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Introducing Our Valued StaffTo create a relaxed and carefree experience, CC Bloom's has fostered a strong relationship with its staff, many of whom have been with the hotel since it officially opened in the fall of 2004. Valuing and caring about our staff/family has been a key component in assuring that every guest leaves with a good experience of CC Bloom's. We're proud to introduce our managing director, who had the vision and passion to see what CC Bloom's had to offer and worked to make his dream come true. | |
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Robert "Skip" Burns Managing Director of CC Bloom's Hotel Profile by Carol Greenhouse, provided by PhuketIndex.com |
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HUMBLE BEGINNINGS On Boxing Day, 2004, the tsunami that took more than 100,000 lives in Southeast Asia struck the beaches of Phuket. It was the height of tourist season, and hotels large and small scrambled not only to take care of their customers but to help the many thousands of residents who'd lost homes, possessions, family, and friends to the wall of water. |
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Although the 20-room inn had opened its doors only the month before, C.C. Bloom's took on a role in the effort. Since the boutique hotel is nestled into the mountainside above Kata, it was not directly affected by the tsunami and owner and managing director Robert "Skip" Burns knew it would not be long before the surrounding area made a full recovery. But he became what he calls an "overnight philanthropist" when he saw the devastation further north. Since then, Burns has worked day and night, not only to return his hotel to its target 90-percent occupancy, but to help the displaced children in the camps in Khao Lak who lost their parents in the tragedy. |
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Today, batiks created by these children hang on the walls of every guest room, and Burns and his colleagues host regular fundraisers to benefit the children. All the money generated from the project goes directly back to the camps and the children who made the art. MEET THE OWNER American hotelier Robert "Skip" Burns is a transplant from Hawaii, where he's been working in real estate for over 20 years. Before that, he was involved in the restaurant business, hotel management, adventure outfitting, and government in Alaska and Colorado. Like many, he first came into contact with the beautiful atmosphere and welcoming people of Thailand on vacation, and almost immediately began devising plans to stay. As soon as he saw the half-finished hotel overlooking Kata Beach, he knew he'd found his reason. |
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A HOME, NOT JUST A HOTEL ROOM Named after a feisty character played by Bette Midler in the American movie "Beaches," Phuket's newest hotel bears little resemblance to the structure Burns fell in love with just the summer before. The business-savvy Burns has decorated every room in traditional Thai decor with all the Western comforts. He built the Sunset Bar overlooking the sunsets on Kata Beach and turned the reception and poolside areas into a wonderful space to be in. He calls it all "our living room." |
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When asked how a small hotel
goes about keeping up with the competition, Burns says, His long-term plan? "For the hotel, close to 100 percent occupancy and the status of a well-loved Phuket institution, with customers from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, America, Scandinavia, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and a full-service restaurant on the premises," says Burns. "And for the children of Khao Lak and the other areas devastated by the tsunami, a return to the old way of life." He smiles, a warm grin that makes you feel as though it could just happen. "That's all." |
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