Solmar Hotels & Resorts in Los Cabos is turning its attention to its employees, who played an instrumental role in getting the company's properties up and running again. All donations made to its Solmar Foundation will be used to help staff whose homes were impacted or destroyed by Hurricane Odile.
The company said 157 employees' homes were completely destroyed, and 75 were partially damaged.
"The dedication of the Solmar staff is the reason we are able to open our doors on October 11 to our members and October 12 to our hotel guests," said Ricardo Orozco, managing director of Solmar Hotels & Resorts. "Just days after the storm, we had 700 employees around our five properties working and cleaning."
Solmar, which operates as both a timeshare and hotel company, said the damage to its properties was mostly cosmetic. "Our employees have worked tirelessly over the last two weeks to restore our hotels to their original beauty for our guests to enjoy," Orozco said. "Even though many had experienced major damage to their homes and properties, they showed up here each day ready to work. It's inspiring to see."
The Solmar Foundation was founded in 2011 by the Bulnes family in honor of the late Don Luis Bulnes, founder of Solmar Hotels & Resorts. It supplies social services that are not covered by the government to the local community. The foundation works with public agencies and non-governmental organizations to combine resources and provide assistance to areas that need it the most, with a focus on education and the development of marketable skills.
"While the Solmar Foundation is dedicated to the local Los Cabos community, when Hurricane Odile hit the destination and we realized how many of our employees were directly affected, we felt it was important to redirect any and all donations at this time to their needs and families," said Orozco. "The outpouring of support and love that we've received from our guests and timeshare owners has been truly amazing and inspiring, and they really consider the staff here an extension of their family."
The staff, said Orozco, wasted no time in getting to work. "There are many examples about how the staff banded together as team but one I truly remember is when all the employees took a broom and all together started cleaning the day after the hurricane - it was amazing," he said.
Thanks to Solmar's staff, its five properties will open their doors in just over a week's time. "The message that we want to send to all travelers is that Los Cabos is ready to welcome you this winter travel season with open arms - we are here and better than ever," said Orozco.
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