Watermark Retirement Communities Appoints Rene Sanz, Jr. As Executive Director of The Watermark at Coral Gables
January 12, 2023
CORAL GABLES, FL—Watermark Retirement Communities has appointed Rene Sanz Jr., a senior living industry veteran, as the executive director at The Watermark at Coral Gables, a new luxury senior living community set to open in February 2023. Sanz brings years of experience in both hospitality and senior living to lead The Watermark at Coral Gables through its opening and beyond.
“We are honored to have Rene at the helm of one of our newest South Florida communities, The Watermark at Coral Gables,” said David Barnes, CEO of Watermark Retirement Communities. “He brings an all-heart approach in his work, responsibilities and goals, and I am confident that Rene and his team will create an extraordinary experience rooted in arts, culture and well-being for our new members.”
Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Sanz migrated with his family to New York City when he was 19 years old, and then moved to Miami Beach a few years later. There, he got his start in hospitality working as a hotel porter.
After six years working in hotels, he made the transition to senior living as community liaison for an assisted living community in Miami. This change sparked a newfound passion for senior living. He soon became executive director at a new assisted living community in Miami-Dade County, then joined Brookdale Senior Living as an executive director. In 2006, he became director of operations with Senior Living Management, managing communities in Georgia, Philadelphia and Florida, and then returned to community life as executive director with Five Star Senior Living in 2015 before joining Watermark Retirement Communities in his newest role.
“With its rooftop pool, exquisite tilework and multiple restaurants, The Watermark at Coral Gables will set a new bar for luxury senior living in South Florida,” said Sanz. “I am grateful to lead such a talented team and am excited to welcome our members to enjoy our warm, inviting and engaging community.”
The Watermark at Coral Gables will open in February 2023 as part of Watermark’s prestigious Élan collection of senior living communities with a luxury wellness resort mindset. The 198-residence community will be located mere steps away from the Shops at Merrick Park and minutes from the Riviera Golf Course and Miracle Mile, and will feature a design reminiscent of Coral Gables’ historic homes with modern amenities and touches.