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Pearle Hospitality Appoints General Manager & Executive Chef to Take Elora Mill to the Top

January 14, 2018

Pearle Hospitality's newest property, Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, is steeped in the palpable spirit of anticipation as it nears its full transformative restoration. After six years of planning, this massive project will come to life this Spring as one of the best luxury boutique hotel destinations in the world. It's only fitting that Pearle Hospitality would appoint world-renowned leaders to make the first hotel in the company's portfolio one of the most enticing resort destinations on the map.

As a native of South Africa and a recent resident of London, England, Geoffrey Wild has traveled a great distance to join the opening team of Elora Mill Hotel & Spa as its General Manager. With well over 15 years of hospitality experience spanning four continents, Geoffrey has successfully managed some of the most prestigious hotel properties in the world. Geoffrey is a true champion of the values and commitment to service excellence that define Pearle Hospitality. He is thrilled to be assembling a team of superior hospitality talent dedicated to the care and comfort of all guests.

Chef John Bakker has most recently served as Executive Chef of Gili Lankanfushi, a retreat destination voted #1 Luxury Resort in Asia for 2017. In addition to his time in the Maldives, John has made notable stops in Scandinavia, Germany, France and the United Kingdom, working in some of the most impressive kitchens in Europe. Bakker is returning to his hometown roots to take the helm of the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa kitchen and leverage his vast international knowledge to bring something truly unique to the Elora experience. His goal is to put Elora Mill Hotel & Spa on the culinary map by taking Pearle Hospitality's food philosophy to the next level.

Wild and Bakker have joined forces to create a guest experience that is unforgettable and unrivalled. Perched atop the thundering Elora Falls, each of the property's 30 elegant guest rooms feature an oversized walk-in shower, wood-burning fireplace and the latest in-room technology. A full-service luxury spa, infinity pool and outdoor Jacuzzi promote unabashed pampering, while a gourmet restaurant with a striking view of the Gorge promises indulgence at its finest.

The rich history and traditional beauty of the natural stone-built Mill make for a magical backdrop to any special occasion. Elegant event rooms boast dramatic high ceilings, ornate mouldings, antique mirrors and majestic chandeliers. From the romantic and intimate to the spacious and spirited, no detail is overlooked to achieve that perfect celebratory ambiance.

All the charm and adventure that the town embodies also means no shortage of things for guests to do. In addition to the festivals, shops and artisans found in this charming community, a plethora of activities are also a stone's throw away – zip-lining, fly fishing, glass-blowing, pottery making and more. There is something to do year-round for everyone.

The beauty of the surroundings and level of luxury and comfort being created will only be outdone by the level of service and spirit of hospitality offered by Geoffrey Wild and John Bakker. Pearle Hospitality is thrilled to have these two consummate professionals at the helm of such a monumental opening. For more information on the wonders that await visit eloramill.ca (Opening Spring 2018).

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Geoffrey Wild
General Manager, Elora Mill Hotel & Spa

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John Bakker
Executive Chef, Elora Mill Hotel & Spa