Maud Bailly: Redefining Luxury Hospitality at Gem Forest MGallery Nairobi and Beyond

Nairobi recently welcomed an exciting new chapter in luxury hospitality with the arrival of the first-ever MGallery in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Tucked on the edge of the lush Karura Forest, the Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi is a stunning blend of contemporary design and local inspiration. Its essence draws from the sparkling allure of gemstones, the natural beauty of Karura, and the spirit of Nairobi—often called the “city of water.”

The Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi - MGallery Collection boasts 105 elegantly designed rooms and four distinct venues, each telling its own unique story. Troy, a rooftop bar, lounge and gem museum, Shanta, a spa inspired by nature's healing powers.

Guests can savour modern Indian cuisine at Kahani, gather around a dazzling 360-degree crystal bar, or indulge in European Riviera-inspired dishes at the chic bistro, Enchanté. For a wellness-focused retreat, La Mer offers refreshing cocktails and delicious bites by the pool, making it a perfect location for relaxation.

At the forefront of Nairobi’s luxury revolution is Maud Bailly, the CEO Sofitel, Sofitel Legends, MGallery Collection, Emblems, and a key member of Accor’s Luxury & Lifestyle Executive Committee. A visionary leader with an impressive career that spans the World Bank, the IMF, and even the French Prime Minister’s office as the head of the Economic & Digital Department, Bailly brings a fresh perspective to the hospitality industry.

Maud recently visited Kenya to inspect the Gem Forest MGallery Nairobi & the Business Daily sat down with her to discuss her journey and the ever-evolving future of the luxury travel industry.

How does a financial auditor with a background in public administration and literature end up in hospitality?

After four years with the IMF and World Bank in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and Washington D.C., I craved an operational role. I became a train station manager at Paris Montparnasse, responsible for coordinating the network serving 350,000 travellers daily and transforming the professions of the SNCF’s 10,000 ticket collectors and 3,000 station agents. This role honed my sales and security skills, preparing me for an unexpected opportunity.

I was invited to head the Economic & Digital Department in Prime Minister Manuel Valls’ office, where I thrived in an agile culture.

But it was my meeting with Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor, that ultimately steered me into hospitality. Hospitality, like managing a train station, is about people, unpredictability, cultural diversity, and creating memorable experiences. It’s a service industry with global impact, and I’ve found my true north in Accor’s Executive Committee for the past eight years.

Break down the Accor brand and its vision.

Accor is a leading European hospitality player with a 51-brand portfolio, managing 5,400 properties across 110 countries. In Kenya, we have brands like Fairmont, Ibis, Mövenpick, Novotel, and Pullman.

We also have ALL - Accor Live Limitless, a lifestyle loyalty program. I lead four luxury brands: Emblems, MGallery, Sofitel, and Sofitel Legend.

Sofitel blends French art-de-vivre with global destinations while the Sofitel Legend properties, like the Old Cataract Aswan, are iconic landmarks over 100 years old. MGallery offers unique boutique hotel experiences, like the newly opened Gem Forest Hotel while Emblems focuses on intimate, personalised luxury.

Accor has two divisions: one for eco-midscale brands organised by geography, and the Luxury & Lifestyle division, created by Sébastien Bazin. In my division, we focus on entities with dedicated management, overseeing 250 hotels worldwide.

Why has it taken so long to establish an MGallery in Kenya?

With our MGallery brand ethos, opening a luxury hotel requires strategy. We needed the right location and ownership. We are asset-light, so we took our time to find the perfect match. With Kenya’s growing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector, the timing is now ideal.

What makes Gem Forest Hotel the perfect representation of MGallery’s boutique luxury experience, and how does it set the stage for future expansion in the region?

The opening of this hotel is strategic because a luxury hotel can only be relevant if it has a strong CSR vision and is deeply rooted in its local culture. Each MGallery tells the story of its direct environment and its region. This is precisely the commitment of the Gem Forest Nairobi - MGallery, where each stay offers the opportunity for a real immersion in Kenyan art, cuisine and culture.

By staying at the Gem Forest Nairobi - MGallery, our guests will discover our art of hospitality and sustainable practices: no single-use plastic, better-controlled water and energy consumption through new technologies and combating food waste with artificial intelligence. This unique approach to luxury will undoubtedly be a cornerstone for the growth of our brands in the region.

How does the Gem Forest M Moment capture the spirit of MGallery’s unique approach to luxury and local culture?

The Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi has a deep commitment to impactful causes, such as the MpowerMent Program to support women's futures.

M Moments are unique experiences inspired and radiated by each destination conveying the spirit and essence of each location. My experience consisted of a discovery of Nairobi in a matatu, featuring artwork by renowned local artist Musasia Wanyande (Msale) and the children of Anno's One Fine Day.

I later visited the Anno’s One Fine Day NGO in the Kibera slum, which the hotel supports, as well as the "Opportunity Factory," where we were able to discover local crafts. This rich immersion into Nairobi’s culture isn’t just an experience — it’s a core part of MGallery’s promise to celebrate and uplift the communities it touches.

How do you define luxury?

For me, luxury is synonymous with authenticity. The more genuine you are, the more you exude luxury. It’s not about gold and marble everywhere; it’s about a seamless, nature-embedded experience. That’s why my memories of the Mara are so cherished.

What hospitality luxury trends do you foresee?

Travellers seek experiential dimensions and sustainable luxury. Accor has a strong CSR roadmap; 60 percent of our Sofitel and 50 percent of our MGallery properties are eco-certified. Wellness is another key trend. We launched The Purist, a holistic retreat concept, to address inner well-being, with personalised programs. We help our guests reconnect with their inner self and reprogram their mind and body to sustain health and well-being through movement, cutting-edge spa treatment, energetic cuisine and sleep neuroscience.

Who is Maud away from Accor?

I’m a mother of two. My education in literature and political science shaped my humanistic approach. I’m driven by social impact, not power. I’ve always sought roles that align with my values and energy. I’ve transformed stations, public policies, and now, luxury hospitality.

What memories do you have from your first visit to Kenya?

Twelve years ago, I experienced a breathtaking sunrise and an outdoor safari shower, a memory that still lingers. The magic was amplified by a hippo pod just a stone’s throw away in the Mara River. I also spent two days immersed in Maasai culture, which provided a deeper understanding of the country, especially considering my role as a civil servant with a strong interest in development.

Maud Bailly’s story is one of passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With her leadership, the Gem Forest MGallery  Nairobi not only raises the bar for luxury hospitality in Kenya but also paves the way for future growth, celebrating local culture and sustainability every step of the way.

Written by Thorn Mulli.