ENCINITAS, Calif. (October 7, 2020) – Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is pleased to announce the appointment of Benjamin Thiele to General Manager. Situated along the coastal bluffs in one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal towns, the 130-room Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is slated to open early 2021 and looks to deliver authentic luxury experiences in a world-class beachfront setting. As part of Hyatt’s growing Alila brand portfolio, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is set to mark a significant milestone for the brand as the first new-build Alila resort in the Americas and second property in the U.S.
Thiele joins the Hyatt family following a decade with Kimpton Hotels, where he gained experience ranging from front of house to housekeeping management to leadership. He will oversee all aspects of operations at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas in this new role, from day-to-day staff and guest management to serving as an ambassador for the hotel and brand. The Carlsbad, Calif. resident has spent the past seven years as general manager with assignments between Southern California and the Pacific Northwest. Thiele received the Rookie of the Year Award at the 2017 Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants Annual General Manager Conference and two years later was given the Total Asset Management Award at the 2019 conference.
“I am eager to lead the outstanding team as we work toward opening the doors of Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas,” Thiele shares. “The adventurous nature of the Alila brand celebrates local culture, community, cuisine and destination, and I am thrilled to showcase all that the Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas will have to offer, starting in early 2021.”
Most recently, Thiele was at the helm of Kimpton’s Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara where he was instrumental in strategically repositioning the property within the competitive market. He is a strong believer in working “in-service” to his team members for overall success, empowering them through support and providing the necessary tools. Prior to the Canary Hotel, Thiele served as General Manager of Seattle’s Palladian Hotel.
Thiele was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and graduated from Washington State University. A true hospitality veteran, he launched his hotel career as a valet attendant. With a passion for the outdoors, Thiele and his family are happy to have landed in the sunshine and near the waves of California’s west coast. He enjoys cycling and in the coming months, looks forward to taking his adventures to the water with a foray into surfing.
For more information on Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, please visit the hotel’s website.
Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhances its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. More information on Hyatt’s commitment can be found here: hyatt.com/care-and-cleanliness.
