Gonzalo

Travel information

I am currently

Description

I've spent more than 20 years working across the hospitality industry in Spain, the UK, the Netherlands, and, more recently, Southeast Asia. My experience includes five-star luxury hotels, hostels, restaurants, specialty coffee shops, wellness centers, and other guest-focused businesses.

In late 2024, I decided to take a professional sabbatical after many years in management. Since then, I've been traveling around Southeast Asia, spending most of my time in Thailand while also exploring Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

I'm naturally curious and enjoy understanding how places work, from daily operations to the small details that create a welcoming environment. I'm practical, reliable, calm under pressure, and happiest when I can contribute in a hands-on way.

For me, travel isn't about ticking countries off a list. It's about learning how people live, work, and connect. That's why Workaway appeals to me, it's an opportunity for genuine cultural exchange while contributing wherever I can.

I've worked with multicultural teams for many years and adapt easily to new environments. I value respect, clear communication, and a positive atmosphere, and I always try to leave a place better than I found it.

Interests

Events & social

Culture

Pets

Sustainability

Self development

Movies & TV

Charity work

History

Languages

Cooking & food

Animals

Yoga / Wellness

Mountain

Water sports

Hiking

Sailing / Boating

Team sports

Nature

Fitness

Beach

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Italian: Beginner
Portuguese: Beginner

More details about my language interests
Yes. I enjoy language exchange and learning from the people I meet while traveling. I'm always interested in picking up new words and improving basic communication in the local language. Spanish is my native language, and I'm fluent in English. I'd be happy to help others practice through relaxed conversations and everyday situations, no classroom, no pressure. After many years working with international teams, I've also developed a good understanding of Italian and Portuguese. While I don't speak either language fluently, I can usually understand conversations and communicate effectively in everyday situations.

Find a language partner

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Eco Projects

Charity Work

House & pet sitting

Being an elderly companion

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Able to teach about:  

Languages

Hospitality/Tourism

Helping around the house

Creating/ Cooking family meals

More details about your skills

I have more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, covering hotels, hostels, restaurants, reception, guest services, operations, and team leadership. My professional experience is supported by a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality & Business Management and a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma for Butlers (Distinction).

My background is in hospitality management, and during my travels I've been expanding my knowledge of room revenue management by studying how different hotels and hostels price, distribute, and manage their rooms across Southeast Asia. I've focused on room performance, occupancy, OTA performance, cancellation patterns, room profitability, and net room yield. If it's useful, I'd be happy to share my knowledge with your team.

I'm comfortable helping wherever needed, whether that's welcoming guests, working at reception, assisting in the restaurant or kitchen, supporting daily operations, organizing shared spaces, or helping the team during busy periods.

I'm organized, dependable, and work well both independently and as part of a team. I learn quickly, follow instructions, and adapt easily to different ways of working.

Age

45

What else ...

I'm easygoing and enjoy the simple things: good conversations, shared meals, spending time outdoors, and discovering local neighborhoods, markets, cafés, and everyday life.

I enjoy cooking, learning about local food and culture, staying active, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

I respect personal space, house routines, and different ways of living. I value kindness, clear communication, and a positive environment where everyone contributes and feels comfortable.

I don't need much to be happy, a clean place, good people, and the opportunity to contribute while sharing experiences and learning from one another.

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

• 

  Driver's licence

• 

  Allergies
  No, I am not

• 

  Special dietary requirements
  No, I don't