It’s clear that Stephanie Chai spent the earlier part of her career in front of the camera. While it has been 14 years since she pivoted to running The Luxe Nomad, her luxury vacation rental management company, she poses for this cover with ease and composure, her modelesque features doing much of the work.
But a sharp commercial instinct lies behind every pose. With more than 1,400 rooms spread across 100 properties in destinations such as Hokkaido, Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bali, The Luxe Nomad is the largest of its kind in Asia-Pacific. Last year, it recorded US$63 million (S$80.2 million) in gross bookings, with an EBITDA margin of 5.5 percent.
Who does she see as her competitors? “Any great villa that isn’t managed by us,” she says cheekily. For the rest of that answer, read the story.
She is careful, though, not to romanticise the business. “I do it because we have a vision of uniting different markets through one brand. From the outside, it all looks glamorous, but it’s a lot of work.”
For this shoot, Chai wears the new Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph 37mm watches—the collection’s first titanium appearance, as well as the debut of the manufacture’s calibre 6401 watch in a 37-mm Offshore with Tapisserie dials in turquoise, pink, and pastel blue.
Chai answers a couple of health and success questions posed by her friend Shelley Davis.
What difference has being Eurasian made to your worldview?
In Grade 5, my teacher told me, “As a Eurasian, you either get the best or the worst of both worlds.” While I don’t always feel fully Asian or Western, living in the “in-between” allows me to flow between cultures easily. This is a distinct advantage in business. By adapting to different cultural nuances and communication styles, I can bridge gaps that others might not notice.
When life gets hectic, what are the rituals or mindsets you rely on to stay clear-headed, strong, and connected?
I’m a wellness enthusiast at heart! My non-negotiables are a mix of high-intensity and mindful movement; I aim to work out six times a week, rotating between yoga, Pilates, Barry’s, and PT. However, I’ve found that mental stillness must be balanced with physical strength. To manage stress, I regularly practise Yin Yoga and Qigong at The Yoga House in Dempsey. Also, I’m prone to overthinking and my thoughts occasionally wander down the rabbit hole, so I use meditation or movement to break the cycle and find my centre again.
What does success look and feel like to you in this season of your life?
Success is deeply personal and cannot be confined to a single definition. It might mean being a present mother, excelling in a career, or simply having the freedom to follow your passions. I believe that not everyone needs to work in the traditional sense to be successful. For me, success in this stage of my life includes seeing The Luxe Nomad continue to grow and innovate, as staying dynamic is essential. On a personal level, it’s about the quality of my relationships. Having great friends and family is everything. Ultimately, our connection with others is the true key to happiness.
