Glen Brugger
“Transformation and Success”
Marko Petrovic
“Growth and expansion in the Adriatic.”
Stella Awards 2024
Vassa Spa World Spa Awards” Serbia’s Best Hotel Spa 2024
Travel Weekly Magellan Awards
Partnership between Nickelodeon Punta Cana and Plan
Internacional
MexiCaribe Spa & Wellness Awards 2024
Living Jimmy Buffett’s philanthropic spirit
Talent Promotion and Welcome
The Best of the Best
Glen Brugger Director Prestige Travelers
By Karisma
Glen Brugger was recently promoted to the position of Corporate Director of Prestige Travelers, an important step in his distinguished career in the industry.
Since his early days in sales, he has always shown an unwavering commitment to team development and the pursuit of excellence.
In this new position, Glen is focused on strengthening the cohesion between sales, marketing and operations in order to build on the success of the travel club and deliver unique member experiences.
For Glen, the key to leadership lies in learning from others and treating people with respect and empathy.
His vision for Prestige Travelers is based on creating an environment where all employees feel valued and motivated.
Glen believes that a happy team generates positive results, and has therefore set out to transmit this philosophy in every area of the company, ensuring that each team member feels a fundamental part of the collective success.
One of the biggest challenges Glen highlights is the complexity of the sales process, where in a matter of hours, a customer can go from receiving an invitation to becoming a loyal member.
Glen recognizes the talent and dedication required to achieve this.
“The moment Prestige Travelers is going through is unique, undergoing a profound transformation that is taking the company to new levels of success.”
Glen Brugger
One of the biggest challenges Glen highlights is the complexity of the sales process, where in a matter of hours, a customer can go from receiving an invitation to becoming a loyal member.
Glen recognizes the talent and dedication required to achieve this.
Recognizing the importance of aligning all departments with this evolution ensures that innovation and a focus on excellence are reflected in every action.
With a clear vision, he seeks to integrate sales, marketing and operations to work in total harmony, which he considers essential to drive the company’s sustained growth.
Under his leadership, Prestige Travelers’ vision is to not only enhance the member experience, but also to constantly evolve the product, adding new features that increase productivity and customer satisfaction.
Glen is confident that, through this continued transformation and internal unity, Prestige Travelers will continue to position itself as one of the most innovative and attractive clubs in the industry.
Marko Petrovic Director of Operations
Karisma Hotels & Resorts Adriatic
Marko Petrovic Director de Operaciones
Marko Petrovic, Karisma’s Director of Operations in the Adriatic Zone, has dedicated his life to hospitality, drawing inspiration from his childhood.
“My passion for hospitality was born out of my parents’ experience traveling to numerous countries and welcoming friends from diverse cultures into our home.
They taught me the importance of striving to make every guest feel at home; this left an imprint on me.”
This initial experience shaped its current focus on hotels, where it seeks to replicate that same feeling of warmth and welcome.
Currently, Karisma Hotels & Resorts Adriatic has properties in the area, such as Azul Beach Resort Montenegro, located on a 12 km beach in the town of Ulcinj, and Hotel BOR by Karisma in the famous mountain range of Zlatibor, Serbia.
Excitedly, Marko shares that this summer construction has begun on a new property next to Azul Beach Resort Montenegro, an ambitious project that will include more than 560 residences.
Azul Beach Resort follows the all-inclusive Caribbean style concept.
The BOR Hotel offers a five-star luxury boutique experience.
The latter, recently opened, has been recognized with several awards, including best spa in Serbia.
He is convinced that it will be one of the most outstanding developments in Montenegro.
For Marko, sharing positive energy is key in a fast-moving world where many face stress, sadness or even depression.
He firmly believes that people appreciate surrounding themselves with individuals with joy and good vibes.
Fifteen years ago, Marko met Mr. Lubo Krstajic and since then, he has followed his career with admiration.
“The importance of listening to peers and sharing knowledge, are elements that I consider essential to becoming an effective leader”.
Now, with one year and nine months at Karisma Hotels & Resorts Adriatic, Marko feels fortunate to be part of a company that continues to innovate and expand, not only in Europe, but also in the Middle East.
Partner brands, such as Margaritaville and Nickelodeon, have already shown great interest in collaborating with them.
Proud to be part of Karisma Hotels & Resorts, Marko Petrovic leads with passion and vision, convinced that growth in the region is just beginning.
Gold and Silver: Reaping successes that reinforce our excellence
We are pleased to announce an exceptional achievement for Karisma Hotels & Resorts: we have been recognized twice in the prestigious Stella Awards 2024, winning Gold in the category of “Best Food and Beverage” for our resort “Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya” and Silver as “Best Hotel Chain”.
This award reflects the constant commitment of each area within the company, which works tirelessly to offer unforgettable experiences.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya stood out for its innovative approach to gastronomy.
From the exclusive oceanfront concept of the LandShark Brewery to the first-ever steak sommelier at the JWB Steakhouse, our guests enjoy world-class culinary experiences led by the talented chef Daniela Vallejo.
