Written By: Nicole Hakim // Photographed By: Bhadri Kubendran
“IT MAKES ME HAPPY THAT PEOPLE CAN ENJOY LUXURY. THEY DON’T HAVE TO SNEAK AROUND, AND THE RESORT PASS ALLOWS THEM JUSTIFYING GOING TO A HOTEL.” —AMANDA SZABO
Ilsa Butler
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING AT EVANS HOTELS AND THE LODGE AT TORREY PINES Q: What inspired you to work in the hotel industry? Ilsa Butler: I can’t think of a better way to become oriented to a new city than working in the hotel industry first-hand. It forced me on the fast track of learning all I could about San Diego as a destination, and of course our own collection within Evans Hotels: the Bahia Resort Hotel, Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa and our AAA Five Diamond hotel, The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Q: Where is your favorite place to travel to and why? IB: I have many favorites, but one that has stuck in my mind over the years is Florence, Italy. I love “I ENJOY LIVING THE SAN DIEGO LIFESTYLE BY PLAYING GOLF, VISITING OUR BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND CATCHING SUNSETS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.” —ILSA BUTLER
Evans Hotels www.evanshotels.com Photoshoot Location: The Lodge at Torrey Pines 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 858.453.4420 | www.lodgetorreypines.com
the people, architecture and the birthplace of gelato (I always got two a day). Plus, it was my first real experience travelling abroad with a local, like a local. It’s so different than being a tourist. I recommend those thinking of visiting San Diego to speak to our locals and explore it like a local. There are many hidden gems and unique neighborhoods to be discovered. Q: When you’re not working, what do you like to do in your spare time? IB: I enjoy living the San Diego lifestyle by playing golf, visiting our beautiful beaches and catching sunsets whenever possible. I’m also an animal lover, and start off every morning by walking my dog.
AND THE AWARD GOES TO... • Butler has received the HSMAI’s Gold Key Award for “Sales Person of the Year.” BUSY BEE • Butler has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from State University New York (SUNY). LOCALE MAGAZINE 67