Angelica: Manifesting Hotel Sages
Angelica Espiritu is a real estate investor, travel creator and co-owner of Hotel Sages, a luxury retreat in Bali that blends hospitality, design and curated experiences.
Alongside her partner, Savina, she unexpectedly stepped into hotel ownership after a trip to Tuscany in 2023. Initially, their goal was to buy a Bali villa for personal use and short-term rentals. But when they came across Hotel Sages for sale, they saw an opportunity to explore new possibilities.
Inspired by the experience, they began exploring where they could build something themselves. Initially, their goal was to buy a Bali villa for personal use and short-term rentals. But when they came across Hotel Sages for sale, they saw an opportunity to create something much bigger.
With Angelica’s background in tax, accounting and real estate investing, and Savina’s expertise in real estate and health care operations, they navigated the complexities of acquiring and running a hotel together, leaning on their experience and creativity to make it happen. After their dedication and work, they were able to open hotel sages in August 2024.
Beyond the business side, Angelica is passionate about travel content creation, marketing, and tapping into her creativity, especially when it comes to curating special events and wellness activities for Hotel Sages. Looking ahead, she envisions Hotel Sages expanding globally, starting with destinations across Asia and blending Santorini-inspired aesthetics with Tulum’s relaxed, stylish vibe.
Q&A With Angelica Espiritu
What’s something you underestimated about hotel ownership that turned out to be more complex than expected?
“My Head of Accounting went on maternity leave (I didn’t know she was pregnant until a few months after the acquisition) and I wasn’t expecting to take on the role of interim Head of Accounting.🫣 But my background is in Accounting and Taxation so I was well prepared.”
As far as expanding Hotel Sages, is there another dream destination you have in mind?
“Hotel Sages will be a global brand. We have plans to expand first in the Asia region and continue with the brand design and aesthetics where Santorini meets Tulum.”
What’s been the most surprising thing about working with your partner on such a big project?
“What’s been so surprising is that it feels like we were made to go on this journey together. Our backgrounds and expertise perfectly led us to this moment.
With almost two decades in finance, I handle all the back office work streams (finance, tax, accounting, marketing).
Savina led the largest primary care practice at a major hospital in San Francisco managing over 50 staff. So she oversees our hotel projects, staff matters, and operations. And it’s so fluid when we work together because we lean into our skills sets and trust that the other one has it handled.”
