Las Terrazas Resort and Residences wouldn’t be the luxury island hotel that it is if it weren’t for the unBELIZEable staff that keeps it running day and night. With a diligent work ethic, we would be remiss to not take the opportunity to introduce the remarkable employees who are the heart and soul of Las Terrazas Resort. It is a pleasure to introduce the one and only Curl Bell who leads the Front Office team here at Las Terrazas Resort in Ambergris Caye, Belize.
Born in Belmopan, the capital of Belize, Curl was raised by his parents Martha and Derek on a farm brimming with chickens, livestock, and produce. At a young age, Curl learned the art of “catch to cook”, a skill that allowed him to prepare and enjoy food caught by his own hands. When he was not working on the family farm, Curl pursued his passion – football, known as soccer to those in the US. He grew up practicing his skills at every opportunity and became an avid fan of the Real Madrid. Though he does not have a favorite player, he is drawn to the team’s free flowing style, with the ball being passed along by crisp moves that are unhindered by fouls, opponent interference, or falling out of bounds. These days, Curl enjoys playing for the San Pedro Veterans league in his spare time.
Las Terrazas Resort has been blessed by Curl’s presence since its inception. He began his career with the organization when he was employed at the former Journey’s End Resort on Ambergris Caye as the Activities Coordinator more than eleven years ago. After Journey’s End hotel closed, he was promoted to Front Office Clerk at Las Terrazas Resort with a focus on tours and activities. His unflappable nature with all guests, knowledge of Belize activities, as well as his exemplary team leadership, made him a natural choice for the position of Front Office Manager where he now oversees the Front Desk Team. Eleven years into his tenure and he is still as enthusiastic about his job as the day he first began, happily leading the Front Desk Team through the joys and challenges that make the resort run smoothly and efficiently. Our guests enjoy challenging Curl’s athletic abilities, as he leads daily games of beach volleyball. Never lacking in patience with our younger guests who are new to the sport, and always with a smile on his face, our guests young and old, athletic or not, enjoy the fun “island” spirit Curl brings to Las Terrazas Resort.
While he is not always on the front lines helping guests, his leadership undoubtedly sets the tone of the resort, providing a positive lasting impression on our guests. Curl leads the rest of the team in hospitality and customer service, entrusting them with special tasks that include but are not limited to check in, dinner reservations, spa appointments, tour and excursion recommendations, the chaos of lost and found, and so much more. It is his warmth, hospitality, and leadership that has cultivated a team that excels in making Las Terrazas Resort guests happy and comfortable during their stay on the island. As regular Greg Johnson, who comes to Las Terrazas Resort annually for a father/son fishing trip, puts it, “Nothing is too big or too small for Curl to expertly take care of – and always with a smile. From lost luggage to the best fishing guides, Curl takes care of our every need each year.”
Managing the Front Desk is so much more than just a job to Curl. It is his passion! When asked what gets him out of bed each morning, he eagerly shares that he loves the variety and challenges that each day brings. The respect that he has earned from the owners and staff alike are motivating, not to mention the obscure and sometimes naughty requests he sometimes gets from the guests. Though these untold secrets keep him laughing, he declined to comment in more detail – undoubtedly forging the trust that wins over those who enter the resort doors! Never one to be bothered or put off by all of the unique challenges that come with managing the Front Desk, Curl explains that he is proud to be “open all hours” and is happy to help every hotel guest no matter the time of day.
Curl has a great future ahead of him both personally and professionally. He just welcomed his second child into the world, a bouncing baby boy who made his debut on August 27th. Professionally speaking, Curl is just getting started in his career, with long term aspirations to one day run his own hotel in the Belize jungle. He longs to combine the fond memories of his rural upbringing with his current day resort experience, hoping to incorporate produce, wildlife, and hunting into the mix of luxury island hotel life. Until then, Curl is happy to lead the Front Office team with warmth, professionalism, and smiles by day and retiring to the soccer field by night.
Curl is much loved by all who encounter Las Terrazas Resort and is recognized by his smile from a mile away. Come visit our luxury boutique resort and make sure to meet Curl and the rest of his Front Desk team for yourself on beautiful Ambergris Caye, Belize!
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