Arah Sales-Gaillard: From Makati Girl to Owner of the Majestic Hotel

A story of courage, faith, and never forgetting your roots

By Dennis Manaay, Country Editor, France, and Margo Calderero Le-Lain

“Trust in your dreams, have courage in your heart, and remember that your business address is wherever you choose to stand at any given time - Arah.

Arlibeth 'Arah' Sales-Gaillard is a proud Filipina who proves that our kababayans can thrive anywhere in the world while keeping our values close to heart. The fourth of five children from a simple Makati family, Arah's journey resonates with every Filipino who has left home to seek better opportunities abroad. From her OFW years in Dubai's luxury hotel industry to convincing her French husband to take the ultimate leap of faith, she now owns the Majestic Hotel in the beautiful coastal town of Châtelaillon-Plage, France—a historic property built in 1897—while raising two beautiful children and planning her next venture connecting our beloved Philippines to her adopted home in France.

Her story reminds us that whether you're in Dubai, Paris, or anywhere in the world, you carry the strength of Filipino resilience, the warmth of our hospitality, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Be inspired by a kababayan who never forgot where she came from, even as she built something extraordinary where she landed.

Q. Can you tell us about your background and how you got started?

My name is Arlibeth Sales-Gaillard. Everyone calls me "Arah." I am originally from Makati, the business district of the Philippines. I come from a simple family, the fourth child out of five. I am now married to a wonderful French husband, and we have two beautiful children: a boy and a girl.

My journey has been quite an adventure. I initially trained as a physical therapist, but life had different plans for me. After school, I made the bold decision to leave home and venture to Dubai in search of better career opportunities. While I went there hoping to work in my field of physical therapy, I ended up in the hotel industry instead—and it turned out to be exactly where I needed to be.

Q. Who or what influenced you the most in your early life?

Without a doubt, my father was my greatest influence. He was the one who instilled in me the ambition that drives me today. He always told me, "Study well, work wisely, and you'll do better in life." Those words became my guiding principle. He taught me that success comes from dedication to learning and making smart decisions in your work. That advice gave me the courage to leave home after my studies, and pursue opportunities abroad.

Q. Looking back, was there a defining moment that shaped who you are today?

It was definitely my decision to move to Dubai. Those seven years I spent there completely transformed my life. Dubai became a very special place for me—it's where the real story of my life began. What started as a career move seeking a "greener pasture" turned into something much more meaningful.

I began as an events secretary and coordinator at a five-star hotel. Even though it wasn't the physical therapy career I had originally planned, I threw myself into the work wholeheartedly. My dedication paid off when I was promoted to a higher position, eventually becoming in charge of all the hotel's events. 

But the most life-changing part wasn't just the professional success—it was at that hotel where I met my husband. Dubai gave me both career fulfillment and love, shaping me into the ambitious, adaptable person I am today.

Q. What inspired you to choose this career path to be a hotel owner?

I spent 10 years as a housewife, but I wasn't just any housewife—I was a business-minded one! Without a money-making activity, I got bored. My husband provided me and the kids with a five-star lifestyle—luxury hotel accommodations, five-star dining every day, vacations in luxury resorts, mixing with special groups of people, driving the latest SUV. We had it all, but it came at the expense of my husband's time with us.

When people would approach me with the usual pitch about lifestyle and travel opportunities, I wasn't interested. We already had the lifestyle they were offering! But what I wanted was to bring back our time and freedom in our lives, especially for my kids. The inspiration truly came in April 2014 during my parents' golden wedding anniversary. Everything was so beautiful and bright because they had done their years together—they started with a simple business that bloomed and flourished year after year.

Q. What were the biggest challenges you faced starting out?

The challenges were immense! We first tried starting a business in Manila for a year, but it wasn't enough because our kids were too young and school fees were no joke. We left that business with family and continued our journey for another year in Abu Dhabi to finalize our path.

When we finally landed in France in August 2015 with our two kids, a dog, and a forty-foot container truck, we turned our lives 360 degrees. We had courage in our hearts and pockets, with no space for fear! As my dad once said, "Our business address is where we stand at any given time."

But the real challenge was the language barrier—could I still speak English and Arabic in France? Oh, help me God! We started going around France exploring different business ideas—from a small épicerie to grocery to restaurant to buying a franchise—until we finally found our jewel in Châtelaillon-Plage: The Majestic Hotel, built in 1897!

The real challenges started there. Staff was so expensive, and we didn't have a European work lifestyle. We basically had to do everything from scratch with our four bare hands, occasionally getting four others to help, but not all the time. And let's not forget our two kids and dog were with us throughout this journey. My husband even went into depression for a year, but I never gave up. My God is my anchor and our shelter.

Q. Which achievement are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the courage we had to completely transform our lives and successfully establish The Majestic Hotel. Taking over a historic property built in 1897 and making it our own, despite all the language barriers and cultural differences, was an incredible achievement. It took me six months just to start taking phone calls and handling online reservations confidently, but we did it with determination and faith.

