10 Hotel Jobs You’ve Probably Never Even Heard of

Encinitas, California is known as one of the best surf towns in the world. So it’s no surprise Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas employs a dedicated, on-site “Surfboard Butler” who is knowledgeable on all things surf-related. From the current swell conditions to tide times, board recommendations for the surf forecast, and where the best waves are coming each day—they’re the expert. In addition to a full arsenal of waxes and sunscreen, the Surfboard Butler also oversees the property’s collection of surfboards available for hotel guests. Here, there is truly a surf experience for every skill level. The most challenging part for the Surf Butler position could just be having to watch everyone get to surf, while they’re at “work.” But with an office on the shores of Alila Marea and adjacent to the waves, it’s truly a job in paradise. 

Christina Gaglio of the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock in Sedona, Arizona, has been working as an energy specialist for 20 plus years. She began a pet therapy practice in 2017 after experiencing the impact of energetic, therapeutic treatment on her own pets and wanted to expand her practice and help others’ pets heal. Gaglio uses tuning forks to calm guests’ pets. She says that pets can strongly sense and embody their owners’ emotions, and they might even be anxious from traveling themselves. The Hilton Sedona team have never been strangers to treating pets like the royalty they are—in addition to the dedicated “pet therapy,” treatments, there’s also a special “Pet Menu” serving culinary creations catering to the specific needs of furry friends. Gaglio serves resort guests and the local community members (big and small) of Sedona with on-site energy treatments for pets who need healing. 

The W Punta de Mita in Mexico is a very photogenic destination with vividly colorful décor inspired by Indigenous influences and the area’s local surf culture. This creates the ideal backdrop for snapping endless souvenir-worthy photos. That’s why the dedicated on-site Instagram Concierge Service is committed to helping guests step up their photo game. Guests email a link to their Instagram profile to the concierge before or during their stay, and receive an infographic map marked with the most “Instagrammable” spots on-site. Based on their interests and aesthetic, the Instagram Concierge recommends several destinations on the map where guests should be sure to snap pics. The experience ends in the best way possible: with a complimentary cocktail at the resort’s Living Room bar. The guest just needs to show proof they posted a picture from the ‘gram tour using the hashtags #WEscapes and #WPuntadeMita to cash in on a sip of paradise. 

Pesky seagulls can oft be found lurking near beachside destinations. But falconry is an effective and unique way to keep scavengers at bay. Joe Roy III is the resident Falconer at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. He says he loves meeting visitors who come from all corners of the globe and enjoys watching when guests are overcome with fascination after watching his birds in action. At Carmel Valley Ranch in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, master falconer Antonio Balestreri gets guests to get up close and personal with his Peregrine Falcon named “Top Gun.” In Colorado, The Broadmoor’s in-house master female falconer, Deanna Curtis teaches the identifying characteristics of each species, discusses conservation of birds in the wild, and shares the 4,000-year history and culture of Falconry. She’s proud to see more women than ever drawn to the sport. 

Surfsand Resort in Cannon Beach, Oregon staffs an expert “Kite Concierge.” Kite master Zack Lyons acts as a one-person kite festival and helps guests with all levels of experience fly kites with the stunning backdrop of Haystack Rock. With Lyons’ help, the sky is filled with the Surfsand Resorts’ 24 new brightly colored, one-of-a-kind silk creations from a local store called the Kite Factory, weekly.

Wildlife guru Brandy Anderson leads “Sonoran Explorin” tours at Boulders Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona for guests and members to experience the desert in a whole new way. Anderson gets people closer to nature in an immersive, unscripted tour that’s catered individually to the person who’s on board. She’s had customers return for tours up to nine separate times, as each one is different depending on what animals are out on that particular day. Her tour teaches participants about the natural world, and offers survivalist tips such as what kind of cacti is safe for them to eat, how to catch water if they’re stuck in the desert, and important advice for surviving out in what’s traditionally thought of as barren land, but is actually a landscape in which Anderson sees an abundance of beauty and life. 

Daniela Pastor works as a “Sunset Concierge” at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, curating bespoke sunset experiences for guests to enjoy an incredible sunset adventure. From champagne on the beach with a private dining experience to sundown kayaking and yoga excursions, her passion is working to showcase just how special experiencing the ritual of an Aruban sunset can be. “In my role, I love creating unforgettable experiences for our guests and look forward to creating many more memorable moments under the famous Aruba sunset,” she said, citing one of her most unforgettable experiences as setting up a recent sunset beach proposal. This unforgettable moment was organized by Pastor to include a setup complete with a planned, breathtaking angle of the seaside sunset, candles surrounding the dinner table, and “MARRY ME?” written out in rose petals on the sand. It’s a “yes” from us!

Ray Lai is not only the Executive Chef at Dive Palm Springs, he’s also known as the “Resident Ice Cream Man” (but for grown-ups!). Having more than 20 years of experience working in the ice cream industry, Lai now develops creative custom flavors for guests of this intimate 11-key resort. Even though it’s an “adults-only” property, guests will no doubt feel like they’re a kid again when they’re indulging in homemade flavors such as Green Tea & Pralined Serrano, Horchata with Praline Pecan Robusto, and Candied Cherry with Woodford Reserve Bourbon. Lai even makes signature “Champagne Lemon Sorbet Popsicles” which are most definitely catered to adults. Ray’s passion for ice cream creates joyful experiences that guests will remember long after their vacation is over.  

The Reach Resort Key West in Florida sits on the only natural sand beach, so of course it’s home to the ultimate seaside job—a professional “sand sculptor,” whose day is dedicated to creating over-the-top sand masterpieces on display. Marianne van den Broek has been a sand sculptor since 1999 and now runs her own sand business as a professional Sand Artist. She creates works of art such as a train made exclusively out of sand, and wedding sculptures for newlyweds (she’s even created sand duplicates of couples with their dogs). Those who are inspired by her works can enroll in the on-site sand sculpting workshop to build their own sand castle creation skills. 

Sommeliers aren’t just experts on wine. The Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa in France has a dedicated Champagne Concierge who’s responsible for creating the most spectacular champagne-focused experiences on-site. A Bourbon Steward-in-Residence works at  The Kentucky Castle, serving guests with his decade of masterful bourbon knowledge through private lessons and immersion programs on the basics and history of bourbon. Travelers visiting the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa have the opportunity to sign up for a private tequila tasting with the on-site tequila sommelier who educates guests on the agave-based liquor and the history of the Jalisco region. The beer concierge at the Hotel Vermont hosts tastings and advises guests about how to navigate Vermont’s most sought-after breweries. Finally, guests of Four Seasons Hotel Seattle can experience the Coffee Concierge service with complimentary coffee and expert assistance on the best local shops.