Le Soleil d’Or interns, (left to right) Tad McFarlane, Litzy Walton-Valera and Jia Hydes, standing with Hotel Manager Amar Thottathil. 

A trio of young Caymanians is being immersed into the hospitality industry, gaining valuable experience and insights, while whetting their appetite to be tourism ambassadors during a three-month internship at Le Soleil d’Or in Cayman Brac.

The internship that started in June is an extension of the Dart Hospitality Training Programme with a specific focus on providing opportunities for residents of the Sister Island. Initially, spaces were being offered for two interns but due to the quality of the applications received, a third place was offered.

Jia Hydes, Tad McFarlane and Litzy Walton-Varela are being provided with exposure to various roles at the Dart-owned boutique resort.

Hydes said she was inspired to apply because of her mother’s experience in the industry. “I am interested in the hospitality and tourism sector because I want to set a good example for my younger siblings of what hard work can provide which is very similar to my mother’s career in hospitality. She has brought popularity to Caymanian cuisine and even travelled overseas to represent Cayman.”  

McFarlane decided to seize the opportunity because it aligned with his career goals. “I aspire to be a world-renowned chef, a diver or a marine biologist,” said McFarlane. “I saw this internship as a good opportunity to better myself and my future, especially to get a job within the industry that I am interested in.”  

Walton-Valera said wanted to learn about the hospitality industry to broaden her career prospects. “I’m delighted that such an opportunity was provided to us in Cayman Brac. I’m still figuring out what path I want to explore but this is the perfect way to see if this internship provides the inspiration for a career in hospitality,” said Walton-Valera, who also spent some of her summer travelling as a member of the national volleyball team.

The interns are each being provided with 30 hours of training per week with an hourly stipend and basic insurance. They have been rotating through various roles in administration, food and beverage, housekeeping and on the resort’s 20-acre farm.

Dart Hospitality Programme Manager Dianne Conolly said the team at Le Soleil d’Or has indicated that the interns are gleaning considerable experience and have all displayed positive attitudes. “The goal is to open their eyes to the opportunities that exist in the hospitality industry. We are providing as much hands on experience as possible to them with the end-goal of having more young Caymanians helping to deliver unique experiences to our visitors for years to come,” said Conolly.

Acquired by Dart in 2019, Le Soleil d’Or is the Cayman Islands’ only beachside farm-to-table destination with elegant accommodations in the form of villas with a private pool and beach access.

Since 2022, 25 young Caymanians have graduated from the Dart Hospitality Training Programme in Grand Cayman after being exposed to careers at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman. Conducted in partnership with Lynn University, the programme provides foundational information and skills, along with rotational training through the participating hotels. Another cohort of 15 participants are also completing their training in Grand Cayman with the newly opened Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman included for the 2024 programme.