Independently Yours is a premier international representation agency specialising in sales, marketing, and communications for luxury hospitality and travel brands. With a team spread across key global cities, we bring a tailored approach to each client, enhancing their presence and growing their market share through expert strategies in sales, marketing, and multi-channel communications.
We blend extensive industry knowledge with a deep passion for the sector. Each team member is chosen for their robust industry and media connections, their holistic and strategic approach to addressing clients’ business needs, and their commitment to delivering outstanding results.
Purpose
At Independently Yours, we aim to help hotels tell their brand story, and to grow their business performance through our expertise and network.
We will introduce and connect your hotel to the global luxury traveller. To represent your hotel and to support your in-house sales and marketing teams.
Approach
Our team delivers a comprehensive holistic solution for independent hotels and travel brands, going beyond standard representation services with our expertise in marketing, sales, and distribution. We leverage deep industry knowledge and extensive relationships to provide personalised, results-driven support. At Independently Yours, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for independent properties to reach a global audience and achieve unparalleled success.
Why work with us
We specialise in collaborating with independent hotels and properties, understanding that each one has its distinct character. Our team engages deeply with each client to understand what makes their property unique. Through close collaboration, we craft customised narratives and strategic marketing plans designed to highlight these attributes and drive bookings.
We work with a best-in-class range of partners to deliver services for our clients
Meet the Team
Our diverse team of multilingual professionals has extensive expertise in the hospitality industry, both locally and globally, enabling us to understand and meet the unique needs of our clients across various markets.
Mike Bonner
Senior Vice President, Brand & Commercial Services
With nearly three decades of experience in the luxury hospitality and travel industry, Mike has held a variety of commercial and brand leadership roles with companies such as One&Only, Maybourne Hotel Group, Rosewood and Silversea. Mike leads the Independently Yours team providing consultancy and expertise to help independent hotels unlock their full potential. Outside of work he can often be found bounding around the British countryside trails following his passion for running.
Salvatore Galati
Global Vice President of Sales
Salvatore brings over 25 years of hospitality and sales experience to Independently Yours in North America. His career includes leadership roles at Forbes Travel Guide, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and Viceroy Hotel Group, where he led sales initiatives across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Latin America. With experience at the Sydney Opera House, in residential real estate, luxury hotels in Beverly Hills and hospitality consultancy, Galati offers rich industry insight. Originally from Australia, he now lives in Los Angeles and enjoys beach outings with his partner and their energetic dog, Lola.
Iwona Arthur
Director of Sales, UK
Iwona brings extensive experience in luxury hospitality, having held key roles at The Westbury, a Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel, and The Doyle Collection, where she led global sales for eight hotels across the UK, Ireland, and the US. With a degree in fashion and a deep appreciation for boutique hotels, Iwona seamlessly blends creativity with strategic insight. In her free time, she enjoys travel, art, podcasts, and hunting for vintage pieces or antiques, all of which complement her natural ability to connect with people.
Arsela Hyka
Head of Social
Arsela, born in Albania and raised in Italy, is a seasoned social media professional with a Master’s in Digital PR & Online Media Relations. She has managed campaigns for Hand Picked Hotels and The Brand Power Company, showcasing her expertise in digital strategy. A passionate traveller, Arsela’s love for exploring cultures led her to co-found The Urbantellers with her husband—a platform celebrating creativity and meaningful storytelling. Her multicultural background and professional acumen make her a dynamic force in the digital media landscape.
Guillermo Palacios Rufo
Director of Revenue
Guillermo is a seasoned hospitality professional with 15+ years of global experience. He holds degrees in Tourism & Finance, a Master’s in Revenue Management, CAPM certification, and a Real Estate and Financial Economics certification from LSE. Guillermo has worked with leading hotel brands, excelling in revenue management, asset evaluation, and strategic negotiations. He leverages technology to develop revenue strategies, optimize operations, and adapt to market needs, focusing on data-driven decisions and sustainability. A passionate surfer and sailor, Guillermo embraces these activities to connect with nature and recharge his creative energy.
Alix Zoeliner
Sales Manager
Alix brings more than 12 years of experience in sales and hospitality to Independently Yours. A native of Park City, Utah, Alix’s passion for travel began at an early age. She launched her career at Montage Deer Valley, working in reservations and leisure sales, before moving on to become a sales Manager and top producer at Alpine Adventures, a global ski and adventure travel tour operator. Outside of work, Alix enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her husband and pets.
Vincent Padolina
Sales Director, East Coast & Canada
Vincent, originally from the Philippines, made a bold leap to New York City, where he quickly established himself as a key player in prestigious luxury and lifestyle hotels. Having called NYC home for over a decade, his hospitality career encompasses diverse sales and marketing roles across corporate, entertainment, and leisure segments. Now part of Independently Yours, Vincent is thrilled to focus on the luxury leisure market, fostering strong relationships with travel advisors on the East Coast of the U.S.A. and in Canada.
Justyn Herbert
Finance Director
Justyn has worked in the luxury hotel industry for over 40 years and has held directorship roles in this sector for the last 30 years. He started his career in operations on a management training program at The Savoy Hotel, followed by his first role in finance at The Ritz Hotel and Cunard Hotels. He has worked in and been involved in many SLH hotels in management, finance, revenue management, operations, human resources and compliance. He was chair of the Savoy Society when they set up the mentoring scheme with Springboard now known as GEMS, was a founding board member of HOSPA and is a school governor. He enjoys cricket and cycling.
