Wildhive
Meet the team: Dale
Meet Dale, a dedicated Hotel Duty Manager who brings both passion and experience to the hospitality industry. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in hospitality—with his mother working as a General Manager at a spa resort and his father as a Head Chef—Dale was surrounded by the industry from an early age.
This early exposure sparked his own love for creating exceptional guest experiences and solving the daily challenges that make hotel management both demanding and rewarding.
As someone who believes that hospitality is fundamentally about people, Dale has built his career around making a difference in both guests' and colleagues' days, approaching each shift with the understanding that no two days are ever the same in the dynamic world of hotel operations.
Passion, Problem-Solving and People
What is a typical day for you?
Being a Duty Manager means wearing a lot of hats, problem-solver, peacekeeper, and sometimes even detective when things mysteriously go missing! My job is to make sure the day runs smoothly, the team feels supported, and guests have a great experience. No two days are ever the same, but that’s what keeps it interesting. At the end of the day, if everyone’s smiling, I know I’ve done my job right.
What led you to pursue a career in hotel management?
I’ve always been passionate about hospitality, I love the energy, the variety, and the chance to make someone’s day. That passion naturally led me towards hotel management, where I could combine my love of people with problem-solving and leadership. Growing up with my mum in the hotel and spa industry now a General Manager of a spa resort and my dad as a Head Chef, I was surrounded by the industry from an early age. Seeing their dedication and the impact they had on guests definitely inspired me, but it’s my own love for creating great experiences that has driven me to build my career in hotel management.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
The best part of my job is knowing I’ve made a difference to someone’s day — whether that’s a guest leaving with a smile or a colleague feeling supported. Hospitality is all about people, and being able to create those positive moments is what makes the role so rewarding.
Finding the right balance
How do you maintain work-life balance with the irregular hours?
With hospitality, the hours can be unpredictable, but I’ve grown up around it. Both my parents worked in the industry, and my girlfriend has previously too so I’ve always understood the lifestyle. The key for me is making the most of my downtime and spending it with the people who matter. Having that support around me really helps keep the balance. Besides, I don’t think I’d know what to do with a 9–5 job anyway!”
What's something you've learned from your job that applies to life in general?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in hospitality is the importance of caring for people and giving them your time. Even the smallest gestures — stopping to listen, offering help, or simply showing you care — can completely change someone’s day. Of course, in this job, my listening skills sometimes get tested when I’m answering ten questions at once! But it’s taught me that no matter how busy things get, taking a moment to make someone feel valued is always worth it — and that’s something I try to carry into life outside of work.
"Dale joined us over a year ago and has gone from strength to strength ever since. He’s become a key member of the Wildhive family, consistently showing a genuine passion for delivering exceptional service to our wonderful guests.
Hospitality truly runs in his blood, with both his mother and father having worked in the industry. Dale’s dedication, attitude, and drive set him apart — he has a bright future ahead, and there's no doubt that one day he’ll make an outstanding General Manager."
Jeremy Whitworth, General Manager
Travel Through a Hospitality Lens
If you had to swap your jobs with anyone else in the hotel for a day, which position would you pick?
I’d swap with one of our therapists. Being able to give a guest that pure feeling of relaxation and total calm sounds incredibly rewarding. I’m not sure my skills would quite match up though, I’d definitely need a crash course before anyone trusted me with a massage!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with the people I care about and of course, with my dog too. For me, it’s all about making the most of those moments, whether that’s going out for a meal and trying somewhere new or heading away on holiday to explore and relax. I have to say having the next holiday planned really gives me something to look forward to and makes that free time feel even more special.
Has working in hospitality influenced your personal travel experiences?
Yes, it definitely has! I’ve become a bit pickier about what I want and expect when I travel. Working in hospitality makes you notice all the little details, so I really appreciate it when somewhere goes that extra mile.
From Kitchen Dreams to Luxury Escapes
If you weren't in hotel management, what career might you have pursued?
If I wasn’t in hotel management, I’d probably have pursued a career as a chef. That’s actually how I first started out in hospitality, and it gave me a real appreciation for the hard work and creativity that goes into the kitchen. With my dad working as a Head Chef, I was inspired from a young age and developed a real passion for food. I still really enjoy home cooking, so I think it would have been a natural path for me to follow although I have to say it’s much less stressful in my own kitchen!
What does your perfect holiday look like. Are you a luxury resort person or a backpacking adventurer?
I’d say my perfect vacation is a luxury getaway with plenty of time to explore. I love having the comfort and relaxation that comes with a nice hotel, but I also enjoy getting out to discover new places, experience the culture, and try local food. For me, it’s the best of both worlds a balance of adventure during the day and a little luxury to come back to in the evening. I’ve never really been one for the full backpacking experience, but exploring new places in comfort is my idea of a great holiday.
Custom Cocktails and Beloved Pets
What's your signature cocktail or favourite drink to unwind with?
As basic as it might sound, my favourite is a passionfruit martini, but I like to make it my own. I add fresh mint, serve it in a long glass, and top it with lemonade. It’s simple, refreshing, and for me, the perfect drink to unwind with on a summer’s day.
Are you a pet person? Tell me about your furry, scaly or feathery friends.
Yes, I’m definitely a pet person. I’ve always loved animals, at one point I had ten pets… Too many? I think not. That included a more unique animal; two chinchillas, but I do have to say dogs have always been my love. They bring so much energy and joy, and I couldn’t imagine life without them.
Thank you Dale!
