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S'mores butler? Chief mule skinner? Hotels are staffing increasingly unusual positions to stand out from the crowd.
By
Katie Lockhart
From bellboys to concierges, hotels across the globe have a laundry list of employees who see to their guests' every whim. And now, these getaways are catering to desires that guests didn’t even know they had. From a horse whisperer to a cactus caretaker, these unique hotel positions add a whole new level of luxe to a stay--and help these properties attract new guests seeking something different.
At Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas, the position of “CFO” takes on a very different meaning than it does in the business world. Kristin Smith is the resort’s Chief Flamingo Officer, which entails leading a dedicated resort team that cares for the cotton candy-colored birds.
“I have been lucky enough to raise a few groups of baby flamingos from hatchlings and trained them to be comfortable with guest interactions as our resident ambassadors,” says Smith. “It allows us to offer visitors a unique experience and to create a special interest in these birds that they can take away from their vacation.”
The flamingos greet guests every morning during a daily parade, and they are also available for more intimate meet-and-greets and even flamingo yoga sessions. Although cleaning the birds' enclosures, administrative tasks, and training staff are vital parts of the position, the main aim is education. “My goal has always been to ignite interest in these amazing birds so that guests care about them and want to help animals in the wild.”
With an "office" that looks like a computer screensaver, Smith feels lucky to spend most of her days outdoors. “We have 22 flamingos living on property, including eight flamingos who were hatched and hand-raised right here at Baha Mar by myself and our team,” she says. “The best part of my job is definitely the animal interactions. They’re all like my children, and I look forward to seeing them every day when I come to work.“
But Chief Flamingo Officer is just one of many fascinating job titles at hotels around the world; here are some of the most unexpected.
Horse Whisperer
COMO Laucala Island
Laucala Island, Fiji
Horses and humans have bonded for thousands of years. At this Fijian resort, they honor the islands’ equine connection through their dedicated Horse Whisperer. Pita Jone Wani has been training the resort’s nine horses for over a decade. He cares for each horse’s individual needs, trains them and leads guests on trail rides and sunset beach walks through silica sands.
Instagram Concierge
W Punta de Mita
Punta Mita, Mexico
Instagram boyfriends can breathe easy, the dedicated Instagram Concierge at W Punta de Mita’s got you covered. This social media guru knows all the best places on the resort’s grounds to capture the perfect shot. Guests can email their Instagram handle to the concierge before their stay, and they’ll receive an infographic map with locations at the resort that fit perfectly with their feed. And after a photo shoot, they can show the map at the Living Room bar for a complimentary co*cktail.
Maitre du Fromage
Inn at Little Washington
Washington, Virginia
It’s no surprise that this award-winning inn and three Michelin-starred restaurant has a dedicated cheese sommelier. And no, the Cheese Whiz here isn’t the fluorescent orange kind that comes from the can. The Inn’s resident Maitre du Fromage, Cameron Smith, carries 20 to 30 different types of cheese on his cart, giving guests a selection of five. Cheeses vary throughout the year, like the Rogue River Blue at the end of September. “I love drizzling a bit of Geteme tree flora honey from Ethiopia over Rogue River Blue,” says Smith. “This honey beautifully balances the cheese's salty notes, creating an unforgettable tasting experience.”
Ski Goggles Butler
Kaya Palazzo Ski & Mountain Resort
Bolu, Türkiye
Visibility at a ski resort isn’t just about weather conditions. On the mountain, crystal-clear vision is critical for safely zooming down the slopes. At Kaya Palazzo, their Ski Goggle Butler meticulously cleans each guest’s goggles before heading out on the mountain for a day swishing through the powder. And if guests need a new pair, they can also help skiers and snowboarders select the perfect goggles during their Türkiye ski trip.
Head Mule Skinner
Cloud Camp at The Broadmoor
Colorado Springs, Colorado
At first thought, this job sounds like something out of a horror film, but it’s just the opposite. At this Colorado Springs hotel, Elysia Eastty trains mules and teaches guests about these misunderstood animals. “My favorite part of my job is educating our guests on how incredible mules are,” she says. “A lot of people already know that they are really strong and sure-footed animals, but they're surprised to learn how intelligent they are.” Eastty leads guests on mule rides while educating them about local flora and fauna, as well as the mule's role in building US infrastructure. She says, “I'm a mule skinner (an old US job) at Cloud Camp up on top of the Rocky Mountains. It's the best job in the world.”
S'mores Butler
Hotel Cheval
Paso Robles, California
A roaring bonfire, glowing fireflies and gooey s’mores epitomize summer nights throughout the United States. This boutique hotel in Paso Robles, California, employs a butler to ensure every guest gets the perfect after-dinner treat. Between sunset and 9:45 pm, the butler tends to the courtyard’s fire pit and stocks the s’mores cart. It's packed with organic milk, dark chocolate, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and Andes mint chocolates. The hotel makes its own small-batch marshmallows, but there are also regular Jet-Puff and even chocolate chip marshmallows. The butler will ensure your s’more is to your liking, whether perfectly golden brown or burnt to a crisp.
Cactus Caretaker
Viceroy Los Cabos
San José del Cabo, Mexico
Cacti are scattered throughout the arid coastal towns of Mexico. In San José del Cabo, the Viceroy employs a Cactus Caretaker to maintain these prickly plants. Lining the various pools, gardens and buildings, Jonás Guerrero Ramirez ensures the Indigenous plants stay healthy and hydrated. Ramirez thinks the secret to the plant’s success is patience, dedication and his morning walkthroughs, where he says hello to each cactus.
N/A-pa Concierge
Bardessono Hotel & Spa
Yountville, California
In the land of fermented grapes, being sober or sober-curious can be a challenge. So, Bardessono Hotel & Spa hired a local expert to create bespoke outings—sans alcohol. Activities like yoga, spa sessions, hiking, biking, hot air balloon rides, and olive oil tastings are all options for guests who want to experience Napa Valley without that inevitable red wine hangover.
Resort Aunty
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Honolulu, Hawaii
In many Asian and Polynesian cultures, calling an elder aunty or uncle is a sign of respect. Aunty Leilani is a beloved resort fixture that helms the resort’s on-site Hawaiian Cultural Center & Queen's Parlor. Guests can think of her as their Polynesian cultural advisor, teaching them about traditions like Hawaiian quilting, Kapa making and dying and the art of the hula. “I am 65 years young, and I have merged many wonderful experiences into this one position,” says Leilani Kūpahu-Marino Kaho'āno.
Katie Lockhartis a contributor to Thrillist.
