Heinz Javier Colby, Group General Manager for the Blue Mountains properties Lilianfels Resort and Spa, Echoes Boutique Hotel and the Hydro Majestic Hotel, passed away unexpectedly from an undiagnosed heart disease, on January 27 in Katoomba. He was 48 years of age.
“Heinz will be missed deeply by the whole team at Lilianfels Resort and Spa, Echoes Boutique Hotel and the Hydro Majestic Hotel. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife Jacqueline and his children Brandon (13) and Jordan (11),” said saddened owners Huong Nyugen and George Saad.
“Heinz was also a rare breed GM whose passion, professionalism and people skills paired with exceptional international experience in hospitality management.
“He was highly disciplined and persistent – always seeking perfection with compassion. He brought a positive energy to his team.
“He thoroughly enjoyed the enormous challenge of managing 3 iconic properties and was unphased by the numerous challenges of operation and development.
“ In fact, Heinz was always excited by the prospect of steering enormous changes for luxury accommodation market in the Blue Mountains including the refurbishment of the Hydro Majestic Hotel.
“We are proud of Heinz’s achievements over the past 12 months and sad to lose such an incredible asset. He has put together a very solid team of professionals to ensure that his vision for the 3 properties continues and it is with heartfelt commitment that we carry out his vision for the Blue Mountains.”
“We join with the entire hotel industry in mourning one of its finest,” the owners said.
Colby was educated at the Hotel Consult Caesar Ritz Hotel School in Switzerland, and trained at the Dolder Grand Hotel Zurich, the Savoy Hotel London, Hyatt International Hotels in Thailand and the Philippines. He worked with Accor for a total of 12 years in Seoul, Beijing, Sydney and Singapore and with Century International Hotels over six years in Sydney, Vanuatu, Hong Kong, Yogyakarta and Bangkok. He was a superb linguist.