With a fusion of artisanal ingredients and premium cuts of meat, we have transformed the all-inclusive dining experience.
Perez Alegüe |
As for the “Best Hotel Chain” distinction, Karisma Hotels & Resorts continues to set trends in the industry, designing properties that adapt to all types of events and meetings.
With versatile spaces, immersive activities and a team committed to organizing high-level meetings, we continue to be the preferred choice for those seeking impeccable service.
This recognition is a reflection of the collective effort of our teams, who make it possible for each guest to enjoy a memorable stay.
Congratulations to everyone who contributes to this success!
We are proud to announce that Vassa Spa, located at the recently opened BOR Hotel by Karisma in Zlatibor, Serbia, has been recognized as Serbia’s Best Hotel Spa 2024 by the World Spa Awards
This award positions Vassa Spa as one of the best wellness destinations worldwide, highlighting its focus on excellence and luxury.
BOR Hotel, the first five-star hotel in the region, has quickly gained attention for its 93 luxury suites, two restaurants and its offer of activities such as skiing in winter.
Vassa Spa has shone on the international scene thanks to its first-class facilities.
Awarded by the “World Spa Awards” worldwide recognition: Serbia’s Best Hotel Spa 2024
With 1,036 m², the spa has five treatment rooms, an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, saunas and a modern gym.
This achievement is the result of the tireless work of our therapists and team, who, with their passion and dedication, provide our guests with incomparable wellness experiences.
Their treatments, which include renowned brands such as Elemis and Kérastase, along with personalized attention, are the key to this recognition.
We sincerely recognize the entire Vassa Spa team for making this space a benchmark in the industry and we reaffirm our commitment at Karisma Hotels & Resorts to offer unforgettable experiences.
Providing incomparable wellness experiences, thanks to the talent and dedication of our team of
Karisma Hotels & Resorts proudly celebrates its recent recognition at the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, an award that honors the best of the global travel industry.
These awards highlight excellence in key categories such as hospitality, travel services and design, evaluated by renowned experts in the industry.
This year, Karisma Hotels & Resorts has been honored with the following awards:
Gold: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana Hospitality - Family Resort/Hotel.
Gold: Azul Beach Resort Negril
Hospitality - Resort Hotel on the Beach
Gold: Autism Concierge at Karisma Hotels & Resorts
Travel Services - Accessibility
Silver: Snick Lounge at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
Luxury Common Space Design.
These awards reflect our commitment to excellence and position us once again as a leader in the hospitality industry.
Nickelodeon Punta Cana and Plan International have forged a strategic alliance that seeks to open new opportunities for more than 30 talented young people, including several single mothers. Starting October 21, these young people, who have completed their academic and professional training, will begin an internship program designed to integrate them into the work environment.
The areas in which they will participate include restaurants, bars, administrative assistance and bellboys, providing real-world experience that will enrich their professional careers.
Plan International, an organization with more than 85 years of history, remains steadfast in its mission to promote children’s rights and gender equality in more than 80 countries.
This collaboration reflects a joint effort to support communities and foster the integral development of young people. This group has been selected for their perseverance and potential, coming from vulnerable communities, specifically prepared to enter the workforce.
Although they already have the necessary training, this internship program will provide them with a valuable opportunity to apply their knowledge, grow professionally, and improve their living conditions.
This achievement represents a source of great satisfaction for Nickelodeon Punta Cana, which has worked hard to make this initiative a reality.
With this alliance, we reaffirm our commitment to make a positive change in the lives of these young people and their families, thus contributing to a brighter future for all.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya is the winner of the Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe 2024 Award in the massage techniques category. The magazine is dedicated to spa professionals and wellness enthusiasts in Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America.
This recognition highlights St. Somewhere Spa as a benchmark in wellness experiences, thanks to the excellence of its services and its innovative approach to personalized treatments.
The team behind this success is led by its General Manager, Grecia López, and Xóchitl Ramírez, Spa Manager, who, with dedication and professionalism, have raised the spa’s quality to a level recognized in the region.
Among the featured treatments is the “Mezcalito Mi Amor” ritual, a combination of Swedish and Lomi Lomi techniques that uses agave oil to revitalize the skin and improve circulation.
This treatment has not only impressed guests, but has also been key in positioning St. Somewhere Spa as a benchmark in the wellness industry.
The magazine recognizes that the spa follows the latest global trends, offering a unique experience that balances tradition and modernity.
From its hydrotherapy circuit to the exclusive therapies, St. Somewhere Spa continues to surprise its visitors and gain recognition in the industry.
At Karisma Hotels & Resorts we are proud to have this achievement recognized by the international media.
This recognition reflects the commitment of the entire team to provide unforgettable experiences, reaffirming the resort as one of the most outstanding destinations for wellness and relaxation in the country.
The team behind exceptional experiences, demonstrating their talent and dedication in every therapy.
Living the philanthropic spirit of the Jimmy Buffett we are honoring his life.
As part of our commitment to those most in need, this year we will commemorate this campaign in the name of Jimmy Buffett.
With the participation of 54 international medical specialists from Mexico, United States, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Dominican Republic.
