POIPU — Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa employee Yolanda “Yoyo” Mangayayam and Anara Spa Director Kristi Dickinson got to enjoy the glitz and glam that prevailed during the Grand Hyatt Kauai’s annual awards party on Jan. 15.
The annual gala in Poipu celebrated 2024 and looked forward to 2025 with the announcement of the resort and spa’s Employee and Leader of the Year, who were recognized for their exceptional work ethic and customer service.
“We are so thrilled to honor Yoyo and Kristi for their exceptional work, their positivity and can-do attitude,” said Grand Hyatt Kauai General Manager Michael Murphy. “They both truly set a great example.”
“These exemplary employees receive an additional week of paid vacation, six additional complimentary nights at any Hyatt in Canada or the U.S., airfare for two, a $250 dining credit, and $500 spending money,” said the Grand Hyatt Kauai in a release.
Mangayayam has been an integral part of making guests’ stays at the resort extraordinary for more than 34 years. As a housekeeping attendant, her attention to detail keeps the guestrooms welcoming as people make the resort their home away from home, the release said.
“Her open and welcoming nature makes both guests and colleagues feel special,” the release said. “Due to her skill and experience, she helps train new colleagues and is reliable, always there for her team, and always with her winning smile.”
Dickinson, as director of Anara Spa, has revitalized the staff, initiated many new treatments, developed a new program for meetings and conventions, and oversaw renovations of the fitness room, pool furniture and locker room, the release said.
That included bringing back the favored Hawaiian Alii Facial to enabling Mana Lomi training for massage therapists. Dickinson is keeping the spa in line with Hawaiian healing practices, and also advancing tech-based treatments like LightStim and the Oxygen Glow Facial, the release said.
In addition to the Exceptional Employees, the Purchasing Team was recognized as the Department of the Year for its hard work efficiency and outstanding spirit of aloha.
“This team tirelessly keeps every department in the resort well-stocked with all they need to do their jobs, working with local purveyors to large producers,” the Poipu resort said.