Hamish and Jess Watts of Glen Eden Beach Resort win national award

A couple managing a resort in one of the country’s most popular tourism destinations have shared a glimpse into their lives after winning a national award.

Hamish and Jess Watts Glen Eden Resort.

A local couple has taken out a national award for hard work as resort managers in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular tourism regions.

Hamish and Jess Watts of Glen Eden Beach Resort in Peregian Beach have been awarded the “resort management team of the year” by the Australian Resident Managers Association of Australia.

The couple purchased the management rights in 2022 after Mr Watts’ career of 20 years as executive chef, operations manager and general manager at Hilton Hotels across the world.

Mr Watts said it felt good to reestablish the resort, which initially opened in 1981, as a premier destination after refreshing its branding in the past year.

“We’ve upgraded gardens, completed a driveway project and installed CCTV to improve safety and security, and made the entire property look more attractive,” he said.

Mr Watts said one of the couple’s trade secrets is their outlook on their job and providing hospitality.

“We are really positive, outgoing people, we love what we do,” he said.

The couple felt “super humbled and excited” about receiving the award, which they had not expected considering they took on a business only about 15 months ago.

Their business is also a finalist for the Business of the Year category and Managers of the Year category at the Best of Tourism awards.

Mr Watts said the couple’s tenacity had made them become one of the best.

Glen Eden Resort at Peregian Beach.

The resort manager said his past experience across the globe had helped him develop cultural awareness and the ability to communicate with international guests.

“Jess is Chinese, which also helps guests from Asia feel comfortable,’ he said.

Competition judges also commented about the duo’s endorsements from their strata treasurer and manager, which showed the team’s effective management.

Mr Watts said their work day started with a walk around the property, engaging with guests, owner occupiers and their native residents such as Bob the Bush Turkey and Leeroy the Monitor Lizard.

Going on to ensure all the facilities are properly maintained, they then meet with their housekeeping team and discuss their VIP guest arrivals who receive handpicked welcome hampers from the resort.

The couple then check reviews, booking requests, social media queries and recent business trends and market performances.

Mr Watts said they also took time to liaise with local businesses, which he described as supportive, and chat with their marketing team to discuss collaborations.

They then complete a final check of the complex before welcoming their guests in the afternoon.

Originally published as Hamish and Jess Watts of Glen Eden Beach Resort win national award