As the newly renovated Palmetto Beach Club officially opened its doors at the Fairmont Southampton, TNN News caught up with one of the young Bermudians helping lead the resort’s return—Aaron Phillips, Director of Marketing Communications.
Phillips, who recently returned to Bermuda after building an impressive international marketing career, said joining the Fairmont Southampton team was an opportunity to help tell Bermuda’s story in an authentic way.
Speaking with TNN News, Phillips said he has spent approximately a decade working in marketing, studying in the United Kingdom where he earned a Master’s degree in Marketing and Creative Advertising.
His career has taken him around the world, working on campaigns for globally recognized brands including Marriott, PlayStation, Coca-Cola and Lego. His work has also been featured in Saudi Arabia’s capital of Riyadh, London’s iconic Piccadilly Circus and aboard British Airways flights.
“It’s been incredible seeing my work across the world,” Phillips said. “But coming home and seeing my work here in Bermuda is a special feeling.”
Phillips said receiving the call from Fairmont Southampton was both exciting and meaningful because the company was intentionally seeking Bermudian talent.
“They wanted Bermudians who could tell Bermuda’s story authentically,” he said. “From my very first interview through my final interview with General Manager Kiaran McDonald, it was clear they valued local talent and wanted Bermudians to be part of bringing this hotel back to life.”
With the resort closed for more than six years, Phillips said guests can expect a thoughtful balance between preserving the hotel’s heritage and introducing a fresh, modern experience.
“We’re reimagining the hotel while protecting what people loved,” he explained. “Guests will still recognize familiar features like the grand staircase and the Jasmine Lounge, including its famous flatbread pizzas. At the same time, the guestrooms will have a refreshed luxury island feel, and we’ll introduce exciting new dining concepts featuring seafood, Italian cuisine and French-Bermudian influences.”
Phillips also emphasized that Bermudians will play a leading role throughout the resort.
“When guests arrive, they’re going to see Bermudians at the helm,” he said. “We have Bermudian directors, Bermudian managers and Bermudians working across the property. People like Brooke Casey returned home from the United Kingdom specifically for this opportunity. That’s exactly what this reopening is about.”
He encouraged Bermudians considering careers in hospitality to look beyond seasonal employment and recognize the long-term opportunities available through Fairmont Southampton and its parent company, Accor.
“Working in hospitality isn’t just a summer job anymore—it’s a career,” Phillips said. “Being part of Accor opens doors to opportunities around the world, whether that’s at Sofitel, Novotel or other international brands. I joined as a Marketing Manager and have already been promoted to Director because they recognized my potential.”
Phillips urged anyone uncertain about joining the industry to take a chance.
“I encourage Bermudians to explore the opportunities available,” he said. “Give it a chance, see what’s possible and follow our journey as we prepare for the full reopening.”
The reopening of the Fairmont Southampton is expected to create hundreds of jobs and restore one of Bermuda’s most significant tourism assets, with Bermudians playing a central role in shaping the resort’s future.
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