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The New Standard for Jamaican Elegance - Solis The Palmyra
With its opening just around the corner, Solís The Palmyra offers guests and residents the ultimate haven in the heart of Montego Bay's elite enclave, Rose Hall. Located on 16 acres of white sand beachfront, the ultra fashionable retreat offers the latest in amenities, including a world class designer spa, three championship golf courses, two seafront swimming pools, private swimming beach, three restaurants, a nightclub, bars, a gourmet deli and so much more. At the heart of the action to open the island’s newest ultra luxurious resort we find General Manager Lester Scott. A seasoned professional with more than 20 years in the international hospitality industry, Lester is passionate about providing unparalleled service combined with that unique brand of warmth only Jamaica and its people can offer. States Lester; “When guests are at Solís The Palmyra, they will know by all we do, that they are experiencing Jamaica at its finest.”
Lester’s international history includes the opening of several hotels throughout the U.S. as well as Puerto Rico, Japan and Mexico. With the imminent opening of Solís The Palmyra, the hospitality expert is adding Jamaica to his worldwide repertoire. Says the General Manager; “When the opportunity presented itself I couldn’t resist being part of the opening of the first Solís in North America and the Caribbean. Our goal is to create that special service culture which pairs the natural warmth of the Jamaican people with the resort’s unique ambience. How can anyone rival that unbeatable, Jamaican smile?”
A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Lester received his first introduction to the hospitality business at an early age, working in the family owned restaurant in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. His infatuation with the hospitality industry was re-ignited when he was recruited to work for Hyatt on the completion of his studies in Business Management at the University of Missouri. Explains Lester; “The hotel business is addictive - it gets into your blood!”
A few years later, Lester left Hyatt to join what at the time was a little known hotel company; The Ritz-Carlton. Part of the team of trailblazers that developed the Ritz-Carlton chain to a sizeable 25 luxury hotels, Lester was one of the group’s ‘opening team’ for 10+ years, gaining unequaled experience in the many complexities of opening new Ritz-Carlton properties in Kansas City, Pasadena, Hawaii and Amalia Island, Florida. “Working with Ritz-Carlton in the early days was full of adventure and excitement, you never knew from one month to the next just where you might end up working,” he remembers.
Lester is as passionate about the relentless pursuit of excellence as Horst Schulze, the hotel guru who built The Ritz-Carlton into a world known brand. Says the General Manager; “We built a lot of masterpieces in life and when Mr. Schulze left Ritz-Carlton to create a new masterpiece, I absolutely had to be a part of it.”
Looking for a way to capture the luxury market and to go beyond the standards of service that the industry icon set as worldwide industry benchmarks during his days at Ritz-Carlton, Mr. Horst Schulze is now on a mission to deliver an even higher level of service. And, it has to be said, no-one is more famous for providing service to the world’s ‘crème de la crème' than Schulze, the man behind Solís. With nearly 100 hotel openings under his belt, Horst believes the selection of the right team members and the training process is integral to creating a world class property. His philosophy that success can only be measured in ‘repeat guests’ and ‘referrals’ is as embedded in the company’s psyche as is the passion for creating exceptional service. Explains Lester; “Our company is fanatically passionate about delivering exceptional service. Not sometimes, but all the time. Consistent, caring service is our business and that is what makes us different. Mr. Schulze's philosophy is that unless you have 100% guest satisfaction, you must improve.”
While Lester’s career has taken him all over the U.S. including Arizona, California, Illinois, Florida and South Carolina, it was the latter that provided him with a great introduction to the culture of Jamaica. “We came to Montego Bay to recruit seasonal employees for our resort in Daufuskie Island, South Carolina. We employed upwards of 100 Jamaicans each year.” The local grapevine hasn’t missed the fact that Lester is back on the island to open up Solís The Palmyra, which has resulted in a flurry of phone calls and visits to the GM’s preopening offices. “There is great anticipation among our past employees, who want to be part of creating the Solís level of service on the island,” says Lester. Expectations are running high for the opening of Solís The Palmyra. “I love the anticipation that goes along with the opening; there is a lot of buzz! We all eagerly await the opening; this will bring many excellent job opportunities to the citizens of Jamaica. However, our selection process is tough; - we will only hire the best that the island has to offer.”
To deliver consistent service at an exceptional level, Solís is partnering with the best of the best, every step of the way. States Lester; “We are extremely excited about the resort’s partnership with Susan Harmsworth and her legendary ESPA brand. Our 30,000 square-foot designer spa will be the finest spa facility in the Caribbean.” The spectacular ESPA will offer the latest in holistic beauty and body treatments by European trained therapists, VIP suites, private outdoor treatment and relaxation areas, aromatic Caldarium and Laconium steam rooms, vitality pools, lifestyle showers and ice fountains.
The search for the best within their field extends to all areas of the operation as demonstrated by the exhaustive search that went into hand picking the right culinary expert for Solís The Palmyra. “We were extremely pleased to bring a Chef of Scott Simpson’s caliber into our ranks. With over 18 years of experience working at some of the best properties for Marriott all over the world, including Asia, South America and the United States,” says Lester. The culinary artist will have a unique platform to show off his flair for creating innovative gastronomic delights at the resort’s three restaurants.
