Salamander Resort & Spa Receives Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Rating

Salamander Resort & Spa has been awarded the prestigious Five-Star Rating by the Forbes Travel Guide.

The gold standard in the hospitality industry since 1958, the Forbes Five-Star ratings are based on professional, anonymous inspections. In other words, secret shoppers visit and inspect the hotels and resorts. Only 210 properties worldwide achieved the Five-Star rating, with just 79 recognized in the United States.

Salamander Resort & Spa has been a client of PI Midlantic for several years. Through the use of the Predictive Index Behavioral and Job Assessments (BA and JA), PI Midlantic helps companies improve overall workforce performance and culture by using the BA to identify the right people for the right job.

“The PI BA was one part of an overall team effort by Salamander Resort & Spa to enhance service and culture. Our General Manager held directors accountable, we made training a major focus with two new trainers in operations, and we conducted daily team audits. All of this helped heighten our processes so we could make important changes as needed,” said Salamander Resort & Spa’s Director of Human Resources, Mike Hain.

Hain uses the PI assessment in three ways. First, it is used as part of the interview process with each candidate required to complete the brief behavioral survey. Secondly, the results are used to help understand each other and how individuals communicate with others. And lastly, the PI assessment aids in staff development efforts by focusing on people’s strengths, ensuring they are placed in positions where they and their skillsets can shine.

“The BA is accurate 99 percent of the time. This is proven when I asked candidates to read the results and they find them to be true descriptions of their work style,” said Hain.

With this new honor and recognition, Salamander becomes the first destination resort in the Washington, D.C. region to achieve the Forbes Five-Star designation.