Across Bermuda, the holiday season brings families back together — a time for reflection, storytelling and reconnecting with the people and moments that have shaped us.

As we look ahead to Fairmont Southampton’s 2026 reopening, we are especially mindful that this landmark was not only enjoyed by Bermudians, but built by them.

Many helped lay its foundations, worked on its construction and witnessed the resort take shape from the ground up. Those moments carry unique memories and, we hope, long-forgotten photographs that tell a powerful part of our story.

For many Bermudians, Fairmont Southampton is part of their family story. From first jobs and milestone celebrations to everyday moments that became tradition, these experiences span generations, from the earliest days of construction through every chapter of life on the property.

Across generations, Fairmont Southampton has stood as one of Bermuda’s most recognisable and beloved landmarks, woven into island life through weddings, school ceremonies and celebrations.

That connection was felt strongly at our recent Career Interest Meet & Greet, where we welcomed students exploring their first job, returning hospitality professionals, career-changers and retirees seeking flexible roles. It reaffirmed what we have long believed: this reopening is more than staffing a resort. It is reopening a place that has shaped opportunity and memories for decades.

In fact, this commitment to Bermudians is already taking shape, with many contributing to the reopening today and even more continuing to register their interest as we build the team that will reopen Fairmont Southampton.

Recent additions to our leadership — Cheryl Robinson, assistant director of people and culture; Sarai Belboda, director of talent and acquisitions; and Aaron Phillips, marketing and communications manager, are among the Bermudians leading major components of this project, each bringing experience from other industries and proving the strength and versatility of local talent.

Alongside this leadership, we have 130 colleagues on staff and expect to recruit more than 400 additional team members across: guest experience, culinary, engineering, recreation and spa, events, finance, security, stewarding, landscaping and more. For those who may not have considered hospitality before, we encourage you to see it through a wider lens. At Fairmont Southampton, hospitality is a diverse and dynamic industry where professionals from many backgrounds can pivot and thrive, accessing global career opportunities and benefits across Accor’s network of more than 5,000 properties worldwide.

Here at home, that sense of opportunity is reflected in the growing strength of Bermuda’s hospitality sector. Continued investment across local hotels signals confidence in the industry’s future, and with Fairmont Southampton undergoing a $550 million redevelopment, the largest private investment in Bermuda’s history, we want Bermudians to see hospitality not only as one of our island’s oldest industries but as a respected and rewarding long-term career.

There are two ways to get involved.

You can share your Fairmont Southampton Story by submitting a memory, photo or moment at FairmontSouthamptonBermuda.com. All submissions will be entered for a chance to win a complimentary three-night stay on Fairmont Gold when we reopen — our way of saying thank you.

You can register your interest in working at Fairmont Southampton by visiting FairmontSouthamptonBermuda.com to register your interest. Whether you’re exploring new possibilities or encouraging a family member or friend, we invite Bermudians to consider being part of the opening team.

• Donna Harvey-Maybury is director of people and culture at the Fairmont Southampton Princess