Photo Credit: K Sharp Media – Kevin Archibald
SHOAL BAY WEST, ANGUILLA – APRIL X, 2022 – Altamer, the luxury villa collection nestled on Shoal Bay West, developed by New York-based real estate investment, development and asset & property management firm, Time Equities Inc. (TEI), announced today the promotion of Moira Masshardt to General Manager. Moira Masshardt has been with the Altamer team since July 2021 and served as Resort Manager in her previous role.
Moira Masshardt is a young talented Anguillian who essentially grew up in the hotel industry and has a profound passion for all things hospitality. She was born in Anguilla in 1993 to two ambitious independent hoteliers, former developers and owners of La Sirena Hotel. Her formative years were spent observing the inner workings of the hospitality industry and gaining countless hours of hands-on experience. After graduating high school, Moira continued her tertiary studies in the U.K. and eventually landed a job with Microsoft.
Despite her career success in the UK, Moira’s homesickness drew her back to Anguilla’s shores where she assumed roles with Tropical Distributors and Zemi Beach House. In July 2021, Moira was given the opportunity to join Altamer Resort on a part-time basis and left her full-time employment with Zemi Beach House to move towards a property whose ethos directly aligned with her own. Moira was impressed to learn that following Altamer’s total devastation post Hurricane Irma, the property retained its full-time staff and continued to support them despite being closed for business. Altamer continued its people-first approach by retaining its staff throughout the pandemic when the Resort was again forced to close its doors.
In accepting the position of Resort Manager on a part-time basis, Moira sacrificed monetary gain for the security of working at a property with a proven track record of good corporate culture. The modus operandi at Altamer was very reminiscent of the people-first approach her parents took when they built and operated La Sirena Hotel. Moira dedicated herself to the task of promoting Altamer Resort for its unique offering amongst Anguilla’s villa product and aimed to improve the resort’s overall standing and performance in the market. By November 2021, Moira was employed on a full-time basis at Altamer and quickly became a transformative force on property and a guest favourite.
Karen Bull of Island Luxe, Places of Personality, says about Moira, “The instant guests and colleagues meet Moira, they are completely enthralled with both her knowledge and passion for Altamer and the island of Anguilla. As an Anguillian, Moira has created deep rooted connections with people on the island and having grown up in the hotel business in Anguilla, the respect bestowed upon her is a testament to the kindness and professionalism she has established on island”.
Natalie Diaz, Chief of Staff at Time Equities Inc., who also serves as asset manager of Altamer Resort, stated that, “Moira’s enthusiasm, careful attention to guest wants and needs, and understanding of luxury is transforming the overall guest experience at Altamer. She is one of few young female general managers in Anguilla and we are confident that she will continue to elevate Altamer as the premier villa destination in the Caribbean and exceed all of our guest expectations.”
Apart from pouring most of her time into ensuring her guests fully enjoy their time spent on island, Moira has a penchant for volunteerism, and she also holds the position of Vice President of an all-female eco- conscious non-profit organisation called the Anguilla Enhancement Project (A.E.P.), an entity whose mission statement is to “Transform Anguilla village by village”.
When asked how she felt about her promotion Moira responded that, “I am extremely pleased that Altamer Resort believed in me and I am proud to be a member of a team that has a people-first approach to doing business. I wholeheartedly believe that business is made possible by people, and how you treat your people as a business says everything. Serving others is all I have known my entire life, and I am extremely honoured that I get to work hard every day to prove that success in hospitality can also be humane and people-centered if done correctly.”
Ms. Masshardt’s promotion comes at a critical time for the property as management works assiduously to continue to renovate villas on the property that were destroyed in Hurricane Irma in hopes of presenting to Anguilla, the industry and the loyal clientele of the Resort, an innovative and novel concept. Altamer is home to four villas, three of which are currently open including the Petit Topaz, Antilles Pearl, and most recently renovated Blue Diamond. Villas span from 1.5 bedrooms to 5.5 bedrooms spanning up to 13,000 square feet. A stay at Altamer includes bespoke services such as butler service, concierge services, kayaks and snorkeling, a private fitness centre, Bluetooth surround sound system, newly refurbished tennis and basketball courts, and more.
Additionally, Altamer is committed to sustainability and the pursuit of ongoing fiscally, socially and environmentally responsible business practices by donating to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation called The Ocean Foundation and their Sea Grass Grow programme to offset the carbon footprint generated by guest travel and other causes on island like their generous donation to the Made In Anguilla Arts & Craft Centre.
About?Altamer
Designed by architect Myron?Goldfinger,?Altamer: A Villa Collection in Shoal Bay West, Anguilla, comprises three four-bedroom beachfront villas, which total 39,500 square feet, a pied-à-terre, conference centre and 42 acres of undeveloped land. Recognised for its oceanfront views and unusual geometric aesthetic, the resort’s villas including the Antilles Pearl, Petit Topaz, Blue Diamond and African Sapphire, have a spacious layout and can accommodate up to 30 guests. Ideal for families, corporate retreats and destination weddings,?Altamer’s?key amenities range from a 24-hour butler service and onsite personal chef to boat charters to neighbouring islands and in-villa massage and spa treatments. For additional information, please visit?www.altamer.com
– Press Release
