SCOTTSDALE, AZ Richard Holtzman, newly named managing director of the Bacara Resort & Spa told HOTEL BUSINESS. that a search is underway for a new general manager to head up the ultra-luxury resort located in Santa Barbara, CA.
Holtzman was recently named principal and managing director at the Bacara, where he will oversee operations of the resort and its management firm.
A new GM is expected to be named shortly, said Holtzman, to replace the property s opening general manager, who has since left to relocate to Asia.
The 360-room resort, which opened a year ago and caters to the upper-upscale corporate and leisure market, is moving on to the next phase of its development, said Holtzman. He said this phase will focus on the rounding out of key management positions at the resort, as well as promoting the property as a premier destination on the West Coast.
This phase of development will concentrate on the proper positioning of the resort and further defining and upholding the high standards set for the property and its management, said Holtzman.
Holtzman is no stranger to the ultra-luxury market. With over 25 years of experience, Holtzman most recently served as a founding partner for Carefree Resorts, elevating the image and the occupancy of its luxury properties including The Boulders in Carefree, AZ where he was the opening general manager.
As part of his plan to cultivate the Bacara s offerings and reputation, Holtzman said that he will seek to add new amenities to the resort including expanding upon its golf programs and other activities.
There s a lot of opportunity to enhance this resort, said Holtzman of the waterfront property.
Currently, the Bacara Resort offers 360 guestrooms, 49 of which are specialty suites, located on 78 beachfront acres. Other features of the property include three negative-edge, heated swimming pools, 33 private cabanas, 225 fireplaces, 3 signature restaurants, a world-class wine cellar, and 24-hour personal concierge services. (4/24/01) Shannon McMullen