Discover a new standard of
excellence with The Aspen Company

Abbaye de la Bussiere

Burgundy, Francen

 

Markets evolve, and so do we. By staying ahead of trends, analyzing data, and making strategic capital investments, we ensure our businesses remain competitive, relevant, and ready for the future. From concept to execution, our expertise allows us to manage growth intelligently, maximizing returns while maintaining exceptional quality.

Discover a new standard of
excellence with The Aspen Company

Liss Ard Estate

West Cork, Ireland

Markets evolve, and so do we. By staying ahead of trends, analyzing data, and making strategic capital investments, we ensure our businesses remain competitive, relevant, and ready for the future. From concept to execution, our expertise allows us to manage growth intelligently, maximizing returns while maintaining exceptional quality.

WHO WE ARE

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We are more than strategists; we are your dedicated partners. Co-founded by industry leaders with decades of expertise, we bring a rich blend of creativity, precision, and passion to every project.

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Our global perspective, paired with a commitment to excellence, ensures every collaboration is as impactful as it is memorable.

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OUR HOTELS

Abbaye de la Bussiere

Burgundy,  France

Nestled in the heart of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or, L’Abbaye de la Bussière, a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, is a haven of elegance and history, perfectly positioned between Dijon and Beaune.

Surrounded by lush landscapes and world-renowned vineyards, the hotel invites you to explore the iconic wine routes of Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and timeless charm of this extraordinary region and Estate.

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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Liss Ard Estate

West Cork, Ireland

Nestled in the heart of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or, L’Abbaye de la Bussière, a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, is a haven of elegance and history, perfectly positioned between Dijon and Beaune.

Surrounded by lush landscapes and world-renowned vineyards, the hotel invites you to explore the iconic wine routes of Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and timeless charm of this extraordinary region and Estate.

LEARN MORE

20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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20 Rooms | 19 Acres

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OUR
APPROACH

Our business model delivers market-leading assets renowned for exceptional guest loyalty and financial results. We excel in providing extraordinary service that is both efficient and profit-driven.

01

Concept

Through smart programming and branding, our properties stand apart from the competition. Thoughtfully positioned within their respective markets, our assets are continuously refined to adapt to evolving market dynamics, ensuring resiliency and success throughout various market cycles.

By conducting extensive feasibility analyses, we understand our guest demographic, their preferences, and our unique differentiators.

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02

Investment

Curated food and beverage experiences are at the heart of fostering emotional connections and driving guest loyalty.

As both a brand enhancer and a marketing cornerstone, our culinary offerings are designed to align with guest expectations while streamlining services to control costs and achieve robust margins.

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03

Operational Excellence

We craft dynamic operating plans and cultivate a culture rooted in service excellence and community. Our leadership team is deeply engaged in the daily operations of our properties, offering comprehensive support in areas including operational planning, staffing, finance, revenue management, and sales and marketing. With a robust system of SOPs and continuous training, we maintain a consistent operating style that embraces innovation and fosters a welcoming, family-like atmosphere for both associates and guests.

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04

Financial Stewardship

Our commitment to financial accountability drives improved margins and operational transparency. With realistic operating plans, measurable KPIs, and advanced reporting systems, we ensure performance is meticulously tracked. Centralized accounting and auditing protocols further enhance financial oversight.

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05

Asset Management

We keep our properties fresh and ROI-focused through strategic capital investment. By staying attuned to market trends, guest preferences, and industry innovations, we ensure our properties remain competitive and profitable. From planning to execution, our in-house expertise enables us to manage complex capital projects with rigorous oversight, cost controls, and a long-term focus on market share growth and investor returns.

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06

Exit (when applicable)

We keep our properties fresh and ROI-focused through strategic capital investment. By staying attuned to market trends, guest preferences, and industry innovations, we ensure our properties remain competitive and profitable. From planning to execution, our in-house expertise enables us to manage complex capital projects with rigorous oversight, cost controls, and a long-term focus on market share growth and investor returns.

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OUR SERVICES

Investment & Acquisition

Identify opportunities that deliver exceptional returns. We specialize in sourcing and securing high-potential assets that align with your strategic goals.

Development

Bringing visions to life. From concept to completion, we manage every aspect of a development to create extraordinary destinations that captivate and inspire.

Hotel Management

We provide 3rd party management that maximizes operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Our hands-on approach to management ensures that every detail reflects excellence and drives profitability.

Capital Formation

Fuel growth with strategic capital solutions. We provide expert guidance in structuring and securing financing to support ambitious projects and long-term success.

Advisory

Navigate complex challenges with confidence. Our advisory services deliver actionable insights, data-driven strategies, and unparalleled expertise to help you achieve your goals.

OUR
DIFFERENTIATOR

Visionary Thinking

We are ahead of the wave in setting trends.

Bespoke Solutions

Every project is unique. We tailored each developed to maximize its potential.

Proven Expertise

Backed by years of success and a network of industry leaders, we deliver results that speak for themselves.

Sustainability Commitment

We prioritize long-term value creation through sustainable and ethical practices.
From revitalizing heritage properties to launching world-class destinations, our projects leave lasting impressions.

CONTACT US
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OUR TEAM

Michael is an innovative real estate entrepreneur specializing in the emerging trends of how people work, live and travel.

Prior to founding The Aspen Company, Michael was Chief Executive Officer and Co-Owner of DIT, a premier collaborative workspace and event space business in Europe.  Michael was also a Senior Advisor and first round investor in June Homes, a NYC based home sharing company.

Prior to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Michael was CEO for Regional Hotel Chain, a leading investment and development

company in Ru ssia that he expanded from 3 to 9 hotels and ultimately sold at a 22x EBITDA valuation.

As Head of Private Equity and Director of Global Strategy for KPMG and Deloitte, Michael consulted leading global private equity firms. Michael was also an Investor Director at SigmaBleyzer, a top 5 PE firm in the CIS with over $500 million in committed capital and served on the board of the Four Seasons Lion Palace.

CO-FOUNDER

Michael Johnston

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Colin Best is a Managing Director and Co-Founder, known for creating generational real estate assets, cinema, and music. With a diverse career spanning real estate, filmmaking, and music, Colin has made significant contributions in each field.

In his role as Vice President of Leasing & Development at Westar Associates, Colin was instrumental in the development of over eight million square feet of real estate in California. His efforts resulted in the successful execution of more than 200 leases, generating over $115 million in rental income. His strategic approach and expertise have positioned him as a leader in the real estate industry.

In addition to his accomplishments in real estate, Colin is also a prolific investor, with a portfolio that includes five full-service hotels

across Ireland and California. Notably, he sourced and led the acquisition of Liss Ard Estate in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing his ability to identify and capitalize on unique opportunities even in challenging circumstances.

Beyond real estate and investment, Colin is a passionate independent filmmaker and musician. He has written, produced, and directed four films, along with penning four screenplays. As a musician, he has written, produced, and recorded ten albums of original music, further exemplifying his creative versatility.

Colin holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts from Loyola Marymount University, reflecting his strong academic foundation in the arts and his dedication to creative excellence.

CO-FOUNDER

Colin Best

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