Q. What lessons have you learned along the way that others could benefit from?

The biggest lesson is that your business address is where you stand at any given time—mobility and adaptability are crucial. Don't let fear control your decisions; instead, fill your heart and pockets with courage. Even when you have material comfort, if you're missing time and freedom with your family, success isn't complete. Sometimes you need to take calculated risks to gain what truly matters. Most importantly, never give up, even when those closest to you are struggling—faith and persistence will see you through the darkest times.

Q. Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Traveling with my family is always first on my list after long hours of work. I love discovering new places every time, and we all love challenges and sometimes even extreme sports. There's something magical about exploring unfamiliar territories that sparks creativity and gives me fresh perspectives for my business. Each destination teaches me something new about hospitality, culture, and what makes guests feel welcome and excited.

My week is also full of activities and dancing—Oriental dancing, Latino dancing, jazz, and Pilates are my usual weekly routine. These activities don't just keep me physically active; they feed my soul and creativity. The rhythm, the movement, the cultural richness of different dance styles—they all contribute to my approach to hospitality and business.

Q. Can you walk us through your creative or problem-solving process?

When problems arise, I dance them away! It might sound unconventional, but dancing is my way of clearing my mind and finding solutions. Whether it's Oriental, Latino, or jazz, the movement helps me process stress and think more clearly. There's something about the physical expression that unlocks mental clarity.

I also rely heavily on my support network. I call my family back home often, and I make sure to connect with far-away friends as well. These conversations give me different perspectives and remind me that I'm not alone in facing challenges. Sometimes the best solutions come from simply talking through problems with people who know you well and care about your success.

Q. How do you stay motivated when things get tough?

My motivation comes from multiple sources. First, my family—knowing that our sacrifices and hard work are creating the freedom and time together that we always wanted keeps me going. The goal was never just financial success; it was about reclaiming our family time and creating a lifestyle where we're truly present for each other.

My dance routines are essential for maintaining my motivation. When the weight of running a historic hotel feels overwhelming, I turn to Oriental dancing, Latino rhythms, Jazz, or Pilates. These activities don't just relieve stress—they reconnect me with my passion and energy. Dancing reminds me that life should have joy and movement, not just work.

Finally, staying connected with my roots through regular calls with family back home and maintaining friendships across distances reminds me of my journey and how far I've come. These connections ground me and give me strength during the toughest moments.

Q. What values guide your decisions in life and work?

Respect, love, and transparency form the foundation of my relationship with my husband and kids. These three values are non-negotiable in my personal life and guide every major decision I make. With my family, there's complete honesty and mutual respect—it's what keeps us strong through all the challenges we've faced together.

For dealing with others, I try to follow my husband's approach: kill them with kindness. Sometimes it works beautifully, and you can turn difficult situations into positive ones just through genuine kindness and understanding. But I'll be honest—sometimes it doesn't work, and that's when my "little devil" comes out from time to time to tame the wild animals along the way! Sometimes you need to be firm and stand your ground, especially in business.

Q. What's a typical day in your life like?

My days are beautifully full and varied. I balance the demanding work of running The Majestic Hotel with my passion for staying active and connected. My week is packed with work activities, but I always make time for my dance routines—Oriental dancing, Latino dancing, jazz, and Pilates are essential parts of my weekly schedule.

After long hours at the hotel, traveling with my family takes priority. We're always planning our next adventure or discovering new places together. I make sure to call my family back home often and stay connected with far-away friends. It's this balance between intense work, physical activity, family time, and maintaining a relationship that keeps me energized and grounded.

Q. What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?

People might be surprised to learn that despite running a prestigious historic hotel and maintaining a sophisticated lifestyle, I have this "little devil" side that comes out when needed! While I generally approach people with kindness and try to see the best in everyone, I'm not afraid to get tough when dealing with difficult situations or people who try to take advantage.

They might also be surprised by how much I rely on dancing to solve problems. When business challenges arise, instead of sitting behind a desk stressing out, I literally dance my way through the issues. Whether it's Oriental, Latino, or jazz dancing, the movement helps me think more clearly and find creative solutions. It's probably not the most conventional business strategy, but it works for me!

Q. How do you handle setbacks or criticism?

I find great strength in my faith and family routine. I try to go to church every Sunday with my family, and I always pray for all those people who are struggling or have lost their way. This spiritual grounding helps me put setbacks and criticism into perspective. When people criticize or when things don't go as planned, I remind myself that everyone is fighting their own battles, and sometimes difficult behavior comes from their own struggles.

My faith gives me the resilience to bounce back from setbacks and the wisdom to see criticism as an opportunity to grow rather than a personal attack. Combined with my dance routines and family support, I have a strong foundation that helps me weather any storm.

Q. What is the most important risk you have taken?

The most important risk I've taken was convincing my husband to leave his high-paying job back in the Middle East. This wasn't just about leaving financial security—it was about completely changing our family's trajectory. He had a stable, well-compensated position that provided us with that five-star lifestyle, but I saw the bigger picture: we were trading time and freedom for money.

