KAUA‘I, Hawai‘i  (February 24, 2022) – Destination Residences Hawaiʻi announces the appointment of Davide Barnes as director of operations for The Lodge at Kukuiʻula, an oceanfront luxury resort nestled within the exclusive 1,010-acre Kukuiʻula community on the southern shores of Kauaʻi. Barnes is responsible for the successful daily operations of the guest experience, housekeeping and maintenance departments, and cultivating owners' relations and acquisitions.

"Davide's successful experience working with multi-layered premiere lodging models from hotels, resorts and residences make him ideal for this role," says Michael Cuthbertson, area vice president of Destination Residences Hawaiʻi which manages The Lodge at Kukuiʻula. "He understands the similarities and differences between hotel guests' relationships compared to owners' relationships. He will navigate and lead the strategy to ensure both are given customized and elevated experiences that supports our branding and financial objectives.

The Lodge at Kukuiʻula offers nightly reservations of one- to three-bedroom bungalows, two- to three-bedroom cottages and four-bedroom villas. All accommodations feature indoor and outdoor living areas, spacious modern kitchens, and spa-inspired bathrooms with private outdoor showers. Guests have access to exclusive amenities within The Club at Kukuiʻula, including Hiʻilani Spa+ Fitness, an 18-hole Tome Weiskopf golf course, tennis courts, Huakaʻi Outfitters outdoor activities, and a sprawling complex of fresh- and saltwater pools and lagoons called Makai Pools. Guests may also dine at Umeke Kitchen + Bar and the Makai Grill + Bar and access ten acres of organic-grown produce at The Farm.

"The Lodge at Kukuiʻula is phenomenal," says Barnes. "My mission is to continue the resort's already successful journey while attracting a new generation of travelers by working with the team in delivering high-level experiences that are customized, authentic, and life changing for our resort guests and homeowners." 

Barnes' outstanding career in hospitality began in 1995 with Benchmark Resorts and Hotels as a director of rooms for The Northland Inn in Minneapolis, eventually becoming the general manager of Chaminade Resort and Spa in Santa Cruz, Calif. After more than a decade with Benchmark, Barnes worked with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts serving as hotel manager for Four Seasons Philadelphia, Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, and general manager of Four Seasons Prague. During his tenure at Benchmark and Four Seasons, he led his teams to optimal operational and financial efficiencies, often elevating the properties as leaders within each of their respective markets.

Following his time with Four Seasons, Barnes served as hotel manager for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts for Pudong, Shangri-La. He oversaw the daily operations of 951 guest rooms and suites, 10 food and beverage outlets, two health clubs and a spa, and 17,000-sq.ft. of event space. Barnes led and executed revenue and performance management strategies that increased the overall profitability of the luxury resort. He worked diligently with more than 1,000 team members to boost guest satisfaction through ongoing service training.

In 2013, he adapted his executive hospitality experience to the technology industry. Barnes worked for Apple as a market leader focused on increasing annual sales and financial performance, improving customer service, and expanding business development opportunities. His current role as director of operations at The Lodge at Kukuiʻula is his long-anticipated return to travel and tourism.

"I couldn't have picked a better company than Destination Residences Hawaiʻi to restart my career in this industry that I love, missed and hagiven me so much," says Barnes. "I admire and share the values of 'ohana (family), ho'okipa (hospitality), and aloha (compassion) that it practices with its team members and communities. My whole career has been about creating and leading great teams. I am excited to be part of this team, part of this ʻohana.

Barnes, his wife and two children are active community members supporting local organizations such as the Kapaʻa High School, Lawai International Center, and Kauaʻi Community Players. In their spare time, they love to go to Keʻe beach and enjoy all the beautiful hikes their island home has to offer .

For more information on The Lodge at Kukui‘ula or to book, visit www.LodgeatKukuiula.com or call 1-866-901-5204.  For information on Kukui`ula visit www.kukuiula.com.

About Kukui‘ula®

Kukui‘ula is developed by Kukui‘ula Development Company (Hawai‘i), LLC, an affiliate of DMB Associates, Inc. ("DMB"), a Scottsdale, Arizona-based diversified real estate development and investment firm (www.dmbinc.com), and A & B Properties, Inc., a subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., one of Hawai‘i’s largest private landowners (www.abprop.com). DMB has been a highly acclaimed leader in creating successful legacy communities in the western U.S. for more than 20 years. Alexander & Baldwin, a landmark name in the Hawaiian Islands for over 145 years, is involved in real estate, diversified agriculture and materials and infrastructure construction. 

About Destination Residences Hawaii

Destination Residences Hawai'i, part of Hyatt Hotels Independent Collection, offers the largest selection of premium vacation homes and villas in the luxurious destination of Maui, Kauaʻi and the Island of Hawaiʻi. It presents a fine collection of studio-, one-, two-, three-, four and five-bedroom private villas and condominiums. Each resort features a swimming pool, jet spa, and tropical gardens in proximity to championship golf courses, tennis courts, pristine beaches, shopping, and dining. For more information, call toll-free at 1-800-367-5246 or visit www.destinationresidenceshawaii.com.

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