GREENSBORO, GA—As the Millennials say, “adulting is hard.” There are bills to pay, limited days off from work, family obligations…and it all threatens to suck the fun out of life. It doesn’t have to be that way. Travelers can take a break from the norm with Marissa Edwards, the director of all things fun, here at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee.
As the leader of the resort’s recreation department, she is responsible for planning educational and, yes, fun activities for all ages. In her new role, Edwards sees numerous opportunities to expand the idea of recreation so it fits a broad range of ages and has a multigenerational focus.
“I am so excited I am getting paid to play. I think when you look at the property, one of the spectacular things is our backyard. We invite guests to enjoy and have fun,” Edwards said. “It’s not only about water sports or activities for children; we have a chance to touch all of our guests. A campfire brings adults together or even glow-in-the-dark games can be for everyone.”
A resort enveloped by wildlife and nature is what brings people here, but it’s a variety of choose-your-own-adventures curated and executed by Edwards and her team that keeps guests engaged, learning and having a good time.
“Our location is absolutely spectacular,” she said. “We wanted to have this sense of place when you got here. You experience different programs that feel like they belong here such as walking tours and wood carvings, with each activity telling a story. We wanted to have something for all guests, from the active at heart to those who want to rest and relax.”
In hospitality, it’s widely known that it’s the staff members who make journeys memorable. From small gestures to going the extra mile to provide excellent customer service—it all matters and can easily turn a place to stay into an unforgettable experience at every turn.
“I think it really comes down to our activities leaders, people who lead the program and naturalists from the area who are really passionate about what is special and unique here,” added Edwards. “The Georgia landscape will take you to a big fish competition and catch you a catfish, but you haven’t done it quite like this. We give the story behind it and make it feel accessible.”
At the resort, a Garden to Glass class lures guests into a chef’s organic garden to pick and pull something fresh from the earth, while learning about the history of a cocktail’s name. Guests are actively involved and fully immersed in that sense of place.
“I like to call it fun with purpose,” Edwards said. “That whole storytelling piece is where naturalists are so important. They are passionate. The fact that you learn about the place where you are, and we have a great history here, and to be a steward of that is really important. Recreation is a great way to infuse that.”
According to Edwards, the team at Ritz-Carlton eagerly searches for opportunities to create magic and put a smile on someone’s face. Even if it’s a six-year-old whose lip is quivering because he missed a train ride. In this case, Edwards’ team of fun-makers quickly jumped into action to remedy the situation.
“I have to give credit to Robert, our activities leader. He took it upon himself—after double checking with the boy’s parents—and knocked on the room door to say, ‘We are here to take him on a private VIP train ride.’ That’s the Ritz-Carlton culture,” she said. “For us, it’s about the first time you bait a hook for someone who has never fished before. Everybody is busy. At the same time, stop and take those moments. I think what we do is special. We go out of our way to make sure guests are having as much fun as we are.”
—Corris Little