Convincing him to take this leap with me meant putting our family's future on the line. We were leaving the known for the unknown, giving up guaranteed income to chase a dream of owning our own business and having more control over our time together. It was terrifying, but it was the risk that changed everything and led us to the Majestic Hotel and the life we have now.

Q. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to study and take the course that I really liked, not what others asked me to do. I spent so much time following other people's expectations and ideas about what I should study or what career path I should take. While everything worked out in the end, I wonder how different my journey might have been if I had trusted my own instincts from the beginning.

I would tell her to be brave enough to follow her own heart earlier, to listen to that inner voice that knows what truly excites and motivates her. Sometimes the path others lay out for us isn't the wrong path, but our own path might be even more fulfilling. Trust yourself, young Arah - you know more than you think you do.

Q. What's next for you—any upcoming projects or goals?

The next chapter is going to be exciting! I'm looking into the travel industry—probably starting a travel agency that specializes in group tours between France and the Philippines. It's the perfect way to combine my love for travel, my knowledge of both cultures, and my business experience. I can already envision connecting people with the beautiful places that have shaped my life—from the bustling business district of Makati to the luxury of Dubai, and now the charm of France.

This venture would allow me to spend more time with friends and family, which has always been my ultimate goal. It's going to be a business and pleasure type of work, where I can share my passion for discovering new places while helping others create their own amazing travel experiences.

Q. What excites you most about the future of your field?

It is the opportunity to bridge cultures and create meaningful connections between France and the Philippines. Having lived in both worlds, I understand what each culture has to offer and how they can complement each other. There's something magical about introducing French travelers to the warmth and hospitality of the Philippines, and showing Filipino travelers the elegance and history of France.

The travel industry allows me to continue in hospitality but in a completely different way—instead of bringing experiences to guests at a hotel, I'll be bringing guests to experiences around the world. It's about creating those "wow" moments and helping people discover places that could change their lives, just like Dubai changed mine.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I envision the perfect balance I've always been working toward. Hopefully, I'll be able to spend six months in the Philippines and six months in France. This would be the ultimate achievement of what I set out to do when I convinced my husband to leave his high-paying job—complete freedom and flexibility to be where we want, when we want.

This lifestyle would allow me to maintain deep connections with my family back home while continuing to build our life in France. I see myself successfully running group tours, helping people fall in love with both countries the way I have. Most importantly, I see myself having achieved that precious commodity I've always been chasing—time. Time with family, time with friends, and time to continue discovering new places and experiences that keep life exciting.

Q. What message do you have for our readers?

Life has no limitations and boundaries. Keep reaching and striving for whatever you want and whatever you believe in life. Don't let fear hold you back from taking risks or making changes that could transform your world. Sometimes the biggest leaps lead to the most beautiful landings.

My journey from the business district of Makati to the luxury hotels of Dubai, to owning The Majestic Hotel in France, and now planning a travel business between two countries I love—none of this would have happened if I had accepted limitations or stayed within comfortable boundaries. Trust in your dreams, have courage in your heart, and remember that your business address is wherever you choose to stand at any given time.

Q. What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

I want to be remembered simply as Arah. It's beautiful how my name carries so much meaning across different cultures—in the Bible it means "surprise," in Hebrew it means "a traveler," and it represents "a place of sanctuary or refuge." These meanings perfectly capture who I've become and what I hope to represent to others.

I've lived 20+ years in the Philippines, 20+ years in the Middle East, and hopefully I'll have 20+ years in France. My legacy is that of a bridge between cultures, a sanctuary for those seeking their own paths, and living proof that life can surprise you in the most wonderful ways when you're brave enough to travel beyond your comfort zone.

I want people to remember that you can be ambitious and family-oriented, business-minded and faith-driven, sophisticated and down-to-earth all at the same time. Most of all, I want to be remembered as someone who never stopped believing that with courage, faith, and a little dancing, you can create the life you truly want - no matter how many countries or career changes it takes to get there.

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Arah Sales-Gaillard's story is a testament to the extraordinary possibilities that unfold when someone refuses to accept limitations and consistently chooses courage over comfort. Her journey from a simple family in Makati to becoming the owner of a historic French hotel, while maintaining deep cultural roots and family values, demonstrates that success is not just about professional achievements, but about creating a life of freedom, purpose, and authentic connection. Through her upcoming venture into travel services connecting France and the Philippines, Arah continues to embody her belief that "your business address is wherever you choose to stand at any given time." Her unique blend of business savvy, cultural wisdom, spiritual grounding, and joyful approach to problem-solving through dance makes her not just a successful entrepreneur, but a true inspiration for anyone seeking to transform their life while staying true to their values. As she looks toward spending equal time in both countries she loves, Arah represents the modern global citizen who builds bridges between cultures while never forgetting that the most precious commodity in life is time spent with the people you love.

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This article is a collaboration between Dennis Manaay, France Country Editor, and Margo Calderero Le-Lain, a Filipina artist, curator, and full-time cultural advocate living in Brittany, France since 1994. She is the Founder and President of Art & Cross Cultural Exchange Society (ACCES) in Rennes, France. Margo is originally from Mauban, Quezon. Email: acces.rennes@gmail.com