Spa People in the News

Viceroy Palm Springs gains new Executive Chef and new Spa Director as Viceroy collection prepares for expansion

January 21, 2009 (Los Angeles) – Viceroy Hotels and Resorts, one of Kor Hotel Group’s luxury brands, announces two senior management appointments to its Viceroy Palm Springs property. As Kor prepares to expand the brand’s provocative blend of intuitive service, innovative culinary experiences, and holistic wellness programs with the 2009 openings of Viceroy Miami and Viceroy Anguilla, creative new voices also bring an infusion of energy to the collection’s desert gem in Palm Springs.

James Bailey appointed Executive Chef
Melissa Solis-Caluya appointed Spa Director

“Both of these individuals represents an inspiring new asset to the evolution of Viceroy Palm Springs,” said Nicholas Clayton, President of Los Angeles-based Kor Hotel Group, in making the announcement. “With James’ refreshing creativity, as he demonstrated at our Delfina property, and Melissa’s holistic insight, the property is destined to attain even greater heights of excellence.”

James Bailey: To his position as Executive Chef for Citron restaurant at Viceroy Palm Springs, Bailey brings a culinary concept that centers on simple, seasonal ingredients elevated into amazing epicurean explorations. Applying the classic techniques of his formal culinary training, he draws on flavor profiles often inspired by the family cooking of his southern upbringing in Richmond, Virginia, and his world travels.

Bailey received a Pro Chef degree at the esteemed Culinary Institute of America and is a certified member of the American Culinary Federation. He comes highly experienced in the operational challenges of a full kitchen and professional staff, as well as in banquets, special events, and food and beverage management. During eight years of professional experience in the hospitality industry, he quickly ascended to Executive Chef status for a number of prestigious venues, most recently Perla Restaurant at Sheratin Delfina and just prior, the Richmond Country Club in Richmond, Virginia.

Melissa Solis-Caluya: As Spa Director for the Estrella Spa at Viceroy Palm Springs, Melissa Solis-Caluya brings a career in hospitality marked by innovative contributions and steady promotions. Most recently she was Manager of Sage Spa and Oasis Pool at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa in Cabazon, California, where she ensured that both the spa and pool services continually fulfilled their four-diamond expectations. During her tenure at Morongo, she also served as Gift Shop Manager (in tandem with her spa responsibilities), Assistant Spa Manager, Assistant to the Director of Hotel Operations, and as an opening team member, Front Desk Supervisor. Solis-Caluya began her hospitality career as a Front Desk Agent at the Four Seasons, Beverly Hills providing unwavering five-Star, five-diamond guest service.

Interview arrangements and photography (including headshots) are available upon request. Please contact Kor Hotel Group or Hawkins International at the numbers listed above.

About Viceroy Palm Springs Resort and Estrella Spa
Nestled beneath the ever-changing hues of the dramatic San Jacinto Mountains and amidst the distinct retro-appeal of Hollywood’s Golden-era playground, Viceroy Palm Springs Resort & Estrella Spa is an intimate boutique resort with 68 custom-designed rooms, studios and suites, as well as sumptuous private villas. Set amongst three secluded courtyards, Viceroy’s grounds feature three sparkling swimming pools and artistically manicured gardens. All hotel interiors were conceived by sought-after designer Kelly Wearstler, including Citron Restaurant & Bar and the resort’s full-service Estrella Spa. With a striking décor of soothing white and radiant yellow, set with dashes of ebony black, the hotel provides an appropriate continuity with the brilliant beauty of the Mojave’s ethereal desertscape. The full-service Estrella Spa offers a wide selection of desert-inspired signature treatments, some specially tailored for brides and couples, in a private and serene indoor-outdoor setting.

About Viceroy
Viceroy hotels and resorts exemplify a passion for authentic, world-class, visionary design and inventive service. From skyscraping cities to pacesetting playgrounds, every Viceroy destination re-imagines the essence of style and service and inspires discriminating guests to indulge in glamour, reinterpret cultural traditions and redefine their notions of luxury. Current Viceroy properties include Viceroy Santa Monica and Viceroy Palm Springs. Under development are Viceroy Miami, Viceroy Mayakoba in the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, and Viceroy Snowmassin Colorado, as well as Kor’s initial overseas venture,Viceroy Anguilla in the British West Indies.
The official site for the Viceroy brand is viceroyhotelsandresorts.com.