WHY IT RATES: The Henderson is a brand new hotel in Salamander's portfolio, and an experienced hospitality leader can help take the property to the next level.-Michael Schottey, TravelPulse Director of Digital Content.
Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the luxury hotel company founded by Sheila Johnson, has appointed David Mars as general manager of The Henderson, a Salamander Beach & Spa Resort-northwest Florida's premier luxury destination.
Mars brings more than two decades of experience and leadership within the hospitality industry to the position. He joins The Henderson in Destin, FL, after eight years with Montage Hotels & Resorts, where he was the general manager of Spanish Peaks Mountain Club in Big Sky, MT. Previously, he was the resort manager at Montage Deer Valley in Park City, UT, and the rooms executive at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, CA.
"I am thrilled to be a part of this exceptional community in the Destin area, said Mars. "I look forward to working with The Henderson's highly committed team, which has been creating traditions for our valued guests since the resort opened in 2016."
Mars began his career in the front office at the Four Seasons Aviara in Carlsbad, CA. He has also served as director of operations for SKYLOFTS and Signature, both at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, as well as assistant general manager at the Renaissance Las Vegas.
"We are thrilled to welcome David to The Henderson team," says Prem Devadas, president of Salamander Hotels & Resorts. "His passion, leadership skills and intimate knowledge of the hospitality industry will help elevate The Henderson experience even further. He is a terrific addition to the Salamander family."
Reminiscent of a luxurious grand seaside manor of yesteryear, The Henderson is located adjacent to 200 acres of pristine preserve and just steps from miles of sugar-sand beaches and emerald waters. The property captures the romance of traditional coastal architecture with striking shingles and steep gable rooflines that give reverence to Florida's deep nautical history.
The 170-room resort features spacious, coastal-inspired guest rooms and suites with sweeping balconies, as well as luxurious villa-style accommodations called The Lofts, which opened this year.
The Henderson also includes the beautiful Salamander Spa with numerous wellness offerings, coastal-inspired dining in the relaxed settings of Primrose and Horizons, two swimming pools and a lazy river, Sprinkles Ice Cream Shop, a sunset rooftop terrace, 30,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space, and a host of family-friendly recreational programs and activities.
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