A fine dining experience with exceptional wines will be available at Hemingway’s Hideaway, the oceanfront signature restaurant which boasts unobstructed breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Explains Lester; “On selected nights of the week, the restaurant will seamlessly transform into an ultra chic lounge with live entertainment. Our lounge will offer an atmosphere of sophistication and glamour in which people will come to have a great evening.” Says the GM; “While our three meal a day restaurant features popular favorites and delicious local Jamaican specialties served in a family type environment, the resort’s pool bar restaurant provides exceptional service, tropical drinks and great sandwiches for all to enjoy in a festive ‘come as you are’ environment.”
Built and designed to provide the finest luxury stay on the island, it is clearly the allure of unparalleled indulgence and high service standards that have resulted in an unprecedented interest in Solís The Palmyra. Affirms Lester; “The property’s best feature will be the service available to residents and guests. Each penthouse and villa comes with a personal ‘In-Room Attendant’ who will ensure that guests receive the finest service the country has to offer. Whether you would like the fridge filled with your favorite foods before you arrive, have a glass of Burgundy from Southern France served to you as you enjoy the sunset from your own veranda or require a gourmet meal prepared in the privacy of your residence, our Chefs will be there to accommodate. If you wish to book a dolphin swim or organize a babysitter, your ‘In-Room Attendant’ will be on hand to arrange it all.” Additionally, a full Concierge Service is available to all guests. Explains Lester; “People will come to Solís The Palmyra for different reasons. Some come to find solitude, others will come to take advantage of the adventure of the island. We will help to tailor-make a complete package to fit the needs of each guest so there will be no worries about the logistics, leaving guests to simply enjoy their experience.”
Fully furnished and with breathtaking ocean views, the resort’s beautifully appointed suites, penthouses and villas feature full kitchens, high-speed Internet access and premium cable HDTV. Says Lester; “The guestrooms of our residences are twice the size of similar rooms at any top hotel in the world.” But the hotelier describes the penthouses and the villas as the resort’s ultimate accommodations; “Our metropolitan type penthouses feature sweeping views to rival any other, while our spacious villas are perfect for longer stays. Families will be very comfortable in our villas; they are appointed with all the amenities needed to really give you that home away from home feeling.”
Golfers will enjoy preferred tee times and car service from door to tee at any of Rose Hall’s three championship courses and many more adventures await those who are not heading directly to the signature spa. Two seafront swimming pools, a swimming cove and a palm tree lined white sand beach are available for those who wish to lounge the day away. Resort amenities include children’s day camp, a Caribbean style gourmet food shop for on-the-go delicacies, a business center, 11,000 square-feet of divisible ballroom and meeting space, a top-of-the-line fitness center, a romantic seaside wedding gazebo and a beachfront events area. Concludes Lester; “Our goal is to provide residents and guests of Solís The Palmyra with their ultimate getaway.”
Lester’s international history includes the opening of several hotels throughout the U.S. as well as Puerto Rico, Japan and Mexico. With the imminent opening of Solís The Palmyra, the hospitality expert is adding Jamaica to his worldwide repertoire. Says the General Manager; “When the opportunity presented itself I couldn’t resist being part of the opening of the first Solís in North America and the Caribbean. Our goal is to create that special service culture which pairs the natural warmth of the Jamaican people with the resort’s unique ambience. How can anyone rival that unbeatable, Jamaican smile?”
A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Lester received his first introduction to the hospitality business at an early age, working in the family owned restaurant in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. His infatuation with the hospitality industry was re-ignited when he was recruited to work for Hyatt on the completion of his studies in Business Management at the University of Missouri. Explains Lester; “The hotel business is addictive - it gets into your blood!”
A few years later, Lester left Hyatt to join what at the time was a little known hotel company; The Ritz-Carlton. Part of the team of trailblazers that developed the Ritz-Carlton chain to a sizeable 25 luxury hotels, Lester was one of the group’s ‘opening team’ for 10+ years, gaining unequaled experience in the many complexities of opening new Ritz-Carlton properties in Kansas City, Pasadena, Hawaii and Amalia Island, Florida. “Working with Ritz-Carlton in the early days was full of adventure and excitement, you never knew from one month to the next just where you might end up working,” he remembers.
Lester is as passionate about the relentless pursuit of excellence as Horst Schulze, the hotel guru who built The Ritz-Carlton into a world known brand. Says the General Manager; “We built a lot of masterpieces in life and when Mr. Schulze left Ritz-Carlton to create a new masterpiece, I absolutely had to be a part of it.”
Looking for a way to capture the luxury market and to go beyond the standards of service that the industry icon set as worldwide industry benchmarks during his days at Ritz-Carlton, Mr. Horst Schulze is now on a mission to deliver an even higher level of service. And, it has to be said, no-one is more famous for providing service to the world’s ‘crème de la crème' than Schulze, the man behind Solís. With nearly 100 hotel openings under his belt, Horst believes the selection of the right team members and the training process is integral to creating a world class property. His philosophy that success can only be measured in ‘repeat guests’ and ‘referrals’ is as embedded in the company’s psyche as is the passion for creating exceptional service. Explains Lester; “Our company is fanatically passionate about delivering exceptional service. Not sometimes, but all the time. Consistent, caring service is our business and that is what makes us different. Mr. Schulze's philosophy is that unless you have 100% guest satisfaction, you must improve.”
