COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – August 26, 2020 – Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, Colorado Springs’ luxury resort, club and wellness destination, announces the appointment of new leadership including Christopher Walling as Resort Manager and Tania McCorkle as Director of Spa and Fitness.
Walling brings a venerable career spanning the continent with decades of experience in an array of prestigious hotels, resorts and clubs. Most recently Walling served as Resort Manager for Gurney’s Resorts including Gurney’s Montauk and Gurney’s Star Island comprised of two luxury resorts and residences, a 30,000 square foot spa, eight restaurants and lounges, a 232-slip marina and expansive private beach area. During his tenure at Gurney’s Resorts his efforts led to increased profitability, improved guest satisfaction and associate retention. Notably, he oversaw planning of a multimillion-dollar spa renovation and launched operations for 14 seasonal igloos resulting in substantial special event revenue growth. Prior to this recent role, Walling held operations management roles as general manager at Fair Oaks Ranch Golf & Country Club, Woodlands Resort & Spa, The Cliff House Resort and Spa, and food and beverage director at the Amelia Island Plantation and Ritz Carlton Montego Bay.
As Resort Manager, Walling will oversee key resort operations including rooms, engineering, golf, tennis, recreation, kids club, landscaping, golf maintenance and retail.
McCorkle, newly appointed Director of Spa and Fitness, joins the resort with a distinguished career in wellness resort destinations, executive spa leadership and athletic health club operations. As recent spa director at Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort, McCorkle oversaw all areas of the spa, including its programs, services, facilities, and staff. She was responsible for creating inspired, industry-leading spa and sports services centered around life-enhancing properties aligning with the resort’s wellness brand. Before that, McCorkle held spa and fitness leadership roles at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa, Lakeway Resort and Spa, The Downtown Club in Houston, Club One Incorporated and The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa. McCorkle, born in Cape Town, South Africa, is also a world-class athlete having been an award-winning member of the U.S. National World Netball Championship Team and an accomplished cyclist and triathlete.
McCorkle will direct STRATA Integrated Wellness and Spa’s spa and fitness operations and assist in integrating wellness experiences throughout all resort amenities and offerings.
“I am proud to announce two truly exceptional new leaders joining our organization – Christopher Walling as Resort Manager and Tania McCorkle as Director of Spa and Fitness,” says James Gibson, President and CEO, Garden of the Gods Resort and Spa. “Each leader’s distinctive expertise, knowledge and enthusiasm will continue to enhance our world-class resort and wellness offerings and provide meaningful experiences for our guests and club members alike.”
