EMPLOYEE PROFILES

TIMES WE Treasure

Experience Hilton Sandestin Beach through the eyes of our team members

You’ve heard us say time and again that Hilton Sandestin Beach is where memories live.

Successfully creating those memories for guests, be they picturesque beach celebrations and events, unforgettable dining and recreational experiences or the time-honored traditions of our perennial visitors, is what makes us who we are.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our team. For an industry with notoriously high turnover rates, we have been fortunate to retain for years a tight-knit group who genuinely delight in making you feel like a part of the family. And, with the recent addition of new staff members, our family keeps growing stronger.

For all of us, hospitality is a true calling. You challenge us to work smarter and harder, and because of you, we are better.

The following testimonies are just a glimpse of the indelible impacts you’ve made on our staff. We hope we’ve touched your lives, just as you’ve touched ours.

LORENZO JEFFERSON

SECURITY OFFICER

I have worked at Hilton Sandestin Beach for over 15 years and have loved being a part of a company where everyone feels like family. Working in multiple departments has given me the opportunity to figure out what I enjoy most. To anyone that is unsure about their potential career path, I highly recommend joining the team here at Hilton Sandestin. The management team has always encouraged me to do my best, and they continue to make me feel like I can do anything, so long as I try.

MAYESKA SAND

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

In the short time that I’ve had the pleasure of working at Hilton Sandestin, my favorite moments involve seeing our guests’ smiling faces. I spend a lot of time walking around different parts the hotel to capture the next social media moment, and I love being able to see the genuine reactions our guests have throughout their stay. From watching a family’s excitement as they walk on the beach exclaiming, “This is the softest sand I’ve ever felt!” and seeing the joy on a little one’s face as they’re about to cannonball into the pool, to the animated grins guests have when served their favorite cocktail from Barefoot’s, each moment I witness is a Hilton Sandestin memory that I know our guests will forever cherish.

GORDY FIEGEL

ENGINEERING MECHANIC

Being a part of Hilton Sandestin’s team for over 16 years makes it difficult to narrow down my favorite memory to a singular moment. All my favorite memories here involve making our guests happy, whether it be with simple requests concerning heating and air or larger tasks, such as installing lighting fixtures in the spa. One moment does stand out to me, however. Back before On Demand movies were a thing, we would bring VCRs to the room upon request. Once, we had a family who needed a VCR to help their child go to sleep. Let’s just say they were very happy to see me when I arrived to install the VCR. I love getting to be part of moments like that. I really enjoy working with Hilton Sandestin and the amazing team they have built. Throughout all my years of work, I have not come across another company that has looked after its employees the way they do here. JOANN HARGROVE

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER

This year, I celebrated 20 years with Hilton Sandestin. Upon returning to the Gulf Coast, my happy place, in 1997, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to return home to Hilton Sandestin. Having had the opportunity to work and visit several other resort hotels in my 36-year career, I can honestly say that our property stands out among the best. Complemented with a dedicated staff who takes pride in curating unforgettable memories for our guests, it is simply paradise. We’ve been fortunate to have many generations of same-family employees on our team over the years. Watching each other’s kids grow up and blossom into their own is a joy to witness. Not only do we have the chance to see our coworkers’ families grow, but we also get to be part of our repeat guests’ lives. I’ve watched generations “grow up” at the Hilton Sandestin. Many who have spent summers in Kids Krew or hosted their wedding ceremonies on our decks, have returned to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, graduations and more at their home away from home.

ALAN ARISTE

SECURITY OFFICER

I have been a member of the Hilton Sandestin security team for over three years now. There was one instance where I responded to a guest incident in which a woman had fallen and hurt her knee. I provided her with first aid while chatting with her husband. My goal is to always make our guests feel safe, and they told me how much they enjoyed my hospitality. They asked about my background and invited me to visit them in New Orleans, which was such a kind gesture. It’s not every day a guest makes you feel like part of their family, and this couple did just that.

JASMINE BROWN

SEAGAR’S EVENT MANAGER

For the last seven years, I have had the opportunity to learn under some of the best chefs in Walton County. During my time working at Seagar’s, I’ve been mentored by the fi nest culinary talents while also having the chance to work with fresh and rare ingredients. I am so excited to be moving into my new role at Seagar’s as the special events manager. Taking my knowledge of the restaurant and using it to provide seamless guest experiences for those in our private dining spaces.

