Banyan Cay Resort & Golf, a 250-acre new-build property in southeast Florida’s West Palm Beach, announces the appointment of David Kohlasch as general manager. Kohlasch will lead the project toward its planned 2022 opening.
Operated by BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, Banyan Cay is set to become the first Destination by Hyatt hotel in Florida; the Destination by Hyatt brand features distinct properties for passionately independent guests seeking a sense of belonging through connections to unique cultures and places. Banyan Cay also becomes the first full-service Hyatt property in Palm Beach County, a world-class destination recognized for its beaches, water activities, shopping, golf, and international polo scene.
Kohlasch joins Banyan Cay as general manager of both the resort and golf club. A seasoned hotelier with more than two decades of experience in independent and branded hospitality operations, he arrives at Banyan Cay from Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark in Monticello, New York. There, Kohlasch oversaw the pre-opening and opening phases for the robust development that employed more than 500 individuals and recorded over $40 million in annual revenues. Prior to his tenure at Kartrite, Kohlasch led operations for a collection of Sonesta properties in St. Louis, Atlanta, and Baltimore; a Flik International portfolio of 15 hotels, conference centers, and private clubs across the U.S.; as well as Benchmark’s AAA Four Diamond-rated Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, VA with nearly 300 guest rooms, a private golf club with 45 holes, multiple food and drink outlets, a full-service spa, and 50,000 square-feet of meeting and event space. Kohlasch holds a Bachelor of Science degree in hotel administration from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.
“As Benchmark begins to establish Banyan Cay Resort & Golf as West Palm Beach’s premier hotel destination for golf, spa, and overall access to the best the area has to offer, it’s essential we bring the right people in to lead the effort,” said Rikki Boparai, vice president of operations for Benchmark. “David is a veteran industry leader whose experience will add tremendous value as Banyan Cay comes to life.”
The footprint of the resort will boast 150 expansive guest rooms and suites and 22 three-bedroom villas, as well as a robust menu of amenities that includes a lush spa, two on-site restaurants, resort-style swimming pools, a poolside tiki bar, six tennis courts, and four pickleball courts. Resort guests will enjoy access to Banyan Cay’s already-open private golf club with 18 holes on what is Jack Nicklaus’ 300th Signature course.
For more information or to book a future stay at Banyan Cay Resort & Golf, please visit http://www.banyancay.com.
The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.