Name: Beatriz Elena A.
Position: Executive Assistant   
Location: Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort 
Drink or treat of choice: Coconut Water 

Before the sun rises over the waves, Beatriz is already up and running. On any given morning, she’s out walking her dogs, grabbing her board, and heading to the ocean for a bodyboarding session before most people start making coffee. By 9 a.m., she’s at her desk at Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, in Costa Rica, where she serves as Executive Assistant to the General Manager. Balancing being a professional bodyboarder with the pace of hotel operations might sound like a challenge, but for Beatriz, it’s a way of life.  

“I have been training and competing continuously since 2006, and integrating my training routine with my schedule at the hotel has been extremely challenging,” she says, “but thanks to the support of my work team and my husband, I get the job done.” 

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She even has her own brand of covers for surfboards and surf accessories she makes herself! Beatriz’s days are full, but she feels fueled by purpose—both in and out of the water. Beatriz is also a certified yoga instructor and since she joined Marriott in 2023, she has also brought this passion into her role, leading yoga classes through the TakeCare program.  

“From the moment I entered the property, I had the opportunity to share my passion for wellness, sports and outdoor activities with my co-workers at the hotel, organizing yoga classes for the team through the Take Care program,” she says.  

Keep reading to learn more about Beatriz’s story of discipline, heart, and the power of living your values.

Tell us a bit about your role, and the work you’re doing to help the team succeed.    

As an assistant General Manager, I must maintain excellent interpersonal relationships, assertive communication, empathy and a lot of diplomacy, order and a great deal of discernment. I always try to go beyond the responsibilities of my position and support different departments on projects and issues where I can.  

What’s your favorite thing about working at Mariott?  

I feel like I am recognized and valued both in my daily duties at the hotel and beyond, that what I do has a positive impact on my work environment, and that is something that has served me as a motivation to continue to dedicate time to my dreams. Those dreams are what give me that extra battery from which I draw strength to do my best both inside and outside the hotel. 

Also, there is a culture of respect and equality here. I feel like the individual needs of associates are considered, there is a safe environment, and our identity and individuality are treated with the greatest respect.  

What are some of the challenges and responsibilities of your role?  

Interacting with so many people at work was a new experience for me, but it has also been an opportunity for learning and personal growth and I am very grateful. My daily routine can be overwhelming, however, with discipline, order, teamwork with my husband, and a good, well-structured routine, I can achieve everything!   

You’re passionate about the TakeCare program, how do you think it impacts associates?  

I think TakeCare is something wonderful that should exist in all companies. Investing in the well-being of the workforce is one of the best things an employer can do. Besides improving the associates’ health, [the activities we do through this program] create spaces for recreation and socialization beyond normal work relationships, that increase empathy, commitment, cooperation, and trust. It creates a safe space where we feel protected, valued, and given a break from everyday stress.  

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