By Elisabeth Brigham By Elisabeth Brigham | June 10, 2021 | Lifestyle, Feature,
In the Hamptons it always helps to know friends in haute places. Since 2013, Topping Rose House has been the Hamptons' go-to for all things fitness, dining and, most importantly, R&R. Now, go behind the scenes and meet the women who keep these wonderful wheels turning.
As the maitre d’, Amelia Kozuchowski ensures that all guests feel welcome and comfortable from the moment they step foot on the property. It’s no secret that reservations can be a bit stressful during a trip, but Kozuchowski takes away all the worry with her expert skillset and friendly atmosphere. “Working at Topping Rose House feels like home away from home; we become a great big family,” she says. On top of it all, she monitors the work throughout the restaurant and oversees that every guest is treated to a wonderful dining experience.
After 10 years on the East End, Courtney Fitt has found her niche and grown into her role at Topping Rose House. “The chaos and uniqueness of the East End’s service industry have given me a great sense of purpose,” says Fitt. As director of guest relations, she’s in charge of the hotel’s operational side and overlooks a variety of departments, including front desk, spa, housekeeping, retail and guest amenity. As for the team? “It’s really lovely to be around a group of women that share a passion for this industry. They help me shake off bad days, or celebrate particularly good ones, and that support makes all the difference.”
“I am proud to be part of a team that allows the women here at Topping Rose House to implement their ideas and skills to our full potential,” says front desk supervisor Ximena Contreras. Working alongside the desk agents and various managers of surrounding departments, she manages the guests, resolves any issues thrown at her and, most importantly, keeps everything organized and running smoothly. “We truly have a strong support system of women, and getting to bounce off each other is such an amazing asset.”
With 10 years in the boutique hotel and events industry, Samantha Voutsinas prides herself in her role as the events director at Topping Rose. Contracting and executing private social and corporate events is the name of the game, and thanks to the intimate nature of the property, she is always front and center working closely with all of her clientele to make sure the events exceed expectations. “My favorite part about this role is being able to work with some of the industry’s most talented vendors and collaborating to bring really beautiful and unique events to life,” says Voutsinas.
As front office manager, Danielle Alaimo curates the hotel’s environment to give guests a stay they’ll never forget. From streamlining departmental communication to reserving local activities for guests, her special touch can be found throughout the property. “Creating an atmosphere of comfort, luxury, ease and eagerness with guests in which positive, anticipatory interactions can thrive is what I aim to do each day,” says Alaimo. “One of my favorite parts of the position would probably be the empowerment I have in regard to taking a guest’s hotel stay and turning it into a fully planned, detail-oriented, stress-free vacation.”
After building an in-house fitness program at Topping Rose, Marissa Ivana became its first fitness trainer with the residency of Mivana Move fitness. As the wellness director—with over 25 years of experience in the fitness world—she shares her tips and tricks with a variety of classes that feature barre, yoga sculpt, Pilates, strength and resistance training and much more. “We have an incredible summer lineup of fitness pop-up brands and master trainers, with multiple classes every day of the week,” says Ivana.
"Being part of Topping Rose has been such a wonderful journey,” says hotel owner and curator Christine Wächter-Campbell. With over 30 years in the business, along with two art galleries in Chelsea and Seattle, it’s safe to say that Wächter-Campbell has an eye for beauty. “We curate an atmosphere for Topping Rose that is inviting as a hotel and restaurant but also serves as an art experience,” she says. Going beyond the art lies something even more special: the people. “All the women that work here are strong women that are value driven, hungry for inspiration and empower each other.”
Photography by: EXTERIOR PHOTO COURTESY OF TOPPING ROSE HOUSE; PORTRAITS BY LILY FRANCES