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connect people Now, he's relishing his new role at e Inn, considered the centerpiece of the Ranch ever since it opened more than 100 years ago. "I'm a big believer in community," he says, "I'm excited to become more involved in the community, both personally and professionally." at means re-connecting with Roger Rowe School, e Rancho Santa Fe Association, local businesses, and civic groups. "I want to be approachable and learn how we can continue to be an asset for the community," he adds. Archibald is also fascinated with Rancho Santa Fe's rich history, remarking that its ubiquitous eucalyptus trees, like him, have roots in Australia. e Santa Fe Land Improvement Company, a subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, had planted the trees to provide wood for railroad ties and fences, but after drought and frost proved the trees unsuitable, it was on to Plan B — creating a new community for gentleman ranchers. Architect Lilian J. Rice set about designing the new village, beginning with La Morada, a guest house for prospective buyers, which later became known as e Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. e hotelier is grateful for his long career in hospitality. "It's allowed me to build a network of people around the globe," he reflects. "I've gotten to see parts of the world that very few people get to see." Born and raised in the town of Scone, not known for making pastries as its name might suggest, but for raising and breeding horses and polo ponies, his family had a newspaper shop, a Blockbuster video store, and a pizza place. Although close to his family, Archibald made the decision to leave home and travel the world. He worked his way up from barman, barista, and night manager to top positions at famed hotels. "Every destination has taught me something different," he says. At e Ritz in London, for example, he learned the traditions of hospitality and the importance of punctuality when responding to guests and staff, and that "You never say 'no' to a guest." At the Mandarin Oriental in New York, he learned "how to provide an elevated experience for everyone who already has everything under the sun." at, he found out, was creating "the luxury of time" for busy guests by anticipating their needs — ordering daily breakfasts in advance, for instance, or making sure they don't have to wait for luggage, cabs, or rental cars. It was at the Mandarin that he met his wife, Cristina. "She also had travelled the world, so we were naturally drawn into each other's orbits by a passion for travel, caring for people, and discovering new adventures," he says. At Napa Valley's Meadowood, Archibald learned about community. "What Meadowood did for the community created a sense of belonging," he recalls. "It was such a strong bond that residents felt like it was home." It was also a two-way street. During vacation times, when the weather was warm, the resort had plenty of out-of-town visitors, but it relied heavily on locals during off-peak times. Even so, the hospitality industry can be challenging, including often working long hours, weekends, and holidays. So, what does he like about it? "It's one of the few industries where you can create memories for people," he quickly responds. "You have the ability to create lifelong experiences. ey may not remember me or the staff, but they might say to their husband or wife: 'Remember that time we went to…?' It is so rewarding to enrich peoples' lives. If I can make one guest happy, that outweighs all the rest. And I love meeting people, helping them bring out the best in themselves." e Inn has added "Date Night Tuesdays" at Lilian's and live music on ursday nights in Bing's Bar where sushi is now on the menu. A new menu at the café is in the works, and baristas now serve coffee from Caffè Vergnano, the famed Italian coffee company known for its espressos that dates to 1882. A percentage of sales benefits "Women in Coffee," Vergnano's social sustainability initiative to support women working on small coffee plantations. But don't expect too many changes at e Inn, he says, mindful of its storied past. "e community and e Inn have a hundred years of history. ey have a soul. We lose part of history with every generation. e challenge is to tell the story of Rancho Santa Fe for years to come." theinnatrsf.com connect people "It is so rewarding to enrich peoples' lives" -Andrew Archibald << ranchandcoast.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOUG GATES PHOTOGRAPHY