Loyal staff, who together have clocked up more than 100 years of service, were recognised at a big team get-together last month at L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa.
Pedro Tomas started at the AA Four Red Star Hotel in St Brelade in 1979. He has been Head Waiter for the past 34 years, managing three waiters in The Grill restaurant and ensuring they know the menu, specials and which regulars will be coming in for dinner.
Speaking about his role, Pedro said, “I love my work in The Grill and that is why I am still here 40 years later. I enjoy building relationships with the customers and have made a lot of friends over the years, both customers and colleagues.”
“The hotel has changed a lot over the past 40 years but I think it has changed for the better and I still enjoy every moment.”
Executive Housekeeper Deomelia Caires will also be one of the guests of honour at the party. She is celebrating 21 years, having joined the team in April 1998 as a Room Attendant. She quickly worked her way up the roles of Floor Supervisor and Assistant Head Housekeeper to Executive Housekeeper, a position she has held for the past 15 years.
She now manages a year-round team of eight room attendants, linen porters and public cleaners. During the summer season, her team doubles in size to 16.
Commenting on her role, Deomelia said, “Every day is different. I like to be ahead of guest’s requirements and expectations. I like meeting new people, guests to the hotel and staff and of course the view from the hotel makes it a lovely environment to work in.”
L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa employs many interns and work placement students who shadow Deomelia and she takes pride in developing them all. The hotel also hosts students on a Hospitality Management course in France and Deomelia helps give them a practical understanding of the job.
Deomelia added, “I love to develop my team, it’s so rewarding to see them grow. It’s good for the business, for me and for them.”
Commenting on the staff’s dedication, Shaun McGachan, Hotel Manager said, “We are really proud of the commitment of all our team and it is important that we recognise and mark these milestones. We invest in all our Hand Picked staff and that really pays dividends.”
Pedro and Deomelia work alongside two other colleagues celebrating many years of service in April including Jane Green who has been a Spa Therapist for 16 years and Charles Gaithi who has been Bar Supervisor for more than a decade.
Deomelia said, “I have met some great people over the years who have really helped me to grow. It has been a pleasure to work at L’Horizon and for Hand Picked Hotels. I have laughed and cried over these past 21 years and basically gone through every emotion but above all, it has been a joy!”
