The Tanning Butlers of the South Beach Ritz-Carlton
Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Services
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach has created an unusual profession: The Tanning Butler.Affectionately known as the "world's greatest job," tanning butler duties include strolling around the luxury hotel pool and rubbing attractive people (and presumably unattractive people, but let's not think about that) with complimentary Hampton Sun products from 12pm to 4pm.
The tanning butlers wear signature "Tanning Butler" t-shirts -- so don't believe that guy in a Speedo who's pretending to be a hotel employee -- and are armed with various SPFs, Evian spritzers and sunglasses cleaner in a custom-made holster.
"Good afternoon, I'm the Tanning Butler," they've been instructed to say. "Can I offer you some complimentary sunscreen? If you like, I can apply it to your back and shoulders that might burn easily, as well."
In my fantasy, that line is delivered with a very sexy accent. I hope the Ritz-Carlton's HR department is reading this.
"This modern twist on the English butler is beyond guests' expectations," says Michelle Payer, creator of The Tanning Butler. "It's a light-hearted service we created to cater to our guests as they sunbathe by providing an unexpected, luxury service they won't see anywhere else in the world."
An added perk of the profession? Celebrity rubbing. Jessica Simpson, Nick Lachey, Johnny Knoxville and Vivica A. Fox are just a few names the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach claims to have tanned.
If you're interested in staying at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Miami's newest oceanfront hotel -- "a complete restoration of an original 1953 Morris Lapidus-designed landmark hotel in the city's historic Art Deco district" -- visit the website to book.
Alternatively, click here for job openings.

You know you're serious about tanning when you hire a personal tanning assistant, and anyone who has seen Mariah Carey's dark tan over the past few years can easily tell that she loves to do it. This has led to more than a few instances of bright orange skin in the past, but Mariah has decided that gold is more her color now. She is working with her tanning assistant, who is from the Portofino Sun Center and Spa in Beverly Hills, developing a new fake tan line that is made with 

Idrolux
'Undercover Boss': Top 4 Moments From Season 4 [VIDEO]
Las Vegas Court Officials Accused Of Covering Up Sex Assault [VIDEO]
Walmart vs. Costco: How Do They Really Compare?
Groomers Lose Dog, Claim Not Responsible
The Story Behind Shapewear: From Girdles to Spanx
'Grease' Cast: Where Are They Now?
Microsoft E3 2013 Xbox liveblog!
Baby Fox Asks for Help
Careless Chinese Baggage Handler Really Throws Himself Into His Work
Lost Dog Found 500 Miles Away