Benchmark Hospitality International has announced the appointment of MONICA SMILEY as director of sales & marketing for Costa d'Este Beach Resort, the company’s newest personal luxury property owned by seven-time Grammy Award-winning artist, Gloria Estefan, and her husband, Emilio Estefan.   Awilda Rivera, Benchmark’s general manager at the resort, made the announcement.  Costa d'Este Beach Resort is located oceanside, in Vero Beach, Florida. 

"Monica has been invaluable in the sales and marketing of our resort since before opening,” stated Ms. Rivera.  “She is a natural sales professional with a passion for Costa d’Este and our team of service professionals.  I’m so pleased to announce her newest appointment with our resort.” 

Monica Smiley was previously the director of operations for Costa d’Este Beach Resort, a position she was appointed to in March of 2008.  She has served in a number of executive-level assignments within the hospitality industry over the past two decades.  These include front office manager in charge of Reception, Reservations, Guest Services, Concierge, and Switchboard; revenue manager; night audit; as well as group and transient sales positions.   

A native of Texas, Ms. Smiley served for many years in positions of increasing responsibility at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center in The Woodlands, Texas.  She was previously was employed by Benchmark Hospitality when the company operated Del Lago Golf Resort.  She began her career at Stage Stores, Inc., serving in retail management.

Ms. Smiley attended The University of Houston.. She currently serves as chairman of the Indian River County Tourism Board and also is active on the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She resides in Vero Beach. 

About Costa d'Este Beach Resort 
Costa d’Este Beach Resort in Vero Beach, Florida, is a chic, beachfront property redefining style, comfort and luxury on Florida’s Treasure Coast. Sumptuous accommodations, contemporary Cuban-fusion cuisine and discreetly attentive service, coupled with a fully equipped gym, bi-level Spa at Costa d’Este and stunning infinity edge pool satisfy the most discerning world travelers. Costa d’Este is owned by the internationally acclaimed recording artist/producer couple Gloria and Emilio Estefan and is operated by Benchmark Hospitality International. 

About Benchmark Hospitality International 
Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels™.  The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut.  International offices are located in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark’s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.