More than 200 people from the communities of Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen received medical attention through prolotherapy.
Under the supervision of internationally renowned physicians such as Dr. Wajid Burad, Dr. David Wang and Dr. Bjorn Eek, authors of various medical articles on the intervention of prolotherapy as a treatment for chronic pain.
Living the philanthropic spirit of Jimmy Buffett we are honoring his life, his drive to promote the enjoyment of life with this campaign that promotes people to live with quality of life “A Life Without Pain”.
This campaign is financially operated by the Karisma Foundation and will be hosted at our Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya, by Karisma Hotels & Resorts.
In this edition we attended to 217 patients were made 344 procedures.
17 medical stations to provide simultaneous service.
54 medical specialists from Mexico, the United States, Canada, Colombia, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic and Taiwan.
We promote a culture of breast cancer prevention through movement and training.
With physical activities such as zumba, running and exercise, as well as professional counseling and prevention training, our teams in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Serbia are mobilizing for a global cause.
Prevention starts with knowledge and action!
Alfredo Lorenzo, with more than 12 years of experience in the travel industry, has been promoted to Revenue Enablement Director at Karisma Hotels & Resorts.
Throughout his career, he has performed key roles in sales, distribution, and commercial management.
He started at Best Day Travel Group, where he implemented a successful distribution strategy for travel services. Later, at Despegar and Sabre Corporation, he strengthened commercial relationships and increased revenues in key accounts.
In his previous position as Project Management Director at Karisma, he led automation projects. Now, as Revenue Enablement Director, he will develop strategies to maximize revenues.
Congratulations Alfredo on this well-deserved promotion!
Giovanni Lara Senior Sales Director
Giovanni Lara, who until now served as Director of Sales in Mexico, has been promoted to the position of Senior Director of Sales for Mexico and Latin America.
With almost 20 years of experience in sales in prestigious hotel companies, Giovanni has led key areas such as client development, commercial strategies and results analysis.
Since he started at Karisma Hotels & Resorts in 2021, he has consistently demonstrated a results-driven approach, combined with professionalism and dedication.
From now on, he will lead the sales team in Mexico, Latin America and the Dominican Republic. His extensive experience will be crucial to strengthen our presence in the region and achieve our business objectives.
Giovanni, we wish you success in this new challenge.
Stacy-Ann Mitchell has been promoted from Staff Manager to Talent & Culture Manager, leading Azul Beach Resorts Negri.
With over 2 years at Karisma, Stacy-Ann has demonstrated exceptional commitment to her work and has achieved significant results for her team.
Stacy-Ann is a talent management expert, 6 years of industry experience, known for her dedication to building strong and collaborative teams.
Her focus on open communication, inclusion and professional development of each member of her team reflects her deep commitment to organizational culture and employee well-being.
Her ability to foster a positive work environment.
We congratulate Stacy-Ann on her well-deserved promotion.
We are pleased to welcome Carlos Savarin as Talent and Culture Manager at Ceedar Creek International Ltd. in the Dominican Republic.
With more than 10 years of experience in talent management, Carlos has excelled in the implementation of human development projects and has successfully participated in strategies that have a positive impact on organizational climates.
Throughout his career, he has played key roles in several organizations, achieving important results.
We wish him much success in this new stage, confident that his knowledge and approach will contribute significantly to the growth of our
Daritza Bocio Talent & Culture Analyst
Her two years of experience have provided a unique opportunity, allowing her to learn and develop essential skills.
She emphasizes the importance of trust, patience, and dedication, and values teamwork as a source of fulfillment.
She has a focus on anticipating needs and her dedication to dynamic service reflects her passion for continuous growth and development.
Her interaction with guests inspires and motivates her every work day, making a positive impact on every experience.
beyond mere employment; they represent a journey of growth and learning.
his self-confidence and belief in himself.
His success is rooted in persistence, optimism, and the support he has received from the company and its managers.
For three years, he has demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication.
He has been recognized three times as “The Best of the Best” and as an essential pillar of the team.
The entire hotel committee has consistently been a source of inspiration.
For two years, he has been a dedicated team member, providing attentive and personalized service with a smile.
His knowledge and efficiency ensure a smooth dining experience. His positive attitude and adaptability continue to inspire his colleagues
September - Octotber | Edición #50
Directory:
Esteban Velásquez
CEO | Chief Excecutive Officer
Karisma Hotels & Resorts.
Blanca Guevara Ramírez
Corporate Director of Talent and Culture
Realization:
Corporate Talent and Culture
Karisma Hotels & Resorts
Blanca Guevara
Alinka Sandy
Dalia Martínez Portugal
Creative Direction:
Dalia Martínez Portugal
Talent and Culture Collaborations:
Mexico
Tomas Urrutia, Frida Vázquez
Elvis Puc, Azbel Rodríguez
Antonio González
Dominican Republic
Yomara Sánchez, Myrna Castillo
Daritza Bocio
Carlos Savarin
Jamaica
Stacy-Ann Mitchell
Noelle Lawson
Serbia
Jelena Rakita
