Giuliana Torres was born in Guadalajara, Mexico to an Austrian mother and a Mexican father. Even though their cultures were so different, her parents shared an interesting commonality – both were hoteliers. It was pretty much predestined that she too would work in the hotel industry.
Sure enough, in the 16 years Giuliana has spent in Los Cabos, she’s worked 14 years at Marriott – seven years specifically at Solaz, where today, she’s the general manager.
Here’s our conversation with Giuliana:
What was the trajectory of your career like, and has it been more challenging as a woman?
The hotel career, like the operation of a hotel, is divided into two main segments: room division – everything related to the extra services we provide to guests, and food and beverages – everything related to culinary experiences within the hotel. These are the two avenues you can take to become a general manager. I chose the room career path, as opposed to the food and beverage one.
I earned a degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from FVK-Berufe Klessheim University in Salzburg, Austria while working as a food and beverage assistant at a restaurant in the same city.
My mentors were mostly men, and I was also constantly in training with my parents throughout my life. The key is mentorship. Everyone needs a sponsor, but especially women. I don’t believe it is more challenging to achieve the general manager role as a woman, but we do need to continue to work on leveling equal pay.
As a role model for women in the travel industry, do you do anything to help other women who want to get into the field?
As a proud member of the board of the Hotel Association in Cabo, I am deeply committed to championing the advancement of women in our industry. Alongside my fellow women GMs, we are forging a path that ensures our voices resonate more powerfully than ever before. Together, we are redefining leadership and inspiring the next generation of women to take their rightful place at the helm.
How do you support women at your company?
At Solaz, we are deeply committed to cultivating the talents and aspirations of every woman within our organization. My approach is rooted in mentorship and inspiration, creating an environment where women are empowered to advance through their skills and qualities. We uphold the highest standards of equality in our hiring practices, ensuring that every decision is grounded in merit. Furthermore, we are attentive to the distinct needs of our female team members, offering dedicated facilities such as nursing rooms to enhance their well-being and support for their professional journey.
What advice would you give women who are striving to climb the leadership ladder? And/or become a GM of a hotel?
For women aspiring to leadership, my counsel is to engage with deep attentiveness, maintain a flexible mindset, and consistently harness your core strengths. Exhibit your competencies with assuredness and take proactive control of your professional development. Additionally, it is crucial to forge meaningful connections with male colleagues within your organization who can broaden your sphere of influence—regard them as partners in your ascent rather than competitors. Leadership thrives on collaboration, and integrating diverse viewpoints will enhance and fortify your journey toward success.
What are some of your must-try menu items that you recommend to guests from the five diverse restaurants at Solaz?
A favorite of many, both Mexican and foreign, is the Wagyu Mole Negro. It is prepared by the Al Pairo team, from scratch, and made with over 30 ingredients. The corn-shaped dessert is an important symbol for us since corn is the backbone of Mexican food. And of course, we must take advantage of the freshness from the ocean. Mako makes delicious soft shell crab tacos and has one of my favorite oysters, and clams, in Los Cabos.
What are some of your favorite experiences, or most popular for guests, that Solaz offers?
We are fortunate enough to have our very own museum where we can tell the guests a little about the history of Baja. We have the Wild Canyon activities company that helps us with various experiences inside, and outside, the property such as, jet skis, zip line tours, sailing, and fishing trips.
Any exciting plans you would like to mention for the near future?
We have several exciting plans on the horizon, including being the headquarters for the ATP World Tour Tennis Tournament and our cherished event, Ofrenda in the fall.
Ofrenda, has evolved from a gathering of friends into a significant celebration of our Day of the Dead traditions. This event is a perfect opportunity to honor and celebrate our rich Mexican heritage, showcasing our ancestral gastronomy and cultural practices that fill us with pride.
We unite the vibrant Baja community by bringing together prominent figures from the tourism, artistic, and culinary sectors. Ofrenda is a tribute to exotic cuisine, and mixology, inspired by our ancestors. It is an extraordinary celebration for both our local community and visitors.
This article was created in partnership with FIPROTUR Los Cabos under the private trust. See the website disclaimer here. For more information, visit https://fiproturloscabos.com.
