Marugal Distinctive Hotel Management Class of 2014
Where are you currently working?
I am part of Marugal Distinctive Hotel Management. We are specialized in the development, launch and operation of unique hotels. We have a portfolio of 8 hotels of 4 * and 5 *: Cap Rocat in Mallorca, Torralbenc in Menorca, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club in Formentera, URSO Hotel & Spa and Totem in Madrid, Viura in the Rioja Alavesa, Akelarre Hotel In San Sebastián (newly opened on 1 July) and Relais de Chambord in France, which will open in 2018.
My position is Deputy Director of Sales and Marketing for the whole group and Commercial Director of GECKO Hotel & Beach Club in Formentera. My work is to coordinate together with the Commercial and Marketing Director of the group all the commercial departments of the respective hotels; coordinate the companies that we have contractors experts in communication and public relations in Paris, London and Madrid; monitor new implementations on web pages, management of stationery design, signage, supervision of social networks and newsletters; domestic and international commercial travel at large fairs and luxury sector events; coordination with SLH (Small Luxury Hotels of the world) the commercialization of the hotels members of this association; coordination and realization of photoshootings and videos, etc. As well as taking care of all aspects of the marketing of Formentera Hotel, GECKO Hotel & Beach Club, online and offline contracting, management and coordination of events and weddings, public relations in Formentera and Ibiza, sales analysis, etc.
How did you get this job?
I started in Marugal three years ago and I entered the company doing the last practices of Vatel Madrid in the third year. At the end of these practices I was offered a work contract, since then we have grown not only with double hotels but also with a great team of professionals.
What do you like most about your day to day life?
It’s a super dynamic job, you need to have the ability to go from one hotel to another in your mind and apply different strategies in each market and season. There is no time to get bored or fall into monotony, the challenge of new openings is a great incentive that, although stressful at times, carries a great professional reward. Also traveling to different destinations as well as to go to hotels in situ or to represent these in international fairs is a unique opportunity to know the world. It is self‑sacrificing but worth it.
How would you define your way through Vatel Madrid School?
They were three years very hard since at the same time worked in the Hotel Puerta America de Silken in Madrid. Much effort and sacrifice but certainly worth it, I managed to open the doors of the labor market and without the theoretical knowledge learned thanks to all the different teachers of Vatel Madrid and the internships performed in very good establishments would not have gotten to where I am now.
What advice would you give to Vatel students who aspire to a job like yours?
Perseverance and affection. If you love what you do it does not cost work. Listen to all the people around you, all will give you something, learn from the good but also from the bad, and be humble; life takes many turns…
What do you think are the qualities that must be had to work in this sector?
For me to have the correct attitude, showing desire to do things right, have empathy, honesty, be polite and constant, are indispensable qualities. Tasks there are many and end up learning with a correct training, but if you do not have a good attitude in a sector like ours, where the key part of the equation are people and an intangible as is the service, it is complicated.
A star‑studded path in the skies of Paris
“Vatel made me more open‑minded and allowed me to meet people who contributed to making me who I am today.”
Aurélie Ponce – Operations manager for the Cheval Blanc Paris Hotel / 2006 Alumnus
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