Following Hurricane Irma, Four Seasons management sought ways to find temporary assignments for its managers. General Manager Ilse Harley was quick to reach out around the world in search of jobs for employees willing to relocate for a few months in order to learn new skills, and earn money, while Four Seasons Anguilla remained closed during renovations. From Nevis to London, Canada to Costa Rica, the following Anguillians participated:
• Marah Gumbs, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler (Front Office Manager)
• Kelvina Connor, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, England (Food & Beverage)
• Shendell Carty, Four Seasons Hotel Austin (IT)
• Olivia Geyer, Four Seasons Hotel London Ten Trinity Square (Front Desk Supervisor) and Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo (Resort Assistant Manager)
• Tristan Harrigan, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya (Stewarding)
• Melisha Maccow Niles, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler (Assistant Housekeeping Manager)
• Sweenda Adams, Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo (Outlet Assistant Manager)
• Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies: Marlon Martin (Sous Chef), Kenrick ‘John’ Richardson (Sous Chef), Claudio Gumbs (Demi Chef de Partie), Kara Gumbs (Outlet Manager), Eldon Hull-Connor (Receiving Clerk), Wayne Richardson (Spa) and Fanny Richardson (Spa)
“I’m an island girl in snow town!” stated Melisha Mccaw-Niles. “This is the only way that I know how to describe my experience in this beautiful Four Seasons Resort. Knowledge is always waiting to be absorbed, and experiences waiting to be had. I’m soaking up both. This opportunity is absolutely amazing. I’m able to impart my knowledge and experience on the team here and they are doing the same. I’m learning so much and cannot wait to bring it all back home to my Anguilla Team.”
“First, I am so thankful to Four Seasons Anguilla for giving me this opportunity and amazing experience at the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire in England,” stated Kelvina Connor. “I’ve learned so much both personally and professionally and this has broadened my mind to all the possibilities in the Hospitality industry. I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned to further develop the guest experience at our resort when I return to Anguilla.”
As often happens with Four Seasons, a General Manager will also find a new opportunity, and Ilse Harley, General Manager of the Four Seasons Anguilla, has decided to move back to the United States. She has accepted the position General Manager for Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. She will continue to have regional responsibility as a Regional Vice President for the Four Seasons Hotel(s) Atlanta, Miami and St Louis.
Ilse moved to her position as General Manager at Anguilla in July of 2016, overseeing the transition from Viceroy to Four Seasons. She is currently working hard post hurricane Irma to restore the Resort, scheduled to reopen March 23. In the coming weeks, the property will transition to a new General Manager, still to be identified. During her time on Anguilla, the Resort achieved record business levels, increased guest satisfaction and, this past June, hosted the 2017 Intermediary Partner Summit for worldwide, influential meeting planners. The positive outcome of this event, along with the team’s genuine and professional approach, have been key to the Resort’s early success.
“It’s with mixed emotions that I leave Anguilla,” stated Ms. Harley. “My husband Matt, son Sam, and I have loved our time on this island. It’s truly a special place and we will always cherish our memories of the incredible beaches, sunny skies and the most hospitable, loving and caring people in the world.”
