Meet Michael Tuesca, Director of Shore House at The Del

Recently named the Director of Shore House at The Del, Michael Tuesca is dedicated to ensuring that owners enjoy an unmatched, unforgettable experience — at all times. Michael brings a wealth of knowledge to the team, with over 22 years of experience in the luxury hospitality space. With experience at numerous prestigious hospitality brands like The Ritz-Carlton Luxury Hotels & Resorts, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and more, Michael’s extensive knowledge makes him a passionate leader and hospitality expert. To learn more about Michael’s role at Shore House and some of his favorite Coronado pastimes, read our full interview below.

What led you to a career in luxury hospitality?

It was a happy accident! A new hotel was opening near my hometown and I thought what better way to learn about hotels than to work at a new one and learn from the ground up. I quickly found it was a great place to satisfy my need to help people and to be in a fun, fast-paced environment. 

You’ve worked with some of the most prestigious and recognizable resort brands in the world. What’s the opportunity here for Shore House to set itself apart?

I am thrilled to join such a legendary property and assist in launching the newest experience right on this stretch of golden beach. The level of personalized, caring service we can offer at Shore House, along with the picturesque setting, is the perfect combination for a legendary experience.

What were you most excited about when you learned about the opportunity to be Director of Shore House at The Del?

I was most excited about the potential. Our team will be defining a new experience within a destination that already has over 134 years of history. I think about what our owners and guests will be saying 134 years from now about what we started today.

Can you tell us about your leadership style?

I value my team above all else. Through fairness, consistency, and keeping an open mind and heart, we can accomplish great things. If my team is successful then we all are successful and our owners and guests will experience a level of service where your cares melt away.

We know you’re incredibly committed to offering an exceptional standard of service and aiming for excellence when it comes to the owners’ experience, so could you tell us about what this looks like behind the scenes?

It all starts with great communication. Our team will be doing everything possible to learn about our owners and guests and their needs and desires. These will be the clues that will assist us in delivering personalized moments of surprise and delight.

Can you tell us about the personal concierge services offered to Shore House owners and some of the services they can expect?

Our owners can expect our team to take care of the details and help make everything as effortless as possible.

What has been the process so far for ensuring residences and amenities are in perfect condition ahead of owner arrivals?

Our development and construction team have been working tirelessly to make sure everything is perfect for our owner arrivals. They have created an environment of teamwork and support that is evident in the final product and we are eager to welcome owners soon for their first Shore House stay.

What does it mean to have Shore House recognized as a Curio 5-star hotel?

We will be crafting procedures and staff trainings designed to facilitate superior execution. While recognition and awards are validation we all crave, ultimately our owner and guest feedback is our most important validation.

What’s your favorite part about going to work every day?

The anticipation of arrival. I love driving over the Coronado Bridge and seeing The Del’s turret come up on the horizon. I start to think about all the owners, guests and team members that will cross paths with me that day.

Everyone has a story about The Del. Can you tell us about one of yours?

I love watching my kids as they look at this place. Whether they are looking into the tide pools or admiring the turret, my children’s eyes are full of awe and wonder. I see the same look in the eyes of many of our visitors, and I have to say that I am also guilty of having the same look on my face. You just can’t help but feel awed.

What about Shore House are you most passionate about so far?

I am most passionate about this beautiful canvas onto which our team and I will have the opportunity to execute the art of service. I can already picture our owners and guests laughing and enjoying cocktails at our bar with the sound of the ocean waves crashing. I can already picture our owners and guests smiling as they admire the special touches that have been created anticipating their arrival.

What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work in the Coronado area?

I love walking along Orange Avenue and discovering the shops and restaurants nearby. I love visiting MooTime Creamery and Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory as I have a very big sweet tooth.

Serẽa Listed Among Favorite Coronado Restaurants

Coronado has become a true culinary haven — and it’s all just steps from Shore House. Take it from Eater San Diego’s recent article, which names 15 local favorite restaurants on the island. Leading the list? The Del’s Serẽa – a Michelin-recognized, oceanview eatery celebrated for its sea-to-table dishes crafted by Chef Jojo Ruiz. Read on for more about the world-class experience offered at Serẽa, and some of the incredible restaurants around Coronado Island.

