ST. LUCIA (December 15, 2015) – The Landings St. Lucia has appointed hospitality industry veteran Eric Toles as Director of Food and Beverage.
An internationally respected wine and spirits consultant, Toles returns to the island of St. Lucia to assume this position at the leading luxury resort after working for three years with the exclusive Cotton House Resort on Mustique in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
"We welcome Eric Toles to our resort," said Kathy Taylor, Chair of The Landings St. Lucia's Executive Committee. "As a member of The Court of Master Sommeliers, Eric brings a unique level of sophistication, expertise and skill to The Landings. His service as the resort's sommelier will greatly enhance our guests' experience," she added.
Toles, who previously worked at the upscale Jade Mountain Resort on St. Lucia, has studied wines for close to two decades and looks forward to revitalizing the wine experience at The Landings by introducing globally diversified wine selections. "The Landings is the perfect setting in which to host an international wine-maker dinner series, featuring notable wine makers from the around the world," said Toles.
The Pennsylvania native, who also gives lectures on Caribbean rum, is happy to be "back home" in St. Lucia. "I love the island culture, its people and the farm-to-table gastronomy," said Toles, a former wine and beverage director at the prestigious Caneel Bay, previously a Rosewood Resort, on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In addition to launching a new cocktail beverage program for the Turquoise Beach Bar and Viscount Lounge at The Landings, Toles plans to upgrade the offerings and the ambiance at the resort's fine dining Palms Restaurant.
He also intends to play a key role in facilitating resort events, weddings and corporate meetings. "I have inherited a strong island team and together we will drive the food and beverage operation to an exciting new level," said Toles.
At the top of the hospitality veteran's agenda, he promised, will be placing a strong emphasis on training and developing the talent pool at the resort with a major focus on mentoring and the continuing education of St. Lucians working in the hospitality industry. "It is my professional responsibility to freely hand off the knowledge I have earned throughout my career to the people of St. Lucia," said Toles.
Eric Toles' motto is "Drink globally and dine locally!"
