Greetings from a Manager for a Day

Couran Cove from the air
Photo: www.couran.com

Greetings! My name is Majella Coco and I am currently studying a Bachelor of International Hotel and Resort Management at Bond University. My colleague, Tatiana, and I were recently given the amazing opportunity to shadow The Couran Cove Island Resort Managers for a day.

I must admit that until my Professor spoke about Couran Cove Island Resort, I was incredibly unaware of its presence and the sheer delight of which I was oblivious. For those also unaware of this leading industry eco-tourism resort, it is located on South Stradbroke Island, forty minutes from the Gold Coast.

On the 17th of September 2009, Tatiana and I arrived at the Hope Island Ferry Terminal, were warmly greeted by the Couran Cove Island Resort Human Resources Manager and informed of our schedule of events for the day. Once more we were very fortunate it was such a beautiful day and as the boat set sail, we were able to admire the crystal clear waters and luxurious mansions privileged enough to call the Coomera River their backyard.

Forty minutes later, we arrived at an inlet of which sailors-by would be blissfully unaware. Once off the boat we were introduced to the Human Resources Manager’s assistant and then whisked away for a grand tour of the Resort from the luxury of our golf buggy. A number of the tour highlights included: the wildlife; Water Sports beach and the plethora of activities on offer; Mango Chapel- the Resort’s natural amphitheatre and popular wedding location; the Resort’s “train”; the Day Spa and General Store; the Gwondabah Environment and Aboriginal heritage centre; the island’s power station; in addition to the 100m running track opened by Olympian, Carl Lewis. After the tour we were introduced to the managers we would be shadowing and then given the opportunity to sit in on the daily management briefing, where problematic issues from the day before were discussed. For the first part of the day, I was assigned to the Rooms Division Manager, who possessed a wealth of knowledge.

Anthony Hills, Director of Rooms leading the grand tour

Photo: Tatiana Contegni

Our first item of business for the day was the Banquets and Events meeting. Tatiana and I learned the ins and outs of coordinating and planning a conference together with meeting demanding client requests, particularly in an economic crisis. The most important issue I took from the meeting is that more often than not small details are of critical importance and need to be planned for, such as the possible return of the dust storm and its significant impact on the Resort’s operations. After the meeting, the Rooms Division Manager kindly showed me the four styles of accommodation the Resort offers: the marine deluxe; the marine suite; the 2 bedroom lodge and the 4 bedroom villa. I noted that each style was unique in its own way and felt as if this is one’s own tropical paradise. I can also say, that without doubt, this 4-star luxury tropical island paradise will be added to my family’s top holiday locations!

At lunchtime we were treated to a delicious lunch at the Poolside Cafe, on Spa Island. While feasting on wood fired pizzas, steak burgers and salads, we discussed the dying art of customer service and other hospitality industry issues. For the remainder of the afternoon I had the pleasure of being shown around the island’s food and beverage outlets by the Food and Beverage Director. After a tour of the resort’s award winning signature restaurant appropriately named “The Restaurant”, offering dining overlooking the picturesque marina one felt as if he/she were worlds away on a luxury island resort. During the remaining time I gained a plethora of information from the Food and Beverage Director’s career and industry experience advice. I sincerely believe that participation in this program has assisted me, in becoming one step closer to reaching my goal of one day becoming a General Manager.

The Restaurant

Photo: www.couran.com

To my colleagues and future university students reading this blog, I encourage you to participate in ‘The Manager for a Day Program’ as it is a truly unique and invaluable opportunity to gain a wealth of knowledge and important industry connections. Listen to the managers and the advice they offer you, as they are the top of their field. In conclusion, my favourite part of the day was sitting in on the Banquets and Events meeting and gaining first-hand managerial experience. I hope you enjoyed reading this recount as much I enjoyed experiencing and writing about it.