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Appointment

Rolland Vaughn has been appointed as Golf General Manager at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Rolland Vaughn as Golf General Manager. Palm Desert’s largest resort is known for its two 18-hole championship style courses set against the towering backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Both the Palm and Valley courses were designed by acclaimed architect Ted Robinson, “King of Waterscapes.” Each par-72 golf course is over 6,500 yards, catering to golfers of all levels and the Desert Springs Golf Club offers daily golf clinics, private lessons, group and event packages.  As an industry veteran, Vaughn brings a wealth of leadership experience in golf operations across premier resort, private club, and Troon-managed properties. Most recently, he served as Head Golf Professional at Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Palm Desert. Prior to that, he held the same role at Desert Island Country Club in Rancho Mirage.His extensive background also includes serving as General Manager at Torreon Golf Club in Show Low, Arizona - a Troon Privé property - as well as nearly six years as General Manager at Shadow Hills Golf Club in Indio. Earlier in his career, Vaughn was Director of Golf at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Arizona. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to operational excellence, team development, and delivering elevated guest experiences.Vaughn’s golf expertise is poised to drive ongoing success at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. He oversees full P&L responsibility for golf operations, including 36 holes, the practice facility, retail, and food and beverage touchpoints.  Under Vaughn’s guidance, the property continues to enhance its renowned golf offerings and guest experience.Vaughn holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Ferris State University, where he specialized in Marketing with a concentration in Professional Golf Management. A Michigan native, Vaughn enjoys spending time with his wife, Alison, their daughter, Sawyer Grace, and their two dogs, Moose Tracks and Bear Paws. In his free time, he enjoys home improvement and landscaping projects and is a devoted fan of Detroit professional sports teams and the University of Michigan. For more information or to book, visit: Jwdesertsprings.247activities.com

JW Marriott
Palm Desert, California, United States
Appointment

Michael Klicos has been appointed as Executive Chef at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Michael Klicos as the new Executive Chef, welcoming him to its esteemed culinary team. Michael succeeds Eric Theiss, who has transitioned to a new position as the hotel's Director of Food & Beverage.As Executive Chef, Michael will oversee all culinary operations at Palm Desert's largest resort, which includes ten resort dining outlets that deliver a variety of unique culinary experiences, from casual poolside bites to elaborate tasting menus. Michael is also in charge of the hotel's extensive banquet operations, leading the resort's food and beverage teams in delivering an unparalleled level of excellence in both dining and service.With over a decade of culinary expertise, Michael offers an innovative perspective on cuisine, blending nostalgia with technique to create memorable experiences. His approach ensures impeccable execution while evoking strong emotions. In his new role, Michael aims to elevate the luxury experience by incorporating sustainability efforts and leveraging California's renowned local and seasonal products, thereby supporting the community and highlighting purveyors and vendors through culinary practices. Dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inspiring kitchen environment, Michael believes in nurturing talent and encouraging creativity among his team, ensuring that every dish serves as a testament to their collective passion and expertise.Michael was most recently at Gaylord Hotels as Executive Sous Chef where he oversaw the renovating and re-concepting of five restaurants over two years. He was responsible for developing the restaurant concept, creating menus and sourcing ingredients as well as key elements of the design and layout. With an incredible team, he successfully brought new life and success to establishments including The Fortunate Prospector (British Pub), Copper Table (Colorado Local Cuisine), Garden + Grains (Seasonal Fresh Kitchen), Embers (chic lobby bar with elevated bar bites), and Old Hickory (classic American steakhouse).Michael has also led the culinary efforts for Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, overseeing club activations during Hard Rock Stadium's first Formula One event. He partnered with restaurant groups and Michelin-star chefs to build out over a dozen food and beverage activations across the campus. He also spent years at the iconic Fontainebleau resort in Miami Beach, working in both Banquets and restaurant outlets, expanding his talents as well as networking with an incredible group of chefs in the area. Michael's culinary journey began with a profound love for cooking inspired by family traditions and a desire to bring joy through food. His hands-on experience and global culinary adventures have shaped his leadership style, emphasizing humility and continuous improvement. He is passionate about bringing the best culinary experiences to the desert, advancing the overall dining experience for guests.

JW Marriott
Palm Desert, California, United States
Development Opening

Now open: Reimagined Mojave Resort debuts in Palm Desert, CA

Inspired by Palm Desert's enduring charm, captivating landscapes and storied history, the newly renovated Mojave Resort is now open, welcoming guests to its serene oasis where time slows down. Reimagined under the guidance of Dallas-based Practice Hospitality, the adults-only, mid-century retreat is located steps away from the vibrant shopping, dining and cultural scene along El Paseo. The intimate resort offers 25 guestrooms and suites, an outdoor pool and hot tub spa, fire tables, event lawn and curated amenities.

