Page 46 - Port Douglas Magazine 44

Tucked between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier
Carrie Chiasson
NIRAMAYA VILLAS & SPA
From Canada to Port Douglas, Carrie Chiasson’s
journey has taken her across the globe, but it’s
here, in the heart of the tropics, that she’s found
where she truly belongs. As general manager
of Niramaya Villas & Spa - a luxury Balinese-
inspired resort known for its private villas, tranquil
surrounds, and world-class service - Carrie leads
one of the region’s most exclusive escapes.
48 Port Douglas Magazine & Travel Planner
Reef, Niramaya offers a peaceful, tropical retreat, making it the
perfect setting for someone like Carrie, whose passion lies in
creating exceptional guest experiences.
That love for people and travel started early. Growing up in
a Canadian Air Force family, Carrie moved every few years,
including a stint in Germany in the 1980s. The frequent changes
taught her how to adapt quickly and sparked a lifelong curiosity
about the world around her.
At 18, she left home and moved across Canada in search of
independence, quickly stepping into the world of hospitality.
By 21, she was juggling part-time study while working full-time
for a major restaurant and bar chain in Calgary, an experience
that built her management skills and deepened her love for
hospitality, people, and travel
Her hard work paid off. By 25, she had been promoted to
general manager, overseeing three venues over five years. Her
efforts were recognised with trips to world-renowned wineries
in Chile, France, and Napa Valley, further fuelling her passion for
exploring new cultures and destinations.
That same curiosity led her to book a one-way ticket to Australia
in 2008. With a working holiday visa in hand, she explored and
worked her way across Western Australia before settling in
Broome, where the laid-back lifestyle quickly won her over. She
built a strong bond with her employers, and before long, they
committed to supporting her stay through sponsorship, turning
what was meant to be a short adventure into something far
more permanent.
Not long after, she met her now partner of 15 years. Together, they
managed a 110-unit apartment complex in Nelson Bay in New
South Wales, and welcomed their son. In 2017, an opportunity
to manage Niramaya brought them to Port Douglas. They’d
never been before, but the pull of tropical living, and the chance
to find better balance as a mum, made it an easy decision. By
April, they had made the move and haven’t looked back since.
Now as general manager at Niramaya, Carrie draws on more than
20 years of experience in hospitality. She leads with empathy,
curiosity, and a people-first approach, values shaped by her love
of community and genuine interest in what drives those around
her. It’s a mindset that keeps her grounded and helps foster a
supportive, motivated team. What she finds most rewarding is
delivering thoughtful, stress-free guest experiences. Carrie and
her team go above and beyond to make each stay seamless,
from transport and dining to personalised touches in the villas.
For her, success is being surrounded with passionate people
who feel empowered to be the best versions of themselves in
and out of a work environment
Living and working in Port Douglas has shifted Carrie’s outlook
in a profound way. The natural beauty of the region inspires her
to slow down and stay present, helping her stay creative and
mindful both in and out of the workplace. She says she never
imagined she’d hear herself call one place “home”,but now feels
incredibly proud to say it. Surrounded by stunning landscapes
and a close-knit local and work community, it’s something she
holds close to her heart and never takes for granted.
Finding balance between work and personal life, Carrie admits,
is always a work in progress.
Mornings and evenings are for family, and she makes a
conscious effort to disconnect from work during downtime. Her
secret weapon? A well-used Google Calendar. When she needs
a reset, Carrie turns to some local favourites: Sunset picnics at
Rex Smeal Park, walks up Flagstaff Hill, or a weekend getaway
at Daintree Beach Resort in Wonga. Another pastime not many
people know about is her love of vinyl. She started collecting
records in her early 20s and still enjoys listening to them and
adding new finds to her collection today.
After a childhood of constant movement, Carrie never imagined
she’d feel so settled in Port Douglas. But between the supportive
community, the beauty of the region, and the sense of purpose
she’s found at Niramaya, it has truly become home.