Auberge Resorts Collection has confirmed the appointment of Clayton van Hooijdonk as General Manager of The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, its historic property in Los Olivos, in California’s Santa Ynez Valley. The appointment, effective since July 2026, continues a career built entirely within the American luxury group.
A promotion rewarding a year of internal mobility
Before joining The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Clayton van Hooijdonk had served since August 2025 as Resort Manager of Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, in Telluride, Colorado. In its announcement, the group praised a leader distinguished by thoughtful leadership, a collaborative spirit and a consistent commitment to both guest and team experience.
The appointment confirms the strategy of promoting internal talent that the brand has been pursuing across its portfolio for several months, as the group continues to strengthen its leadership functions in both North America and Europe.
A career built within leading luxury hospitality houses
The new General Manager of Mattei’s Tavern brings nearly three decades of hotel management experience. He previously served as Hotel Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Santa Barbara between 2022 and 2025, having earlier led Turtle Bay Resort, on Oahu’s North Shore in Hawaii, as Resort Manager from 2021 to 2022.
His career also includes roles as Director of Food and Beverage at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, Montage Beverly Hills and InterContinental Miami, all flagship properties in the American ultra-luxury segment.
Culinary beginnings between the United States and Europe
Clayton van Hooijdonk began his career as an Executive Chef, a role he held for nearly seventeen years across several Ritz-Carlton properties, including Boston Common, Dove Mountain and Key Biscayne in Miami, as well as within the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts network, where he worked notably at the Mark Hopkins in San Francisco, the InterContinental New Orleans and the InterContinental Hamburg. This dual experience, spanning the United States and Europe, forms the operational foundation of his path to general management.
The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, a historic address in the Santa Ynez Valley
Once a stagecoach stop dating back to the 1880s and later a discreet meeting place during Prohibition, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern has been reimagined by Auberge Resorts Collection as a destination of relaxed luxury on the outskirts of the town of Los Olivos. The property was among the most eagerly anticipated hotel openings at its launch, alongside other group addresses such as Stanly Ranch in Napa.
🔗 Also on LTH Auberge Collection makes its entrance into Africa with Auberge Safari
An appointment that strengthens the leadership team
The move confirms the momentum of leadership restructuring undertaken by Auberge Resorts Collection since the appointment of Christian Clerc as President and CEO of the group. In recent months, several appointments have marked the group’s governance, amid a period of measured international growth now extending from American urban markets to European and African destinations.
AT A GLANCE 👀
Auberge Resorts Collection appoints new General Manager in California
Clayton van Hooijdonk appointed General Manager of The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection (Los Olivos, CA) – effective July 2026
Previously served as Resort Manager of Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection (Telluride, CO), August 2025 – July 2026
Career includes Hotel Manager, The Ritz-Carlton Santa Barbara (2022-2025) and Resort Manager, Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu (2021-2022)
Held Food & Beverage leadership roles at The Resort at Pelican Hill, Montage Beverly Hills and InterContinental Miami
Began his career as Executive Chef across Ritz-Carlton and InterContinental properties in the US and Europe, including Hamburg and New Orleans
