Meet the person behind the colourful glasses at Seaside Palm Beach

It’s your first time at Seaside Palm Beach. You’ve just set your luggage down and begun exploring the elegant spaces that, before long, will feel like home. As you wander through the hotel, a warm smile and a pair of vibrant glasses draw your attention. 

If curiosity gets the better of you, you might ask one of the many returning guests you’re bound to meet: “Who is she?” 

Cheerful, warm, modern, professional, smart and detail-oriented — these are just some of the words our guests use to describe Lelianne Bakens, Executive Assistant Manager at Seaside Palm Beach. 

Lelianne Bakens, dedication and passion for Gran Canaria 

Always ready with a smile and blessed with an incredible memory for details that truly matter, Lelianne has spent more than thirty years ensuring every guest feel genuinely at home. 

Born in the Netherlands, hospitality runs in her blood. “My parents owned a restaurant all their lives, and from a young age, my brother and I helped out during the holidays and at weekends.” she recalls. 

She went on to study at the prestigious Spermalie Hotel School in Bruges (Belgium), and it was there that a life-changing opportunity arose: “At the end of my studies, I had to do an internship with the Steigenberger hotel group, and I was selected to spend six months at the former Steigenberger Hotel ‘La Canaria’ in Arguineguín, Gran Canaria. From that moment on, there was no turning back. I knew I wanted to stay in Southern Europe, and from here, my journey truly began.” 

Lelianne’s career took her to Portugal, Tunisia, Morocco, Mexico, the Caribbean and the USA. But 14 years ago, she returned to the island she had fallen in love with. “Once I was settled at home, I started sending out CVs. One of my interviews was with Mr Gerlach — that was 14 years ago, and I’ve been here ever since.” 

Where Luxury Meets Heart: A Connection That Lasts 

“At Seaside, our goal is to make every stay unforgettable and that goes far beyond luxurious surroundings. What truly matters is the emotional experience we create for our guests.” Lelianne explains. It’s a philosophy she embodies every day. 

It’s a belief our Executive Assistant Manager not only shares in this interview but brings to life through her daily work. 

“My profession involves mastering a wide range of tasks and skills. From my experience, I believe education, personalization, kindness and friendliness, problem-solving, fulfilling wishes, language skills, and so on, are all essential,” she explains. And it’s this blend of qualities that transforms a visit into something more: “For our guests, true luxury is comfort and the wish to return… Some even leave as friends.” 

Personalized service is one of the hallmarks of daily life at Seaside Palm Beach, and Bakens delivers it effortlessly. When asked how she manages to connect so well with the hotel’s guests, she puts it simply: “By being myself, spreading joy, kindness, listening, keeping track of guests’ wishes and birthdays... It’s the little things.” 

It’s this sincerity, coupled with warmth and positivity, that keeps so many guests coming back year after year. 

A Glimpse into the Life of an Assistant Hotel Manager in Gran Canaria 

While her memory for names and preferences is remarkable, her secret lies in careful organization and a well-structured routine. 

Her day begins before sunrise. “I start early — before our guests wake up — reading emails, checking the list of departures so I can say goodbye over breakfast, and noting birthdays of guests and staff to congratulate them as I make my rounds.” 

By 8:00 a.m., she’s already out on the breakfast terrace, overseeing the buffet and attending to guests. “Every day at 8:30 a.m., we have a meeting in the management office with the department heads to go over the day. We discuss occupancy, arrivals and departures, returning guests, VIPs, and any special requests, so we can ensure everything is properly followed up.” 

“Around 11:00 a.m., I do a follow-up and check everything for the coming days, reviewing guest wishes, special requests, long stays… After a short break of a couple of hours, I return at 5:30 p.m. to go over the day again, following up on emails, guest preferences, and the evening’s activities.” 

Over her long career at Palm Beach, Lelianne has gathered countless memories, most of them filled with affection. “The celebration of the hotel’s 40th anniversary was very special. I also remember the moments we lived through during the COVID period, the emptiness and the loneliness. But today, I’m thrilled to see the hotel full of life again. Our first-ever White Party was a real milestone.”  

She adds: “There are also emotional moments when long-time guests, who’ve stayed with us for many years, can no longer travel due to the passing of time.” 

Among all these special memories, there’s one that stands out in particular: “A real highlight are the visits from Mr Theo Gerlach.” 

When asked what she enjoys most about her day-to-day work, her answer is simple: “the connection with people.” Because in every morning greeting, in every cheerful chat, Lelianne finds what makes the Seaside experience truly unique — warmth, trust, and memories that last. 

The Personal Side of Lelianne Bakens 

Although her role involves a great deal of responsibility, Lelianne makes time to practise what she helps create: a life of wellbeing and balance. “On my day off, I don’t fully disconnect, but I do unwind – with good company, comfort, and a sense of peace. I love to travel and explore different cuisines”. 

And those colourful glasses? “Around the age of 40, I started needing glasses, which is when I discovered the diverse world of optics: different shapes, colours, sizes. That’s when my passion for collecting glasses began, which I love to combine with scarves, as I’ve always enjoyed wearing colourful outfits in my personal life too,” she says. 

Lelianne’s Gran Canaria 

After so many years, Gran Canaria isn’t just where she lives, it’s where she belongs. Lelianne values the spirit of the island: “Above all, the kindness of the Canarian people, the stable weather, and the feeling of being at home.” 

She knows the island inside out and loves to explore it. In her free time, she enjoys visiting different corners of Gran Canaria, places she’s always happy to recommend to first-time visitors or returning guests looking for new experiences: “Triana, Vegueta, Las Canteras beach, Tejeda, Puerto de Mogán... Each of them with its own charm...” She also embraces spending time in her garden or spontaneous adventures: “Sometimes I fly to Tenerife North in the morning for lunch, then return to Gran Canaria in the afternoon.” 

Her holidays, too, blend familiarity and discovery. “Thanks to Seaside Collection, I’ve enjoyed some unforgettable experiences. Two years ago, I travelled with Riverside Luxury Cruises from Vienna to Budapest, last year we visited Finolhu Baa Atoll in the Maldives, and this year we’ll be enjoying a cruise from Basel to Amsterdam.”  

Sporty getaways are also part of her personal calendar: “Every January, I enjoy a week of skiing with family and friends.”

More Than a Job: A Life Devoted to Hospitality  

After more than 30 years in luxury hospitality, Lelianne has gained not only experience, but perspective. Her advice to those entering the industry is honest: “Only step into this world if you have a real passion for it. It takes heart, effort, sacrifice, dedication — and above all, kindness.” 

For her, excellence isn’t just a goal, it’s a daily attitude. It’s built on human connection, a commitment to detail, and a genuine desire to make others feel good. It’s a demanding job, but one that’s deeply rewarding for those who feel truly passionate about it. 

And when asked what makes her most proud, she doesn’t hesitate: “The team. The people who make up this hotel — our unity, our shared commitment to guest satisfaction.” 

The sense of unity isn’t something that can be forced or improvised. It’s the result of years of collaboration, listening, mutual respect, and shared passion. In the day-to-day running of the hotel, Lelianne is a key part of the harmony that guests notice from the very first moment. And it is precisely there, in that quiet balance between professionalism and warmth, where her legacy truly shines. 

Lelianne Bakens is an essential part of the Seaside Palm Beach family, and she’d be delighted to welcome you and make your next holiday in Gran Canaria truly unforgettable.