Managing upscale fun under the sun at Bare
By Kiko Miyasato
Manny Perez
Manny Perez is living proof that if you work hard enough you can achieve your goals. And it was his hard work and dedication that helped move him up the ladder; he started out as a busser for various nightclubs owned by The Light Group, a juggernaut in the hospitality industry. Over the past six years, Perez worked his way up and this year, he’s celebrating his second season as the general manager for Bare Pool Lounge at The Mirage. In between, Perez has also managed The Bank and helped open the Delano in Miami. “Being with The Light Group and how we open something new almost every other year and how we keep on expanding, it gives me motivation to keep working harder,” he said.
But this summer Perez, a native of Mexico, is enjoying his time poolside at Bare. Perez oversees more than 50 staff members and makes sure the 21-and-over European-style daytime retreat runs smoothly. With only a 500-person capacity, the venue is very intimate and VIP service is the standard. “Because we’re a smaller venue we just don’t let anyone and everyone in; in other words, we’re not just trying to fill the venue. … We like to keep it upscale,” Perez said.
The smaller venue allows Perez to engage more with guests, providing a more personal touch. It’s not unusual to see him stopping by each cabana, daybed or lounge chair to chat with his guests. “Customer service is what I really focus on, keeping people happy and smiling.”
Raspberry Lemonade
One of Bare’s most popular signature drinks cools and sweetly satisfies with each sip. “This drink is one of our biggest sellers,” Perez said. The raspberry lemonade is made with muddled raspberries and lemon wedges, Absolut Raspberri vodka and lemonade, then shaken with ice and garnished with raspberries and a lemon wedge.
