Inn at Perry Cabin, an iconic property on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, has appointed Kurt Berman as General Manager. The hospitality executive has nearly thirty years of experience spanning four continents, having held leadership roles in Iceland, Thailand, China, the Maldives, the Seychelles, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and the United States.
An international career built across four continents
Kurt Berman joins Inn at Perry Cabin from Eleven Deplar Farm in Iceland, where he led one of the world’s most exclusive adventure lodges. His earlier career includes leadership positions at Samujana in Thailand, Six Senses Maldives, Frégate Island Private in the Seychelles and Rosewood in the Caribbean.
This pattern of appointments between luxury island destinations echoes a trend that La Tribune de l’Hôtellerie has regularly observed in the Indian Ocean, where general manager appointments from comparable backgrounds have been on the rise.
From Iceland to Maryland, a new career stage
Before Iceland, Kurt Berman served as Vice President of Hospitality at Sundance Mountain Resort in Utah, followed by a role as General Manager of Ropeswing Hospitality Group in Bentonville, Arkansas. His career has also included general management positions within the Rosewood group.
This rise of profiles coming from the world of independent American resorts echoes other recent moves seen across the Atlantic, such as the appointment of Pete Sams as President of Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG).
Leadership focused on human capital
The new General Manager describes his approach as entrepreneurial, with a strong focus on talent, corporate culture and service. Over the course of his career, he has led teams representing more than 25 nationalities, ranging from an 85-person operation in Iceland to a seasonal mountain resort employing more than 850 staff.
Berman said he was delighted to be joining the Inn at Perry Cabin team, leading a resort whose rich history matches its well-known nautical heritage. He added that the team was looking forward to building on that heritage while enhancing the guest experience, from the resort’s signature sailing outings to a renewed culinary identity inspired by the Chesapeake Bay.
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A resort rooted in Chesapeake’s nautical identity
Set on 26 acres (approximately 10.5 hectares) along the Miles River, Inn at Perry Cabin has 78 rooms and stands as one of the most recognised addresses in the Mid-Atlantic region. The property, whose interiors were renovated by interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, blends colonial heritage with contemporary comfort.
The resort has a fleet of seven sailboats and motor yachts, including a 17-metre Hinckley and the historic 1902 sailing yacht “Stanley Norman,” along with the 18-hole Links at Perry Cabin golf course, the final design by architect Pete Dye. Dining is anchored by STARS restaurant and the Purser’s Pub, complemented by a spa, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre.
This combination of island, mountain and urban experience reflects a broader trend of executive movement within independent luxury hospitality, illustrated recently by the appointment of Bastian Germer as General Manager of Park Hyatt Sydney.
Settling in and next steps
Originally from South Africa, Kurt Berman is relocating to St Michaels with his wife, Shannon, and their son, Cooper Wilde. The family shares a strong passion for travel and discovering new destinations, while his personal interests include hiking, golf and cooking. He now plans to learn to sail, a pursuit directly in keeping with his new role.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Kurt Berman becomes General Manager of Inn at Perry Cabin
Nearly 30 years of luxury hospitality experience across four continents
Previously General Manager of Eleven Deplar Farm, Iceland
Earlier leadership roles at Sundance Mountain Resort, Six Senses Maldives, Frégate Island Private and Rosewood Caribbean
Inn at Perry Cabin: 78 rooms on 26 acres (approx. 10.5 hectares) along the Miles River, St. Michaels, Maryland
Property features a Pete Dye-designed golf course and a seven-vessel sailing fleet
