Skadarlija—which is the Bohemian area—good restaurants, good night clubs, small craft shops, cigar and wine bars.
The hotel has a very strong food and beverage programme. Can you tell me more about this?
The international menu of Hotel Saint Ten combines French and Italian cuisine and I believe we have one of the best kitchen teams in Eastern Europe. While our wine and drink lists are outstanding, we are especially proud of our James Bond cocktail. We also have an impressive collection of over 45 whiskies at our bar. Rest assured, we have everything you need to indulge in a truly remarkable dining and drinking experience.
How do you incorporate Serbian history and culture in the experience you deliver for your guests?
Incorporating Serbian history and culture into the experience we provide for our guests is best achieved by embracing our natural selves. Our cultural values, modesty, dedication, and a warm smile, these qualities are fundamental and paramount to our hotel staff’s approach.
You have a mix of locals and international guests coming to the hotel, both for business and pleasure. Do you host any special events that cater to both groups of guests?
We host our highly popular After Work event every Friday; it consistently draws a full house and is the talk of the town. Our New Year’s Matinee is our signature event and boasts the attendance of notable individuals from the worlds of sports, politics, theatre, and music.
Actually, as we speak, I am diligently working on multiple projects for the upcoming year: Our grand plan entails organising one special event each quarter, that includes fine dining and entertainment provided by respected musicians. We’re certain that our future endeavours will continue to captivate and delight all who attend.
Where are you off to on your next holiday?
My idea of a good vacation is a place with a view of the river, sea, or ocean. Due to my very fast-paced lifestyle, what I usually look for is a quiet place where I can connect with nature and recharge my batteries.
Factbox
Address: Svetog Save 10, Beograd 11000, Serbia
Phone: +381 11 4116633
Website: saintten.com
