Kultaranta Resort is a unique destination located on an island in Finland’s beautiful Turku archipelago. Valtteri Myrskyluoto, the Managing Director of Kultaranta Resort, leads the resort’s efforts to create a welcoming and eco-friendly experience for visitors. In this interview, Valtteri shares his journey, the vision behind the resort’s growth, and what makes Kultaranta a special place for guests and the local community.
Could you start by sharing about your background? What led you to manage Kultaranta Resort?
"Absolutely, it’s been an interesting path! My career in hospitality began in restaurants as a summer job at 13. Since my studies were in Accounting and Finance at the Turku School of Economics, I joined Kultaranta Resort initially on a three-month trial as a junior controller. While my primary focus was on finance, I was involved in various aspects of the operation because we were a small team. After the trial period, my role expanded, and I eventually became COO in 2017, later transitioning to CEO. Now, with 11 years here, I’m also a partner in the company, alongside two others."
Kultaranta Resort is known for its beautiful golf course and scenic location. What are some unique features that attract guests, and how do you maintain that appeal year-round?
"The core of our appeal lies in our location, nestled on an island in the Turku archipelago. It’s a beautiful, natural setting for recharging yet only 20 minutes from Turku city. Our guests enjoy the best of both worlds – stunning natural beauty and easy access to urban amenities. While we have a strong summer season driven by tourists and golfers, we are enhancing our year-round appeal by currently developing a larger hotel complex with additional amenities like wellness services and a spa. Winter, though quieter, offers a peaceful experience that appeals to many guests."
Sustainability is a significant trend in hospitality. Could you share some of your initiatives?
"Sustainability is at the heart of our operations. We are certified by the Green Key program and are part of Finland's Sustainable Travel Finland initiative, both of which push us to continually improve. For example, we’ve invested in geothermal energy as our primary heating source, supplemented by a local solar power plant that covers 6–7% of our electricity needs. Our golf course operates sustainably by using rainwater stored in ponds rather than tap water, saving a significant amount of water annually. We’re also developing a residential area nearby, incorporating sustainable living solutions for residents."
What led you to choose HotelBuddy for Kultaranta Resort, and what has your experience been like with it so far?
"Guests today expect a blend of convenience and personalization. We looked at several options, but they only covered part of our needs. HotelBuddy came to us as a recommendation from our IT partner Kimmo Vainio at Elena Yhtiöt, who thought it would be a perfect fit for Kultaranta.
Our business has a lot of seasonality, with peak activity in the summer requiring a large team of about 60 people, and a quieter winter period with far fewer staff. HotelBuddy’s digital solutions, like online check-in, mobile keys, and self-service features, allow us to provide a consistent, quality guest experience year-round. Guests can manage everything on their devices, reducing the need for reception staff during the off-season. Integration with our existing hotel system was also smooth, which was essential for us. We’ve just started using it and are excited to see its impact in the busy summer months!"
What’s your favorite aspect of managing a resort like Kultaranta? Is there a particular achievement you’re especially proud of?
"Seeing our resort transform has been rewarding, especially as we improve both our guest experience and our commitment to sustainability. I’m particularly proud of our efforts to be eco-friendly, like investing in geothermal and solar energy.
But honestly, the versatility is one of the most rewarding aspects. In addition to managing the hospitality side of things, there’s a constant drive to develop the whole area. We’re never just “finished” here – there’s always another project or goal on the horizon. This area began as a neglected 200-hectare farm estate with 80 hectares of sea. Creating Kultaranta Home residential plots, building apartments, and adding attractions like the golf course and restaurants has been a major project, helping us draw in residents and visitors alike. Contributing to the local community in this way has been just as fulfilling.
As for achievements, it’s hard to pick one because, for me, it’s more about sharing successes with our team. We’ve faced challenging times, like everyone in this industry, but overcoming those hurdles together makes the good times even better. We’re a close-knit team with a low hierarchy, and I think that’s part of our strength."
Having a great team is indeed a the key to success. How do you put together and maintain a strong team, and what strategies do you use to keep your staff motivated and happy?
"Recruiting the right people is key. We look for those who share our passion for Kultaranta and want to contribute to the growth and development of the hotel and the area overall. For those who commit, we ensure they feel empowered – we give them room to make decisions and take ownership of their roles. This isn’t a large company, so there aren’t endless levels of promotion, but we try to offer a sense of progression through training and increased responsibility. With our seasonal workers, who come back year after year, we’ve managed to build a loyal team who feel they’re part of the story here."
What have been some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned as a hotel manager?
"Flexibility and resilience are crucial. The hospitality industry is fast-paced and always changing, whether due to seasonal fluctuations, unexpected challenges or global events. Maintaining a focus on customer experience and adapting quickly are ongoing lessons. Also, as a hotel manager you have to be prepared for long hours and be adaptable–the most important thing is to keep learning and remain open to change, you have to be ready to adapt, learn, and improve constantly."
Balancing work and leisure must be challenging in such a demanding role. Do you have any tips for staying productive and managing that balance?
"It’s definitely a challenge! I’m still working on finding the best approach. Setting clear boundaries is essential, so I use specific time blocks to focus on tasks without constant interruptions. Technology helps—silencing email notifications during certain hours keeps me on track. Delegating is also critical; we have a strong team, and I’m learning to rely on them more so I’m not involved in every decision, which helps create a positive and trusting work environment.
As for leisure, I find that sports, especially jogging, really help clear my mind. Sometimes solutions to problems on hand come to me when I’m on a run. Golf is also great for this, although working at a golf resort makes it tricky to fully separate work from play. For me, golf is more about unwinding and socializing than competition."