While Lester’s career has taken him all over the U.S. including Arizona, California, Illinois, Florida and South Carolina, it was the latter that provided him with a great introduction to the culture of Jamaica. “We came to Montego Bay to recruit seasonal employees for our resort in Daufuskie Island, South Carolina. We employed upwards of 100 Jamaicans each year.” The local grapevine hasn’t missed the fact that Lester is back on the island to open up Solís The Palmyra, which has resulted in a flurry of phone calls and visits to the GM’s preopening offices. “There is great anticipation among our past employees, who want to be part of creating the Solís level of service on the island,” says Lester. Expectations are running high for the opening of Solís The Palmyra. “I love the anticipation that goes along with the opening; there is a lot of buzz! We all eagerly await the opening; this will bring many excellent job opportunities to the citizens of Jamaica. However, our selection process is tough; - we will only hire the best that the island has to offer.”
To deliver consistent service at an exceptional level, Solís is partnering with the best of the best, every step of the way. States Lester; “We are extremely excited about the resort’s partnership with Susan Harmsworth and her legendary ESPA brand. Our 30,000 square-foot designer spa will be the finest spa facility in the Caribbean.” The spectacular ESPA will offer the latest in holistic beauty and body treatments by European trained therapists, VIP suites, private outdoor treatment and relaxation areas, aromatic Caldarium and Laconium steam rooms, vitality pools, lifestyle showers and ice fountains.
The search for the best within their field extends to all areas of the operation as demonstrated by the exhaustive search that went into hand picking the right culinary expert for Solís The Palmyra. “We were extremely pleased to bring a Chef of Scott Simpson’s caliber into our ranks. With over 18 years of experience working at some of the best properties for Marriott all over the world, including Asia, South America and the United States,” says Lester. The culinary artist will have a unique platform to show off his flair for creating innovative gastronomic delights at the resort’s three restaurants.
A fine dining experience with exceptional wines will be available at Hemingway’s Hideaway, the oceanfront signature restaurant which boasts unobstructed breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. Explains Lester; “On selected nights of the week, the restaurant will seamlessly transform into an ultra chic lounge with live entertainment. Our lounge will offer an atmosphere of sophistication and glamour in which people will come to have a great evening.” Says the GM; “While our three meal a day restaurant features popular favorites and delicious local Jamaican specialties served in a family type environment, the resort’s pool bar restaurant provides exceptional service, tropical drinks and great sandwiches for all to enjoy in a festive ‘come as you are’ environment.”
Built and designed to provide the finest luxury stay on the island, it is clearly the allure of unparalleled indulgence and high service standards that have resulted in an unprecedented interest in Solís The Palmyra. Affirms Lester; “The property’s best feature will be the service available to residents and guests. Each penthouse and villa comes with a personal ‘In-Room Attendant’ who will ensure that guests receive the finest service the country has to offer. Whether you would like the fridge filled with your favorite foods before you arrive, have a glass of Burgundy from Southern France served to you as you enjoy the sunset from your own veranda or require a gourmet meal prepared in the privacy of your residence, our Chefs will be there to accommodate. If you wish to book a dolphin swim or organize a babysitter, your ‘In-Room Attendant’ will be on hand to arrange it all.” Additionally, a full Concierge Service is available to all guests. Explains Lester; “People will come to Solís The Palmyra for different reasons. Some come to find solitude, others will come to take advantage of the adventure of the island. We will help to tailor-make a complete package to fit the needs of each guest so there will be no worries about the logistics, leaving guests to simply enjoy their experience.”
Fully furnished and with breathtaking ocean views, the resort’s beautifully appointed suites, penthouses and villas feature full kitchens, high-speed Internet access and premium cable HDTV. Says Lester; “The guestrooms of our residences are twice the size of similar rooms at any top hotel in the world.” But the hotelier describes the penthouses and the villas as the resort’s ultimate accommodations; “Our metropolitan type penthouses feature sweeping views to rival any other, while our spacious villas are perfect for longer stays. Families will be very comfortable in our villas; they are appointed with all the amenities needed to really give you that home away from home feeling.”
Golfers will enjoy preferred tee times and car service from door to tee at any of Rose Hall’s three championship courses and many more adventures await those who are not heading directly to the signature spa. Two seafront swimming pools, a swimming cove and a palm tree lined white sand beach are available for those who wish to lounge the day away. Resort amenities include children’s day camp, a Caribbean style gourmet food shop for on-the-go delicacies, a business center, 11,000 square-feet of divisible ballroom and meeting space, a top-of-the-line fitness center, a romantic seaside wedding gazebo and a beachfront events area. Concludes Lester; “Our goal is to provide residents and guests of Solís The Palmyra with their ultimate getaway.”
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