SAN DIEGO, Calif. (May 21, 2018) – Southern California’s only Relais & Châteaux property, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, has announced Coni Thornburg, an accomplished hospitality expert with more than 25 years of luxury resort and hotel experience, as general manager of a world class property.

In this new position, Thornburg will oversee the entire hotel operations from wellness programming and culinary concepts to the resort’s Forbes Five-Star Spa and private Villas as well as leading the hotel staff to continually delight guests with its hospitality and warm charm. Guided by an entrepreneur spirit and a tactful financial mind, she is revered as a leader in the industry. Her inspiration is infectious and sure to guide the team to new heights.

“We are thrilled for Coni to join the team and are confident that her strong leadership abilities and hospitality background along with her charismatic and enthusiastic personality will elevate the guest experience,” says Jeff Jacobs, co-owner of Rancho Valencia. “Her tenacious character and passion for innovation will further Rancho Valencia’s standing as a leader in luxury travel.”

A seasoned veteran with a management focus on warm hospitality, Thornburg most recently served as the general manager of the highly acclaimed Calistoga Ranch in the Napa Valley for several years where she led the team to receive numerous awards and accolades. Prior, she served as general manager of the iconic Lodge at Pebble Beach and Hotel Teatro in Denver, Colorado and was instrumental in achieving Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond awards during her time at the renowned Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado. Thornburg began her career with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, where she honed her skills in the luxury market.