These reports typically get written up at the end of my projects, but I’ve been working with Esperanza and Chileno Bay resorts for over two years now with no end in sight (fingers crossed) so I thought it high time I write something up.
For those who may be unaware, both resorts are highlights of the Auberge Resorts collection. They sit just a quick car ride down the road from one another in Los Cabos, both sitting on the Sea of Cortez. A legend for its service in Los Cabos, Esperanza is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. By contrast, Chileno is the baby, celebrating its fifth year. Both are Forbes Five Star luxury resorts led by two dynamic, yet completely different personalities. And in an odd way, the personalities of the General Managers very much fall in line with the identities of the properties themselves….but I’m getting off-topic.
The properties share a DOSM (in fact, they share their whole marketing team), and she was headed out on mat leave for a few months in the fall of 2020. So I stepped in to assume that role to ensure the properties were set up for success heading into high season.
When she returned in January, I thought for sure my time with Auberge had come to an end. But it turns out that they dug something about what I brought to the team, so they’ve been keeping me around in Cabo. For the last couple of years, I’ve been primarily supporting digital, but I do stick my nose in when I see something that has the potential to go a bit haywire. In the last year, the responsibilities of the team members have shifted, and the properties currently have a Director of Marketing who – while he has years of luxury marketing under his belt – is still learning hospitality marketing. So when I see an area of opportunity to help him out, I give a word of advice here and there, which he seems to be thankful for.
Part of what I love about being a freelancer is that I’m never in one place for too long. I get in, do my thing, and get out. But I’m really enjoying working with the Auberge team – not only the property teams but the folks at the home office. Since starting with them, I’ve also helped Auberge launch their resort in Riviera Maya and one in Napa. Auberge is in growth mode right now. And I’ve got my eye on the new one in Italy.