Practice Hospitality
Palm Desert, California, United States
Appointment

Clark Albright has been appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Marriott International has appointed industry veteran Clark Albright to Director of Sales & Marketing of the iconic Palm Desert hotel, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. Clark Albright takes on an all-encompassing role at the 450-acre property, which features 884 guest rooms, including 101 suites, along with a 38,000 sq. ft spa and an abundance of event venues.

JW Marriott
Palm Desert, California, United States
Appointment

Nusrat Mirza has been appointed as General Manager at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Marriott International (Marriott.com) has appointed industry veteran, Nusrat Mirza as the General Manager of the iconic Palm Desert hotel, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa (www.desertspringsresort.com). Nusrat Mirza takes on an all-encompassing role at the newly-renovated, 450-acre property, which recently debuted 884 redesigned guest rooms, including 101 suites, along with a reimagined spa and event venues.

Marriott
Palm Desert, California, United States
Appointment

Eric Theiss has been appointed as Executive Chef at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa announces the newest member of its team, Chef Eric Theiss, who recently came on board as Executive Chef of the iconic resort. Set on 450 acres, Palm Desert's largest resort recently unveiled a multi-million-dollar renovation, inspiring a new level of luxury with updated guestrooms and suites, public areas, and event spaces. Eric will oversee all culinary operations at the numerous restaurant and bar offerings onsite as well as extensive banquet operations, leading the resort's food and beverage teams in delivering an unparalleled level of excellence in both dining and service. Eric will bring an innovative approach to the culinary program while utilizing locally and organically sourced produce.

Marriott
Palm Desert, California, United States
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Development Groundbreaking

R.D. Olson Construction Breaks Ground on Talus La Quinta in Coachella Valley, California

R.D. Olson Construction, an award-winning general contracting firm in California, today announced that construction is underway on TALUS La Quinta, a luxury resort in Coachella Valley being developed by The Robert Green Company. Upon completion, TALUS will include hotels from two notable brands, along with a conference center, golf clubhouse and spa facility. The 134-room luxury hotel and a 200-room lifestyle hotel will sit in addition to 29 branded single-family homes and 55 condominiums.

R.D. Olson Construction
Palm Desert, California, United States
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Development Renovation

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa Debuts Multi-Million Dollar Resort Redesign

The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa unveiled today the property's multi-million dollar renovation. The extensive redesign has transformed the resort into a modern, innovative oasis, steeped with desert-inspired elements. Every detail—except the spectacular views—is thoughtfully recrafted, from the magnificent lobby to the 884 guest rooms, including 101 suites and the event venues.

JW Marriott
Palm Desert, California, United States
Appointment

Tom Tabler has been appointed as General Manager at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Most recently Tabler held the position of general manager at the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa. He led an exceptional team of professionals who consistently deliver extraordinary guest and event satisfaction performance. In the last few years, the resort has increased group room night production by 40 percent and has had one of the best years in the twenty eight-year history of the resort, including record-breaking house profit.

Marriott
Palm Desert, California, United States
Appointment

Alex Ahluwalia has been appointed as General Manager at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is proud to welcome Alex Ahluwalia as the new general manager, overseeing the award-winning property in Southern California. Throughout his career in hospitality, Ahluwalia has managed multiple high-end luxury hotels and resorts across the nation and internationally, earning a wide array of accolades. Ahluwalia brings his global brand management skills and operational leadership to the 884-room property, which houses one of the region’s largest full service spas, The Biggest Loser Resort program, championship golf courses, PBI Tennis program, a number of reputable restaurants, and more.

Marriott
Palm Desert, California, United States
Appointment

Ralph Scatena has been appointed as General Manager at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Scatena has over thirty years of diversified experience within the hospitality industry in a variety of disciplines, starting his career in senior management as the Regional Director, Revenue Management for the Midwest Region of Marriott Hotels & Resorts. Most recently, Scatena was the Regional Vice President of Sales & Marketing on Marriott Hotels & Resorts’ Western Regional Team where he was responsible for overseeing the largest region in Marriott’s sales organization. Scatena has extensive hospitality managerial experience and has served as general manager and hotel manager at a variety of properties in the Marriott Hotels & Resorts family including JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, where he was awarded Marriott’s JW Marriott General Manager of the Year, JW Desert Ridge Resort, and Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Scatena earned a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management at the California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA. He enjoys playing golf and tennis, when time permits. Scatena currently resides in Palm Desert, CA, with his wife, Nancy, and their daughter, Lauren, and looks forward to being an active member of the business community.

Marriott
Palm Desert, California, United States