Gaining the Edge - Tourism Strategy
Aerie Resort & Spa Announces New GM and Chef
Victoria, BC - Egon von Foidl, President and CEO of HRG International, is pleased to announce the appointment of two pivotal staff members: Andrew Trinder as the Resort's general manager and Castro Boateng as the Resort's executive chef.
While The Aerie Resort & Spa on Vancouver Island may be a long way from the pink sandy beaches of Bermuda where Andrew Trinder managed hotels for the past decade, he is already calling it home. Originally from the south coast of England and after earning a degree in hotel and catering, Trinder worked in London and Andorra before landing in Bermuda where he stayed for 10 years.
While there, he managed a variety of high-end cottage colonies, including Horizons and Cottages, a historic four-diamond property with a golf course; Waterloo House, a sophisticated boutique hotel known for its fine dining; and Coral Beach Tennis Club, world-renowned for its international tennis facilities, majestic accommodation, sub-tropical grounds and stunning beach.
Though other hotel management opportunities presented themselves, it was the position at The Aerie that captured Trinder's imagination. Its breathtaking setting, world-class reputation, and openness to trying new things had Trinder rolling up his sleeves.
Today, Trinder is busy working with his team, fine-tuning guest relations, reviewing potential property improvements, ramping up marketing, and reaching out to the community.
Castro Boateng, The Aerie Resort & Spa's new executive chef, was also captivated by the Resort's progressive take on change. Inspired by the slow food philosophy, Boateng is blending seasonal, regional and organic fare with years of experience and a passion for excellence. His quest is to transform a fine meal experience into a Cowichan Valley culinary 'experience.'
Boateng has had a few culinary adventures of his own in his time. These have taken him to four countries and earned him various distinctions, including two AAA Five Diamond honours, two gold medals, an award for best tasting menu, and a short-listing for chef of the year.
Hungry to repeat his exhilarating experiences, Boateng moved to Vancouver Island to work under chef Christophe Letard at The Aerie Resort & Spa. The two had a strong synergy and a deep respect for one another. When Letard decided to move on, he asked Boateng to step into the executive chef role.
Now, heading up the kitchen at The Aerie Resort & Spa, Boateng is eager to share his culinary passion and cooking philosophies with visitors and locals alike.
His plans include stepping out of the kitchen to meet the local organic farmers and world-renowned small food producers who make Vancouver Island such a magical place to cook and dine. Bumping the Aerie up to a five-star? Well, that may just be on the menu too!
Named on Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List for 2008 and ranked #1 Hotel in North America, World's Best Hotel Award by Travel + Leisure Magazine in 2006, The Aerie is a member of the Relais & Châteaux collection of inns & hotels. Relais & Châteaux is the prestigious global association of 460 privately owned hotels and acclaimed restaurants of charm and prestige in 50 countries around the world. Founded in France and headquartered in Paris, the association serves as an ambassador for the French "art de vivre" and the highest culinary standards. Each establishment embodies the association's quality charter of the five "C's" - Courtesy, Charm, Character, Calm and Cuisine.
For more information, call 800-518-1933 or consult the website at www.aerie.bc.ca.
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Media Contact:
Deirdre Campbell
Tartan Public Relations
250.592.3838 or 250.882.9199
Sarah Milner
Tartan Public Relations
250.592.3838 or 250.882.1188
