Manager for a New Wellness Hostel (Ocotal)

Job Title: Hostel Manager (2 Positions Available)
Location: Ocotal, Costa Rica
Start Date: December 1st – 15th, 2024

About the Hostel:

Nestled in beautiful Ocotal, Costa Rica, just 35 minutes from Liberia airport and minutes from the vibrant town of Playa del Coco, our hostel is an ideal destination for travelers beginning their Costa Rican adventure. We’re seeking two dynamic, entrepreneurial managers to take charge of the hostel’s daily operations. These positions are perfect for a couple or two individuals who are ready to embrace life in Costa Rica while making a meaningful impact. The hostel’s profits are dedicated to a not-for-profit supporting disabled individuals, children, and their families. The hostel is expected to open mid January, following the initial setup and organization phase, giving the managers time to prepare and ensure everything is ready for guests.

About the Role:

As a manager of our hostel, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the guest experience from the ground up, overseeing daily operations and staff management to create a welcoming atmosphere that fosters a sense of community among guests. This role empowers you to take full responsibility for the hostel’s setup and operations, allowing you to bring your vision to life with full autonomy, running the hostel as if it’s your own without the overhead costs. Managers will have the freedom to shape the business, improve the guest experience, and increase their income by expanding services such as wellness offerings. We are seeking self-starters who are motivated and inspired to create a unique and thriving environment, with a passion for wellness, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a drive to grow the hostel into a vibrant community hub. This position also allows you to embrace the beauty of Costa Rica while fostering a sense of connection among guests and staff alike.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage daily operations alongside a co-manager.
• Serve and organize a light organic breakfast for guests.
• Supervise and coordinate cleaning staff to maintain the highest standards.
• Oversee property maintenance and improvements, including aesthetics.
• Physical requirements: Be comfortable with basic property maintenance tasks and assisting with guest needs as necessary
• Foster a welcoming and positive environment for guests.
• Maintain the hostel’s ethos of wellness, healing, and sustainability.
• Manage online bookings and maintain up-to-date listings on all booking platforms to maximize occupancy.
• Oversee marketing efforts for the hostel, including social media content and local collaborations to enhance visibility.
• Maintain a flexible work schedule to ensure smooth operations while fully experiencing all that Costa Rica has to offer.
• Collaborate with local service providers to curate unique experiences for guests, such as excursions and wellness activities.
• Foster strong relationships with local businesses and residents to create a vibrant and supportive environment for both the hostel and the surrounding community.
• Oversee the initial setup and organization of the hostel in December, ensuring all aspects of the property are ready for a smooth opening in January.
• Support future property enhancements (e.g., organic gardens, saltwater pool, and chickens).
• Promote and manage additional offerings like yoga, massage, or wellness-based services to enhance guest experience and increase revenue (all additional revenue retained by managers).
• Opportunity to assist in opening a small cafe/restaurant and retail shop for holistic and wellness goods (all additional revenue retained by managers).

Required Skills and Traits:

• Entrepreneurial mindset: Ability to think creatively and seize opportunities.
• Bilingual: Proficient in both Spanish and English, with the ability to speak and understand basic conversations. A willingness to improve language skills is essential for effective communication with guests and collaboration with local service providers.
• Leadership: Experience in management or supervisory roles.
• Hospitality experience: Prior experience in hostel, restaurant, or hospitality management.
• Initiative: Self-starter who can work independently and take ownership.
• Organizational skills: Ability to handle multiple tasks and oversee various aspects of hostel operations
• Trend-savvy: Ability to stay current with trends and understand what’s “cool,” ensuring the hostel is presented in a way that appeals to the ideal customer base.
• Problem-solving: Vision and creativity to address challenges and improve operations.
• Passion for wellness: Interest in promoting health, wellness, and healing within the business and for guests.
• Culturally curious: A genuine interest in learning about and engaging with diverse cultures, enhancing the guest experience and fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment.
• Customer-focused: Strong interpersonal skills, friendly and approachable with a passion for creating a welcoming and social atmosphere that fosters community building among guests.
• Comfortable with physical tasks: Be comfortable with some physical tasks, such as basic property maintenance and assisting with guest needs.

Perks of the Role:

• Live and work in Costa Rica for 6+ months in a private 1-bedroom apartment (for couples) or private room (for individuals).
• Access to the owner’s car, scooter, and golf cart for local transportation.
• 15-minute walk to Ocotal Beach.
• Discounts for family and friends on hostel stays.
• Tremendous opportunity for personal and professional growth.
• Freedom to expand the business concept with creative ideas, including opening a café, shop, or adding services.
• Satisfaction in contributing to a business that supports a not-for-profit.
• Opportunity to continue in the same position, with the potential to expand responsibilities and increase income through new initiatives and offerings.
• Eligible for an end-of-season bonus upon successful completion of the full high-season contract.

Contract Details:

• 12 months: December 1st 2024 – November 30th, 2025 with the potential to renew for another season’s contract
• Compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.

Application Requirements:

• Must provide valid references.
• Previous management or hospitality experience required.
• Passion for health, wellness, and sustainable living.

If you are ready to embark on this exciting journey in Costa Rica, we encourage you to apply! This is your chance to grow both personally and professionally while supporting a cause that makes a difference.

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