‘The team will be the heartbeat of Wallacea Living. They will be skilled and caring, and fun to be around. Together, we’ll create an environment where owners, staff, and the wider community can all thrive. At the heart of everything is one guiding ambition: to ensure our owners truly live life to the fullest.’
We’re delighted to welcome Zoltan Zolyomi as the new General Manager here at Wallacea Living.
Bringing over 15 years of senior living and luxury hospitality experience to his leadership role, Zoltan has a flawless understanding of what it takes to create communities that are not only beautifully run, but truly enriching to live in.
Having spent the past seven years with Audley Villages in various General Manager roles across the South of England, Zoltan has a depth of experience in building a vibrant, independent retirement communities.His early career with luxury hotels group, The Celtic Collection, including a tenure at the renowned Celtic Manor Resort, has provided a strong foundation in five-star guest experience, something he’s keen to embed across every aspect of life at Wallacea Living.
We caught up with Zoltan to talk about his new role, his vision for Wallacea Living, and what makes this new chapter in retirement living so distinctive.
What makes Wallacea Living different from other retirement living communities in London?
What truly sets Wallacea Living apart is our foundation in both wellness and in five-star hospitality. Many of our team members, including myself, come from a luxury hotel background, and we bring that same attention to detail, service, and experience into a permanent living environment here in the heart of London.
Unlike traditional retirement settings, Wallacea Living is a vibrant, dynamic community where owners can genuinely thrive. There’s a strong focus on individual interest- whether it’s wellness, creative pursuits, or social connection- so everyone can find something meaningful to engage with.It’s luxury living with a big heart.
Can you describe the vision behind opening the restaurant to the wider community?
The restaurant is designed to be far more than just a place to eat - it’s a place to connect. By opening it to the wider community, we’re building a warm and inclusive environment that brings people together.
The dining experience itself will be high-standard, yet casual, with seasonal menus inspired by the best of British produce and tailored to our owners' preferences. We’ll feature healthy options, personalised meal programmes, afternoon tea, Sunday roasts, brunches, and themed nights.
Events will mirror London’s cultural calendar - think Wimbledon screenings, themed evenings, and seasonal celebrations. Bringing the buzz of the city into the heart of Wallacea Living. The restaurant will also function as a lively bistro hub where owners and guests can enjoy coffee, cake, a relaxed lunch or high tea.
What kinds of events, partnerships, or classes are you hoping to introduce?
We’re developing a curated programme of classes and events centred around our owners’ lifestyles and interests. This includes yoga, Pilates, mobility sessions, and meditation - all supported by a state-of-the-art gym.
We’re also forming partnerships with services like private GPs and wellness practitioners. Alongside workshops in areas such as technology and creative arts. All are a key part of our commitment to lifelong learning for our residents
How do you plan to integrate Wallacea Living into the local neighbourhood?
The restaurant will act as the heartbeat of Wallacea’s community engagement - a destination for owners, their families and locals alike. We’ll host events that are open to the wider community, with tickets available for select programming.
We’re also very keen to connect with local committees, groups, and associations to foster collaboration and ensure Wallacea Living contributes positively to the area’s social fabric.
What type of service levels are you aiming to provide for owners?
The team will be the heartbeat of Wallacea Living. They will be skilled and caring, and fun to be around. Together, we’ll create an environment where owners, staff, and the wider community can all thrive. At the heart of everything is one guiding ambition: to ensure our owners truly live life to the fullest .
Service ethos at Wallacea Living is rooted in anticipating needs and delivering excellence. Owners enjoy a dedicated concierge who assists with everything from restaurant reservations and cultural outings to hotel or golf bookings.
Transportation is thoughtfully designed, including a regular shuttle for shopping and entertainment, plus a bookable chauffeur service within a two-mile radius.
We’re also passionate about celebrating life’s milestones. Whether it’s a birthday or anniversary, we provide elegant on-site spaces like a multi-function suite, a cinema and the restaurant, for celebrations held to five-star standards.
What excites you most about this role and this new opening?
There’s something incredibly special about building a brand-new community from the ground up, right in the heart of London. This is the first Wallacea Living, and to watch it evolve, grow, and welcome its first owners is a once-in-a-career opportunity.
Are there any stories about the development, team, or owners you’d like us to spotlight?
The founding team has done an exceptional job getting us to this stage. Although I’m new to the role, I’m not new to independent retirement living and what’s been achieved so far is phenomenal. Staying on schedule, delivering to such a high standard, it's genuinely impressive and a testament to everyone involved.
What really makes Wallacea Living stand out?
Wellbeing and community are at the core of everything we do. This is a relaxed, modern environment that feels more like a family than a facility. The senior team is approachable and down-to-earth, creating a culture that balances professionalism with genuine warmth.
Importantly, we really focus on prevention rather than cure, prioritising physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing across every element of our offering.
And finally, how would you describe the design and interiors?
Wallacea Living is as elegant as it is functional. The interiors, designed by our Creative Director and award-winning designer Sue Timney, are colourful, refined and full of character. Owners can work with Sue and her team to personalise their homes, ensuring every space is a true reflection of their individuality, meanwhile in the public spaces, there’s an emphasis on biophilic design, lots of greenery and natural light, to create spaces that energise and inspire.
Curious? Apartments are currently on sale at Wallacea Living, Marylebone. Find out more: contact the team on 020 3960 1000 or email enquiries@wallacealiving.com.
