A Mosaic of Opportunities

Since its founding in 1980, Benchmark has evolved from the subsidiary of a publicly traded company to a privately held, globally recognized, award-winning independent resort, conference center and hotel management company.

Burt Cabañas is the visionary leader behind Benchmark’s legacy of setting industry standards and trends. Back in 1980, he saw the demographics of resorts, hotels and conference centers were changing. More and more women were attending meetings and events, but the hospitality industry was not focused on their needs. Benchmark Management Company, as we were known back then, responded, blazing a trail in the conference center industry.

In the early 2000s, Burt again recognized an opportunity. There was a void in the luxury hotel marketplace for distinctively individualized service products that reflected the unique preferences of each guest. The “new luxury” was no longer about quantity, it was about quality and the experience of living. Benchmark moved into the full-service luxury market with the purchase of five small but superb luxury hotels.

Today, Benchmark has two distinctive portfolios, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels and Gemstone Collection, which represent the finest in guest-dedicated hospitality. And we continue to set the standards that others aspire to achieve. Thanks to Burt’s vision and values, which remain crucial to the fabric of our organization, every Benchmark employee is passionately committed to creating lasting memories and highly personalized experiences and ensuring each guest feels welcomed and valued on every visit.

The Benchmark Mosaic

The Benchmark story is perhaps best manifested in the colorful and engaging mosaic that hangs in our Home Office. Depicting the essence of who we are, it weaves together the diversity of human spirit that brings the Benchmark dream to life.