A Home Away From Home

The Human Side of Hospitality at Delamar Southport

At Delamar Southport, many guests return not just for the beautiful waterfront setting or refined comfort of the hotel, but for something increasingly rare in hospitality — familiarity. They are greeted by faces they recognize, by staff who remember their preferences, and by a feeling that their stay is personal rather than transactional.

Much of that atmosphere traces back to General Manager Mariya Sytnyk, whose steady leadership and thoughtful approach have helped shape the culture of the hotel for more than a decade.

Originally from Ukraine, Mariya joined the Delamar family in 2010. What began as a professional opportunity quickly grew into something deeper. Over the years, the company has become, as she describes it, “more than justa job — it feels like family.” That sense of connection now informs how she approaches both hospitality and leadership. Before moving to the United States, Mariya had not worked in the hospitality industry. Yet the principles that define great service — care, attentiveness, and the abilityto anticipate a guest’s needs — quickly resonated with her. Over time, she discovered that hospitality at its core is about understanding people and creating environments where they feel comfortable and welcomed.

Those values are evident throughout Delamar Southport. The hotel has developed a loyal following of returning guests, many of whom visit year after year. Familiarfaces greet them at the front desk, small preferences are remembered, and the overall experience feels thoughtfully personal.

“It’s that home-away-from-home feeling,” Mariya explains. “Guests appreciate being welcomed by people who know them and genuinely care about their experience.”

Creating that consistency begins with the team. Like many hospitality environments, Delamar Southport is powered by a diverse international staff representing many cultures, languages, and life experiences. Mariya believes that diversity strengthens the hotel’s culture.

“No matter someone’s role, we can always learn from one another,” she says. “Working together and supporting each other helps us create great experiences for our guests.”

Over the years, she has watched many members of her team grow not only professionally but personally as well. She has celebrated milestones alongside them — marriages, children, new homes, and college graduations. Those shared experiences have helped transform the workplace into something more meaningful.

“For many of us,” she says, “this has become our home away from home.”

"True luxury comes from genuine and sincere human interaction— making guests feel welcomed, recognized, and cared for. ”

That sense of belonging naturally extends to the guest experience. While technology continues to evolve rapidly within the hospitality industry, Mariya believes the most valuable element of luxury remains deeply human.

“Technology can enhance efficiency and convenience,” she says, “but true luxury comes from genuine and sincere human interaction.”

For her, thoughtful service, personal connection, and the ability to make someone feel truly cared for remain the defining qualities of exceptional hospitality.

Outside the hotel, Mariya finds balance in the simple rhythms of everyday life. Much of her free time is spent cheering on her son at baseball games — moments that bring her great joy. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, walking, gardening, and visiting the beach whenever she can.

Those same qualities — patience, attentiveness, and appreciation for people — shape her leadership style. And at Delamar Southport, where guests often return season after season, they are part of the reason the hotel feels less like a destination and more like a place that remembers you.