The Tribune

Rosewood at Baha Mar, the developer’s luxury hotel that is projected to open in December 2014, is sending four associates to train at the brand’s properties in the US, Mexico and the Caribbean.

During their three-month long Rosewood immersion, the Bahamian employees will receive hands-on instruction in its signature level of service, culture and distinct brand philosophy, preparing them to hold prominent leadership positions at Rosewood at Baha Mar.

The four new Rosewood at Baha Mar associates - Justin King, Vonya Ifill, Lashanta Smith and Clarence Albury - were Baha Mar employees who were handpicked by Rosewood at Baha Mar’s managing director, Luis Fernandes, to participate in the training.

Ms Smith and Ms Ifill will complete their training at two AAA Five-Diamond award-winning Rosewood properties in Mexico - Rosewood Mayakoba, located in Riviera Maya, and Las Ventanas al Para�so, a Rosewood Resort in Los Cabos.

Mr Albury will train at the AAA Five-Diamond Rosewood Jumby Bay in Antiguam, while Mr King will study at Rosewood’s corporate offices in Dallas, Texas.

Following completion of the training, all four associates will hold leadership positions at Rosewood at Baha Mar. Mr King will serve as the resort’s assistant financial controller; Ms Smith will become the assistant executive housekeeper; Ms Ifill will hold the position of front office manager; and Mr Albury will act as the resort’s training manager.

“Justin, Vonya, Lashanta and Clarence exemplify the skill, intuition and flawless attention to detail that we value in Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ associates,” said Mr Fernandes.

“The training they will receive at Rosewood’s acclaimed properties will help these young leaders deliver an unparalleled guest experience and thrive professionally in their chosen fields.”

Rosewood at Baha Mar’s international apprenticeship programme was organised in conjunction with the Baha Mar Academy, the training and recruitment arm of Baha Mar.

“Each of our best-in-class hotel partners brings unparalleled standards for service. The international training at these award-winning Rosewood locations will not only help these young leaders to deliver a great guest experience, but also to teach their teams to do the same,” said Paul Pusateri, Baha Mar’s chief operating officer.