Jimmy Furtado Appointed General Manager of Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Inn

Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Inn Welcomes New General Manager

July 2026: Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Inn has announced the appointment of Jimmy Furtado as its new General Manager. A seasoned hospitality leader with more than two decades of industry experience, Furtado will oversee the operations of one of California’s most celebrated coastal resorts. His responsibilities include managing daily operations, strengthening owner relationships, and elevating guest experiences at the iconic Carmel property overlooking the Pacific Ocean along the breathtaking Big Sur coastline.

A Vision Focused on Exceptional Guest Experiences

Sharing his excitement about the new role, Jimmy Furtado expressed his commitment to preserving the resort’s legacy while introducing meaningful enhancements.

“It’s a privilege to join this incredible community. My vision for Highlands Inn is to build on the strong foundation already in place by continuing to deliver exceptional service, enhancing amenities, and fostering a genuine sense of community among our owners. I look forward to hearing their ideas as we move forward together,” he said.

His leadership approach emphasizes personalized hospitality, continuous service improvement, and creating memorable experiences for both vacation owners and guests.

Over Two Decades of Hospitality Leadership

Jimmy Furtado brings more than 20 years of hospitality management experience, having built a strong reputation in strategic planning, operational excellence, brand management, and guest engagement. Throughout his career, he has successfully led teams across multiple hotel departments, including food and beverage, front office, housekeeping, and recreation.

His ability to streamline operations while maintaining exceptional service standards has consistently contributed to outstanding guest satisfaction at luxury resorts.

Successful Leadership at Marriott Vacations Worldwide

Furtado joined Marriott Vacations Worldwide in 2023 as Director of Operations at Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas, a 697-villa luxury resort in California. During his tenure, he successfully led cross-functional teams that delivered remarkable operational performance and elevated the overall guest experience.

Under his leadership, the resort earned Good Housekeeping’s 2025 Family Resort of the Year recognition for the region. In addition, Furtado received the Marriott Vacations Worldwide West Region Innovation Award 2024, recognizing his commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and service improvements.

Experience with Renowned Luxury Hotel Brands

Before joining Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Furtado held senior leadership positions at several internationally recognized hospitality brands, including JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, and W Montreal.

Across these prestigious properties, he introduced guest-focused initiatives that enhanced service quality, improved customer engagement, and strengthened overall guest satisfaction, further establishing himself as a respected hospitality executive.

International Perspective and Strong Educational Background

Originally from Montreal, Canada, Jimmy Furtado holds a Diplôme d’études collégiales in Hotel and Restaurant Management from LaSalle College. Fluent in both French and Portuguese, he brings a valuable international perspective to his leadership style, enabling him to connect with guests and colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds.

His passion for travel and cultural experiences continues to influence his approach to delivering world-class hospitality.

Life Beyond Hospitality

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Furtado enjoys biking, golfing, and discovering local culinary experiences. He and his wife, Jessica, have recently relocated to Carmel, California, along with their miniature schnauzer, Mr. Feeny. The family is looking forward to becoming active members of the Monterey Peninsula community while embracing the lifestyle and culture of the region.

A Promising New Chapter for Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Inn

With Jimmy Furtado taking the helm as General Manager, Hyatt Vacation Club at Highlands Inn is entering an exciting new chapter. His extensive leadership experience, operational expertise, and passion for exceptional hospitality position the resort to further strengthen owner relationships, enhance guest satisfaction, and build upon its long-standing reputation as one of California’s premier luxury coastal destinations.

As the resort continues to welcome travelers seeking unforgettable experiences along the scenic Big Sur coastline, Furtado’s vision is expected to play a key role in shaping its future while honoring the legacy that has made Highlands Inn a beloved destination for generations.