One might wonder what would move veteran hotelier Charlie Parker from the iconic Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square in London to the Hawaiian Islands, but a close look at his CV reveals a connection to the ocean that crosses continents and an affinity for surfing, scuba diving, ocean navigation, and working closely with local cultures.
“I felt very connected here from the moment I arrived,” says Parker, referencing the fraternal bond between island states that brought England and Hawaii together in the 18th century when seafaring British captains came into contact with the Hawaiian Royal family. The presence of the Union Jack in the design of the Hawaiian flag dates back to 1793, when British captain George Vancouver presented it to King Kamehameha I. It remains as a symbol of friendship and sovereignty.
Exploring brave new worlds became Parker’s modern day reality, taking him from city hotels to remote island locations and a year cruising the Maldives on the Four Seasons Explorer.
Charlie Parker’s love of history parallels his love of the sea . . . “There is so obviously a rich history on this side of the island,” he says. “ Ko Olina, as a destination, has everything: culture, food, farms, surfing, fishing, diving, the rugged beauty of the coast . . . “
PADI certified, he embarked on sea trials in Australia with naval architects and boat designers as they prepared to launch a luxury diving vessel designed to sail the unexplored islands and atolls of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. The Four Seasons Explorer emerged as one of the world’s most coveted luxury live-aboard dive experiences, sailing with 20 crew and 22 guests, in a marine environment since recognized by UNESCO and renowned for close encounters with pelagics such as manta rays and whale sharks.
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For Parker, the experience was a full cultural immersion in rarely seen Maldivian life, seeking out the artists, storytellers, and craftsmen who populated the islands and sharing their stories—a precursor of the #FSWayfinders programming introduced by Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina. Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt was to follow for Parker, known as one of the best places on the planet to dive. The waters of Ras Mohammed National Park, where the open expanse of the Red Sea begins, are a paradise where divers drift by towering schools of snapper, tornadoes of barracuda, Hawksbill turtles, and sharks. |
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The new GM will explore west Oʻahu’s underwater world on a first dive with Nani Kai Dive Academy at Ko Olina Marina and had his first taste of west Oʻahu fishing with Chef Michael Mina near Kaena Point, where the Chef hooked a 60-pound ahi. “It was an auspicious moment,” Parker laughs, “and one I hope to repeat.” Charlie Parker’s love of history parallels his love of the sea. After setting sail in the Maldives and two assignments in the Middle East, he returned to England to Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, a country retreat where Henry VIII met Catherine of Aragon for the first time. With 500 acres of historic parkland, the hotel pastured cattle, raised chickens, produced its own honey and vegetables, and worked with local producers to bring farm to table. He sees the same potential for island to table gastronomy on Oʻahu. “There’s something so special about taking up the reigns of history and writing a new chapter,” he related to press in early 2017 when opening the iconic Four Seasons London at Ten Trinity Square, restoring the stunning Beaux Arts style building and former headquarters of the Port of London Authority to a landmark of power and prestige. La Dame de Pic London, the only UK outpost from acclaimed French Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, achieved its first Michelin star at Four Seasons London at Ten Trinity Square on October 2, 2017. |
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On Oʻahu, Four Seasons’ new GM is already immersing himself in the culture of the island. He has received a blessing from Kahu Nettie Tiffany and connected with Mary Philpotts, designer of the resort’s transformation to a Four Seasons and heir to Lanikuhonua’s Royal history. He has made the pilgrimage to Kaena Point and the introduction of Kumu Hula La`akea Perry, who teaches the fundamentals of hula to guests on resort and leads an award-winning halau from Waianae to annual competition at Merrie Monarch. |
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“There is so obviously a rich history on this side of the island,” says Parker. “ Ko Olina, as a destination, has everything: culture, food, farms, surfing, fishing, diving, the rugged beauty of the coast. I’m very grateful and excited to be here.” Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, Charlie Parker earned his degree in Hotel Administration from the University of Surrey, U.K. and Michigan State University, USA, and joined Four Seasons London at Park Lane. Over the course of his 22-year career, he has attained experience in a wide range of locations globally, including Newport Beach, Sharm El Sheikh, the Maldives, Doha, Egypt, and the U.K., where he was first promoted to General Manager at Hampshire in 2011. |
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He is known for his strong business acumen, calm demeanor, and unwavering commitment to guests and employees. In addition to spending time with his family (his wife Rebeca is a former Four Seasons executive and has opened five hotels), Charlie loves all things sporting and is looking forward to wind surfing, scuba diving, and hanging ten Hawaiian style. For further information, follow @fsoahu or visit fourseasons.com/oahu.
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