St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (June 20, 2024) – The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is proud to announce the appointment of Laura Jarvinen as General Manager. With over 25 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector, Jarvinen brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success to the esteemed 180-room resort.
In her new role, Jarvinen will leverage her extensive experience, strong skill set, and creative abilities to enhance the guest experience and drive the strategic vision of the luxury property. Her primary focus will be on maintaining the highest standards of service and hospitality across all hotel operations. This includes the introduction of enhanced amenities, elevated programming, and new executive positions in food and beverage as well as wellness, all aimed at enriching the overall resort experience.
“We are thrilled to welcome Laura Jarvinen as the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas,” said Clifford Brutus, Director of Sales & Marketing. “Her deep expertise and passion for service and hospitality truly set her apart. We are confident that her leadership will greatly enhance our property, reinforcing our status as the premier luxury resort in St. Thomas.”
“This is an exceptional team to join and I look forward to leading the elevation of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas’ guest experience in this new role,” said Laura Jarvinen. “My aim is to further enhance our programming by tying in local Caribbean components throughout for the most authentic St. Thomas experience, as well as build a strong culture of service with our ladies and gentlemen dedicated to delivering top-tier hospitality found at Ritz-Carlton hotels. Together, we will create unforgettable memories for our guests.”
Throughout her career, Laura has held key positions at The Ritz-Carlton and W brands across the US and CALA regions, managing various disciplines, including Food & Beverage, Culinary, Rooms, and Events, while leading numerous strategic initiatives. Her tenure in these roles demonstrates her exceptional leadership skills, comprehensive industry knowledge, and a proven ability to drive excellence and innovation. Most recently, she served as Hotel Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, where she played a key role in implementing innovative guest service initiatives and maintaining its Forbes Triple Five-Star status.
Jarvinen holds a master’s degree in management from Hodges University in Naples, Florida, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Hospitality Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. Beyond her professional achievements, she is passionate about snorkeling, traveling, dining, and reading.