In addition, Michael Schoonewagen has been named General Manager of the recently reopened tourist destination.

Hazel’s role

According to Mainsail Lodging and Development, in a press release on November 30, 2020, Hazel will handle day-to-day resort management and ensure proper guest and staff engagement, while Schoonewagen oversees resort and marina operations, with special attention to compliance with health protocols outlined by the Virgin Islands government.

The exclusive private island resort has reopened to overnight visitors and marina guests, following a months-long closure of the entire Caribbean territory earlier this year due to the coronavirus.

“As a loyal part of the Mainsail Lodging and Development team for the past five years, Dornelle understands service and quality expectations for the resort, and has proven himself ready to advance to the next level,” said Joe Collier, President of Mainsail Lodging and Development.

“When you couple that with Michael’s stellar career in luxury travel, his knowledge of the industry, and his passion for exceptional service, it creates a dream team perfectly suited for this responsibility, especially in light of changing travel demands,” Mr Collier added.

The exclusive private island resort, Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina, has reopened to overnight visitors and marina guests, following a months-long closure of the entire Caribbean territory earlier this year due to the coronavirus.

‘Triumph of Spirit Award’

According to the press release, with more than a decade in the travel industry, Hazel has spent the past five years working as senior resort host, front of house manager, and director of rooms operations at Scrub Island Resort, and most recently served as acting general manager.

“Having played an integral role in the reopening of the resort in 2018, following the devastating 2017 hurricanes, Hazel was presented the “Triumph of Spirit Award” at the Marriot Power of One Conference in 2019. He has recently completed a Masters Certificate in Hospitality from Cornell University.”

Michael Schoonewagen has been named General Manager of Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina.

Michael Schoonewagen

Prior to joining Scrub Island, Schoonewagen was general manager of the five-star Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Born in South Africa, and having grown up in Holland, South Africa and France, Schoonewagen’s portfolio, according to the press release, also has an international flair, including renowned properties in Monte Carlo, St Tropez, The Comores, Moscow, Portugal and Mauritius.

Prior to Dominica, Schoonewagen spent five years as general manager of The St Regis Bora Bora Resort, and four years at the helm of Belmond La Samanna in St. Martin. An internationally trained hotel manager, Schoonewagen completed his studies in the renowned Swiss hotel school, Centre International de Glion, and speaks fluent English, French, Dutch and Portuguese, as well as conversational German and Spanish, according to Mainsail Lodging and Development.

Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina, according to its website, offers several overnight options for guests and sailing vessels, with 52 guest accommodations, including suites with gourmet kitchens, spacious living areas and private/oversized balconies, as well as a collection of two-, three-, four- and six-bedroom villas, and a 55-slip marina with five for mega yachts up to 170 feet. Two private beaches, a waterfront infinity pool, an intimate spa, world-class dining, and on-site access to dive and sailing charters complete the overall experience on Scrub Island.