Daniel Simon named to lead Rosewood Calistoga at 2027 opening
The luxury hotel group has appointed the former head of Rosewood Phnom Penh to oversee operations at its Napa Valley estate.
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has appointed Daniel Simon as managing director of Rosewood Calistoga, the brand’s forthcoming estate in Napa Valley set to open in early 2027. Simon, who has spent more than three decades in luxury hospitality, will oversee all aspects of the property’s opening and operations.
Simon has served as managing director of Rosewood Phnom Penh since joining Rosewood Hotel Group in 2021. During his tenure there, the Cambodian property ranked No. 30 on Travel + Leisure’s 2024 “100 Best Hotels in the World” list and earned multiple World Spa Awards for its Sense spa, recognition from Asia’s 50 Best Bars, and sustainability accolades, according to Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.
Career spanning continents
Born in Sweden, Simon began his career as a logistics officer in the Swedish Army before transitioning to the hospitality sector. His professional trajectory has included senior management posts across multiple regions and brands. He has held positions with Anantara, W Hotels, Celebrity Cruises and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, working in the United States, Southeast Asia, Canada and Australia.
Vision for the Calistoga estate
At Rosewood Calistoga, Simon will be responsible for assembling the opening team and instilling a service philosophy grounded in relationships and place-based experiences. The property sits on Calistoga’s forested ridgeline and is being designed around Rosewood’s principles of connecting guests to nature, local terroir and community.
In a statement, Simon said the role represents a distinctive opportunity. “It is a rare opportunity to shape a destination from the very beginning, one deeply connected to its landscape, its community and the people who define it,” he said. “In the months ahead, my focus will be on building an outstanding founding team, cultivating a culture rooted in relationship-driven hospitality and creating experiences that embody the character of Calistoga.”
Jillian Katcher, who oversees Rosewood’s operations across the Americas and the Caribbean, described Simon as well-suited to the undertaking. She noted his ability to balance operational discipline with thoughtful management and his track record of assembling teams capable of delivering distinctive, place-rooted hospitality experiences.
Timing and context
The appointment signals progress toward the opening of the Napa Valley estate, which Rosewood has described as a landmark property. The property’s debut in early 2027 falls within the company’s broader expansion strategy across the Americas under what it calls a “discovery-led era.”
This article was compiled by the CityLifeBytes editorial desk from the official announcements and reporting listed under Sources.
