PHOTO: © LOEWS CORAL GABLES HOTEL
THE BASICS
Name: Nadim Barrage
Title: General manager
Company, city: Loews Coral Gables Hotel; Coral Gables, Florida
As a child, what job did you want to have when you grew up? I wanted to be a chef. Time spent cooking with my mother, grandmother and other family members sparked a lifelong love of food. I eventually worked in a kitchen and realized professional cooking wasn’t for me, though I still enjoy cooking at home.
Fun fact about yourself: I enjoy a good fast-food burger now and then — a guilty pleasure that surprises people.
If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why? Patagonia. I’d go alone, far from my phone, laptop and social media, to reconnect with nature’s beauty and find calm.
A LITTLE BIT MORE
What two nonessential items would you want if you were on a deserted island?
Something that plays music and a book.
What person or experience most influenced your choice of career?
A portion of my childhood was spent in a war zone. During that time my parents made a point of taking us out to safe, uplifting places, and hotels and restaurants became refuges where we created warm memories. Those spaces taught me the power of hospitality: even now, when life feels challenging, stepping into a hotel restores a sense of peace and belonging.
What is your favorite song, and/or who is your favorite musician/band?
Cat Stevens. I associate his music with family trips across France when my mother would play his songs in the car — a clear sign vacation had begun.
If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past? Why?
I would travel to the past to better understand the events and choices that shaped who we are today.
THE BUSINESS
How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership is focused on creating a culture where people feel valued and enjoy their work. I aim to foster an approachable, family-like atmosphere. At Loews Hotels we strive to welcome guests like family, and that starts by nurturing the same feeling among team members.
What predictions do you have for the travel industry over the next year?
With Miami hosting numerous major events in 2026, I expect increased demand across group, business and leisure travel tied to sports and cultural events. Our market will see heightened activity from events such as FIFA World Cup matches, the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, the NASCAR Cup Series Championship, the World Baseball Classic and the College Football Playoff National Championship, among others.
What is your or your team’s proudest professional achievement?
Opening Loews Coral Gables Hotel in 2022 and establishing it as a key player in the market in under three years is a major source of pride for our team.
What project are you currently working on?
We continuously develop experiences that create authentic, memorable moments for our guests. Programs designed for multigenerational travelers include Loews Little Legends for children, family photo shoots, and Fizz by Loews Hotels, our customizable house-made sodas and spritzes. Flavor by Loews partners with local artisans to bring a true taste of the destination to guests. These offerings create a distinctive, locally infused hotel experience. On the design side, we are planning updates to refine and enhance our signature restaurant, Americana Kitchen, to respond to guest demand for a stronger bar presence and more engaging bar ambience.
AS A TRAVELER
What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned about customer service?
Be kind and respectful — it opens the door to the best possible experiences.
What’s the first vacation you can remember taking?
Every summer my family traveled to Cyprus. My father worked there part of the year so we could escape the conflict at home. I still remember the little bakery near where we stayed and the comforting scent of baked goods and sugar. Emotions are powerful triggers for memories.
What are your travel pet peeves?
Visitors who don’t respect the places they visit, treating them like amusement parks rather than communities where people live and work.
Share your favorite travel experience: The South of France. It’s filled with family memories, excellent food and wine, and perfect weather — warm days and cool evenings when a light sweater is just right. For me, travel is about relaxing and sharing moments with loved ones, and the South of France captures that feeling completely.