Meet Our Team
Behind The Mountain Lodge is a powerhouse leadership team with more than 150 years of combined experience in real estate, hospitality, branding, and development. From visionary land planning to global hospitality operations and cutting-edge digital marketing, this group brings world-class expertise to every detail. Together, they ensure The Mountain Lodge is more than a destination—it is a sustainable, profitable, and iconic brand designed for long-term success.
Lana Barrett Burke
Managing Partner, Real Estate Investor & Branding Strategist
Lana is a respected real investor and brand strategist who has shaped the identity of dozens of real estate and hospitality ventures. Fluent in four languages and a national equity advocate, she ensures Hideout Mountain, also known as San Diego Mountain, reflects inclusive design, strong brand positioning, and equitable investment opportunities. With 30 years of experience spanning boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and multimillion-dollar portfolios, Lana is also a published author and public speaker on women’s entrepreneurship. At Hideout Mountain, she leads creative development, guest experience design, and brand marketing—ensuring the destination resonates with today’s conscious traveler.
Thomas Somers
Managing Partner, Real Estate Developer & Strategic Investor
Thomas brings decades of high-value real estate development experience, with a proven track record of transforming properties into iconic destinations. With over 35 years in commercial and resort development, Tom has overseen projects exceeding $500 million in value. At the Mountain , he ensures strategic land use, maximized asset value, and a development plan that respects both the environment and the guest experience. His leadership guarantees strong investor returns while creating an unforgettable, sustainable hospitality destination. Tom is also known for building strong partnerships with local communities, aligning development with long-term regional growth. His vision balances profitability with legacy.
Johan Perslow
Operations & Conservation Expert
With extensive global experience in hotel operations and resort development, Yohan provides the leadership and strategy to ensure the Mountain thrives from the start. A lifelong steward of nature, he integrates water and land conservation into every project, creating spaces that honor the land while sustaining long-term profitability. His background includes launching boutique hotels and scaling hospitality ventures into recognized, successful brands. By blending operational excellence with a deep respect for the environment, Yohan ensures that every guest experience is not only seamless and memorable.
Beth Ann Wright
Business Operations
Beth Ann brings strong experience in supporting the team through efficient management of schedules, communications, and office operations. Her background includes coordinating projects, preparing documents, and maintaining accurate records with precision and confidentiality. Skilled in handling client relations and streamlining processes, she ensures smooth daily operations while anticipating leadership needs. With professionalism and attention to detail, she provides the foundation that allows executives to focus on growth, strategy, and organizational success.
Gil Martinez
Landscape Architect
Gil Martinez is a celebrated designer and planner with a portfolio spanning 40 countries. With 25 years of experience in luxury resorts, golf courses, and eco-communities, his projects are known for harmonizing natural ecosystems with human-centered design. At the Mountain, Gil is developing a master plan that integrates wellness gardens, panoramic view decks, native landscaping, and walkable trails while preserving the mountain’s ecology. His work turns the land itself into a healing asset and a signature feature of the guest experience.
Charlene Smith
Marketing & Social Media
Charlene is a leading voice in digital branding and consumer engagement. With a proven record of scaling hospitality and lifestyle brands through strategic content, viral campaigns, and influencer partnerships, she ensures the Mountain gains visibility far beyond its physical location. Charlene ability to craft compelling digital narratives and harness social media trends positions the brand as a must-visit destination, building loyalty with modern travelers while amplifying revenue streams.