David Dong Takes the Helm of an Iconic Sedona Resort
Enchantment Resort has appointed David Dong as General Manager. He previously served as Director of Operations at La Estancia, an ultra-luxury private resort in Texas.
In his new role, he oversees all resort operations, working closely with the leadership team, with a focus on operational excellence, employee development and the continuous enhancement of the guest experience.
An International Career Built in Luxury Hospitality
Born in South Korea and raised in Toronto, David Dong has developed his career across the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.
A graduate of IMI International Management Institute Switzerland, he also holds a master’s degree from Cornell University and a WSET Level 3 qualification, according to his professional profile.
He began his career in London, notably at The Landmark London, before joining The Wellesley Knightsbridge, a Luxury Collection property, where he developed his expertise in fine dining and luxury food and beverage operations.
Returning to Canada, he subsequently held a series of management positions at international hotels and resorts:
- Shangri-La Toronto: Assistant Food and Beverage Manager (2015–2016).
- JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa: Food and Beverage Outlets Manager (2016–2018).
- The Westin Harbour Castle Toronto: Director of Restaurants and Bars (2018–2019).
- Fairmont Château Whistler: Restaurant General Manager (2019–2021).
- Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver: Food and Beverage Manager (2021–2022).
- Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, Relais & Châteaux: Director of Food and Beverage (2022–2023).
These successive responsibilities enabled him to develop broad expertise in food and beverage operations, team management and luxury hospitality service standards.
From Food and Beverage to Resort Operations Leadership
In June 2023, David Dong joined Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa in Kelowna, British Columbia, as Director of Operations.
There, he oversaw eleven departments, expanding his responsibilities to encompass the resort’s entire operational structure.
In August 2024, he took on the same position at La Estancia in Texas, a private resort complex combining accommodation, residences, dining, spa, fitness and member services.
This experience notably involved managing complementary business activities, including eleven dining venues and extensive event facilities.
He left La Estancia in September 2026 to join Enchantment Resort.
Enchantment Resort: An Integrated Luxury and Wellness Offering
Set amid the spectacular landscape of Boynton Canyon, Enchantment Resort offers 220 casita-style accommodations, five dining venues and facilities for events and corporate meetings.
Its offering also includes several complementary facilities and experiences: the Mii amo spa, access to Seven Canyons Golf Club and the Trail House, a centre dedicated to hiking, mountain biking and outdoor pursuits.
The resort has therefore developed an integrated proposition combining luxury accommodation, dining, wellness and destination-based experiences.
Strategic Analysis | An Appointment at the Intersection of Hospitality and Lifestyle
David Dong’s appointment highlights the growing importance of executives capable of managing resorts with diversified operations.
His career has a distinctive trajectory: an initial focus on luxury food and beverage management, followed by a progression into the overall operational leadership of properties combining accommodation, dining, spa facilities and ancillary services.
For Enchantment Resort, this combination of expertise represents an advantage in managing a property whose value proposition extends well beyond traditional hotel accommodation.
The operational challenge lies particularly in maintaining consistent service standards across different activities, while supporting team development and delivering increasingly personalised guest experiences.
The appointment therefore reflects a strategy to strengthen operational leadership at a resort positioned around experiential luxury and wellness.
At a Glance
Appointment: David Dong, General Manager of Enchantment Resort.
Effective date: September 2026.
Location: Sedona, Arizona, United States.
Property: 220 casita-style accommodations, five dining outlets and extensive wellness and outdoor facilities.
Previous roles: Director of Operations at La Estancia and Sparkling Hill Resort & Spa.
Education: IMI Switzerland, Cornell University and WSET Level 3.