(Image courtesy of Hotel del Coronado)

Serẽa’s Sea-to-Table Experience

Offering the ultimate sea-to-table experience, Serẽa specializes in sustainable, fresh-catch cooking with an approachable, ocean-friendly menu. With seasonal ingredients locally sourced from Southern California farmers, Serẽa is the best of the best when it comes to local, sustainable seafood. Jojo Ruiz, Executive Chef of Serẽa and a San Diego native, brings an intimate relationship with the coastal lifestyle to his innovative and sustainable cooking practices, and describes his personal cooking style as “seasonal, sustainable and relatable.” Also featured at Serẽa is a stunning indoor/outdoor bar, offering handcrafted cocktails and a stellar selection of wine and local brews.

(Image courtesy of Hotel del Coronado)

In addition to the incredible experience offered at Serẽa, Coronado is home to an endless array of local restaurants to try. From authentic French cuisine to Neapolitan pizza, Coronado offers a diverse selection of restaurants with something for everyone.

Little Frenchie

Little Frenchie, set just a short walk from The Del, is a Parisian-style bistro and local Coronado favorite. Enjoy authentic French cuisine, from escargot and cheese boards to decadent crepes and pastries.

The Henry

The Henry, another local favorite right down the street from Shore House, is celebrated for its timeless coastal ambiance and beloved bites. Start with the famous homemade pretzels and fondue and finish with the popular Braised Short Rib or Mediterranean Branzino.

Garage Buona Forchetta

Offering the best of the best in Italian cuisine in Coronado, Garage Buona Forchetta combines vintage decor and decadent meals. Situated in a former mechanic’s garage, the restaurant follows an automotive theme with vintage cars parked around the restaurant. Come for authentic Neapolitan pizza and specialty pasta and stay for the incredible atmosphere.

5 Ways to Soak up Summer at The Del

Sunshine, beach days, quality family time – it’s no surprise that summers at The Del form treasured, long-lasting memories. This September, Shore House owners — both those with longtime traditions at The Del and those new to the iconic resort — will be welcomed to create a new chapter of summer memories. With Shore House completion right around the corner, we’ve rounded up five summer experiences to start visualizing your best summer yet.

Shore House Pool

Framed by captivating views of the glittering shoreline, the ocean-view Shore House pool will be the perfect place to soak up summer. Whether you’re relaxing in a private cabana or cooling off in the water, the pool will provide owners with an idyllic setting for endless summers to come.

Oceanfront Dining

With alfresco lounges, chef-caliber bites and handcrafted cocktails, oceanfront dining at The Del is a must in the summertime. Serẽa offers an elegant, sea-to-table experience, while the Beach & Taco Shack brings the good vibes with live music and fish tacos.

Del Surf Academy

Looking for surf lessons? The Del Surf Academy lets you catch a wave with some of the best surf instructors. With private and group lessons happening daily, professional, dedicated surf instructors will have you shredding in no time. Click here for more information or to book a surf lesson today.

Bike Rentals

There’s no better way to explore all that the island has to offer than with a bike ride through paradise. From casual rides for beginners to challenging adventures for advanced riders, there’s a perfect bike path for everyone. Bike rentals at The Del are available daily in front of the Saloon and Spa on the Wellness Terrace.

Now Open: Three New Shops at The Del

The Shops at The Del has always been the go-to spot for owners, guests and islanders across Coronado, and three new retail shops have just opened. At Monroe, find women’s luxury apparel inspired by the glamorous Hollywood icon. At Current, find relaxed men’s wear for coastal-resort living. And at S.R.F.’s experiential retail shop? Discover everything you need for island adventure – from boogie boards to roller skates, bicycles and more. Read on for more about the brand new retail experiences at The Del.

Monroe

Taking inspiration from Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe who famously visited the Hotel Del Coronado in the 50’s, Monroe offers glamorous apparel items for women. From bold accessories to elegant sundresses, Monroe has everything you need to become a style icon just like Marilyn.

S.R.F.

S.R.F. is your one-stop shop for all things summer. From boogie boards and surfboards to coolers and towels, S.R.F. has all the essentials for every summer adventure at The Del.

Current

Offering sophisticated, yet relaxed menswear inspired by the coastal lifestyle, Current has the perfect pieces for your summer wardrobe. Browse Current’s seaside pieces from relaxed beachwear to elevated staples.