A dream that came true and now evolving. Few words of wisdom.
Rocco Bova is an esteemed Italian professional who, in almost thirty years of activity, has contributed to the success of important hotel and restaurant chains such as Four Seasons, Hilton, St Regis and Aman Resorts, on four different continents.
He told his personal journey to Studio Apostoli.
It all started with the dream to travel the world some 40 years ago. I was a young boy, looking over my window and seeing the big cruise liners sailing through the gulf of ‘’Costa Viola’’ down south of Calabria, Italy.
I was born in a small village called Scilla, but my mind was always traveling into other realities, whether I was daydreaming or I was watching a TV documentary. I truly wanted a nomadic life.
After over 30 years of international experience, I am very happy to say that I have been living my dream in each and every way.
My professional life took me to 11 different countries (and counting) from Europe, Middle East, Asia, India, Africa, Caribbean and now in Central America. I have been blessed to work with the most amazing hotel companies and, along the way, met thousands of amazing people that shaped my life. I love serving others and I belive that, working in the hospitality industry is the most amazing job on the planet.
My son too, has chosen to follow my steps, and in the next few months he will be starting his education in the Netherlands at the Hotel School of the Hague.
I am the proudest father and hope my daughter too will do the same.
Now enough of me and let’s move to a relatively new passion that I have developed in the past 10 years or so.
Unintentionally I have been following a healthy lifestyle all my life paying attention with what I eat and living an active life, yet enjoying everything that life has to offer. I have never been among those who are fanatic about fitness or healthy food, I am of the opinion that one should enjoy everything in life (with moderation) in order to be happy.
Since the past three assignements, I have worked with companies which are, more or less, inclined to wellness and wellbeing. But the one that made a definite impact in my life was Chable’ Yucatán.
Set in the Mayan jungle and respecting the tradition of the local culture, we have been able to put this resort on the world’s map in les than 2 years after its opening.
Mexico has such a profound ancestral rooted culture and one that permeates you even if you are not from here.
For example Shamanism and luxury is rarely presented as one. But I see more and more luxury resorts employing those ‘’elders’’ from nearby villages to perform ceremonies and rituals for their guests.
I too decided to have one, together with my wife and children, when we moved to Mexico. It was magical, and one I will never forget.
Going back to our roots, truly open the mind, the heart and the spirit. We become more accepting and we let go of the past that could hold us back. I have witness many ‘’transformations’’ and it’s incredible how easy this can be, by just allowing to flow. Most elders don’t even speak English, and this doesn’t block them to do what they need to do. In the world of spirituality there are no barriers.
I strongly advise the readers to try once and meet one of the elders in the countries they visit ensuring that is one an impostor of course (sadly there are some out there) and only talk to trusted holistic, spiritual guides.
It will allow you to travel back in time, and for those who had the chance to have living great-grand fathers/mothers, they know what I mean. Listening to people that know (that’s what it is an elder), brings back to childhood and remembering the stories and anectods our elders used to tell us.
Tourism is not just go to the beach, eat out of a buffet and drink cocktails. A traveller is someone who discovers, learn and live the visited place down to its roots. Only then you have experienced the place.
Going back to wellness and wellbeing, this discipline, which has been part of my life, has now become a new passion. Managing one’s health is foremost to be able to coach others into it.
I amblessed to say that I have not only a healthy life both physical and spiritual, but I have managed to build a mental strenght which, in my opinión is possibly the most important to have, particularly in dearing situations.
Working and developing my skills around the wellness industry has helped me a lot also to improve my resilience and navigate the current pandemic and actually thriving.
I strongly recommend you, if you are not doing so already, to begin learning, opening your mind to what health and wellness is and take this road to transformation. When you are stronger, your mind is sharper, you see the light, the opportunities multiplies and, suddenly, you are in charge.
Healthy regards.