Page 42 March 2014 By Kaley Kalil Leslie Cruse, originally from Minnesota, moved to the Arcadia area six months ago from Los Angeles, California. It was her work that brought her here. Cruse works with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and is now the Assistant Director of Human Resources at the Sheraton In Tulum Mexico, Leslie Cruse enjoyed days on the beach and at the spa. Phoenix Downtown Hotel. “Each Sunday, I receive a weekly weather report from my dad, typically on the amount of snow in the driveway. So, as most can imagine, I’m very happy to be here,” Cruse said. Last month, Cruse traveled to Tulum, Mexico to attend a friend’s wedding – a two-hour drive south of Cancun. She stayed at the all-inclusive resort, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, and thoroughly Working with hotels has given a local a global view enjoyed its 44 acres along the beach. “I loved the local food and particularly favored seafood,” she raved. “My favorite Mexican entrée was with red snapper and it was delicious! I opted for mango piña coladas during the day and [while] relaxing on the beach. This was the ultimate paradise!” The bi-lingual wedding took place on a white sand beach with the ocean as the backdrop. “As the American bride wed her Mexican groom, each took turns throughout the service to speak in their respected languages,” Cruse explained. All of the music was sung in Spanish and “complimented the ocean scenery,” she added. In addition to attending the wedding and enjoying the resort and beach, Cruse trekked to the top of 39-foot cliffs to see the Mayan Ruins of Tulum. She spotted a six-foot wide stingray on the sandy bottom of the ocean while snorkeling in its crystal clear water. She also rented a small catamaran with friends for a trip out to sea after relaxing in the sun one day. “The cost was only $10 plus a captain,” Cruse said. Cruse also recently traveled home to Minnesota to visit her family. “Lizzie, my miniature schnauzer, is a great travel companion,” she said. Minnesota a few months ago, and “has also taken an RV road trip from Minnesota to Phoenix and loves to be a co-pilot navigator.” Cruse is no stranger to travel, and she certainly seems to know how to mix business with pleasure. Since joining Starwood Hotels & Resorts back in 2008, she began working at the W San Diego Hotel before transferring to work with Hawaii Hotel Properties in Oahu in 2009. She later moved to Boston to open the W Boston Hotel, and in 2010, moved yet again to join One&Only Resorts, living and working in the Republic of Maldives for a year. Continued on page 44 • Stunning views of Camelback Mountain • Located in the heart of Arcadia • Gated community • 4 Bedroom, 4 Bath plus powder • 4,502 square feet • Priced from $1,850,000 • Custom homes by TDLC Development Beautiful Custom Homes In The Heart Of Arcadia LOCATEDATTHSTREET&CAMELBACKROAD INTRODUCINGPALMS three large half-acre custom homesites with breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain. The gated custom home enclave is situated on the corner of 56th & Camelback, and offers privacy and seclusion in the heart of Arcadia. Please contact us to learn more about this exclusive community that offers privacy and views, conveniently located close to world-class shopping and dining. Developed by www.tdlcdev.com ROC#B220893 ONLY HOMESITES REMAINING Contact GHE Realty/ Mike Messenger 480-315-6711 O 480-560-7171 M Cruse spent time with friends while on the Mexico beach.
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