AMBER HAM

GROUP RESERVATIONS COORDINATOR

There is something special about our groups that return year after year. They become part of the family, and you look forward to welcoming them home every year. Interacting with them is what makes the tough, busy days brighter. One of my favorite guest memories was when I made a reservation for a gentleman who attends one of our annual insurance meetings. He always requests a specifi c room for his family and has done so for well over 20 years. As I created his reservation, he told me how much he enjoyed the downtime with his family between meetings. He mentioned his kids “grew up in this hotel” and explained that his daughter, now fully grown, attends another meeting here as well. They make sure that they are able to come to each other’s conferences, so they get at least two visits a year to their favorite place with the whole family. What a special way to make memories with your family while also taking care of business — just a little bit of the magic that Hilton Sandestin provides. KHALIL WILLIAMS, RECREATION STAFF

A couple of years ago, I was working a Kids Night Out program and had the pleasure of meeting the Goldstein family. After two nights of fun events and games with their kids, Mrs. Goldstein pulled me aside to tell me about how much her children were enjoying the program. After leaving Kids Night Out each night, they had talked nonstop about how much fun they had! Working in recreation means I not only help with Kids Krew and Kids Night Out, but I also work on the beach setting up chairs and umbrellas for guests. Prior to the family leaving, I was able to chat with Mr. Goldstein on the beach. It was great being able to interact with the whole family during their trip. Fast forward to 2021, and while I was walking down the beach, I heard someone call my name. When I turned around, I was embraced by the warm smiles of the Goldstein family. It was awesome to have some familiar faces to catch up with, and I look forward to seeing them again soon.

MARIA DESTURA

BANQUET CAPTAIN

Over the many years I’ve been with the Hilton Sandestin, my most favorite memory took place during a larger annual group conference. I worked with them through all of their events, from morning coffee to their evening buffet. Throughout the week, everyone seemed to be happy and reported no concerns. On the last day of their conference, my manager asked me to go to the Boardroom, as the group’s main contact was looking for me. Without any additional details, I was worried something had gone wrong. But, when I arrived, the main contact called me up to the front of the room and began complimenting me. They told everyone, my manager included, it had been the best week they ever had while visiting Hilton Sandestin, and that I was the one of the main reasons for that. I must admit I was a bit embarrassed, but also extremely proud, as providing a seamless experience for conference guests is my main priority.

RICHARD YOUNG

SERENITY LOUNGE ATTENDANT

One of my fondest memories while working at Serenity by the sea Spa took place during the winter of 2014. The spa facility was going through a renovation, and we needed to relocate to a temporary space to continue servicing our guests. The whole team pulled together to relocate the entire spa to a new space in the Emerald Tower. It was nice to see how everyone on the team worked together to recreate a spa environment for each of our guests, even though we weren’t in the physical spa facilities. We received great feedback from our clients and spa members about how they enjoyed the change of scenery. Working with such an incredible team who can make our guests smile regardless of where they’re operating is what being a part of Serenity is all about!

WILL HURLEY, SANDCASTLES CULINARIAN

I started at Hilton Sandestin back in 2010, and a few years later, my wife and I welcomed our son, Liam, into the world. Liam was born with cysts on his kidneys, and when he was 5, we became part of the transplant family. I donated one of my kidneys to someone in need, and another donor provided a kidney for Liam. Following his transplant, the hotel was throwing their annual team member holiday party. It’s one of my favorite traditions; the staff gets to bring their families in for a few hours to listen to music, eat a warm meal and play with each other’s kids. Our management team always has a gift for each child to open and then does a few extra giveaways. Liam and our family had just gone through a trying time, and we were excited to spend an afternoon together celebrating the holidays. To top off the day, Liam’s name was called for one of the big prizes: an enormous brown bear. He was so excited, he actually cried. Thanks to the Hilton Sandestin, it was a moment his mother and I will never forget.

PRESS HERE TORefresh

Life would a be a lot simpler if it were like a web page or a phone app. Press a tab, and everything gets a fresh outlook. There may be no magic button to make an immediate change, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an easy way to revitalize and renew — both physically and mentally.

The next time you need to hit that refresh button, let the professionals at Hilton Sandestin Beach help make it possible.

Serenity by the sea Spa’s awardwinning services will have you feeling like a new you. Whether it’s pedicures, manicures, skin care or a full day of pampering, your self-care is at the top of our to-do list.

If you’re in need of a little activity to recharge your batteries, Hilton Sandestin Beach has everything to make your stay more comfortable. From swimming and shoreside accessories to a poolside cabana, relax in safety and luxury.

Need a little more excitement with your beach oasis? Kayaks and paddleboards are available for those seeking some adventure on the waves.

Take a moment to sit back, and then let us help chart you a path to relaxation.