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Offbeat

Zany Hotel Jobs You Almost Wish You Had

We've all read guides on how to quit your job and travel. But personally, we'd rather get paid to jet all over the world. Here are 12 careers to get you packing.

See recent posts by Siobhan Reid

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Dog Surfing Instructor

At Loews Coronado Bay Resort pups learn how to hang ten during private lessons with a resident dog surfing instructor. While pet owners are welcome to sit in on the training sesh, instructors prepare the fur babies to catch waves sans assistance. The hotel sees the bulk of their puppy participants right before the Unleashed by Petco Imperial Beach Surf Dog Competition which has been hosted by the property since 2006. And since we know you're interested – ten minute heats of small, medium, large, and tandem contenders are judged in a handful of categories, including confidence and fashion (cue the adorable wetsuits).

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2

Department of Romance Staff

If you’re a sucker for romcoms or anything starring Julia Roberts, just know that if you made the move to Cabo, your job could be to organize screen-worthy scenes for real life couples. In the Department of Romance at Las Ventanas al Paraiso, staff works to set up ultra-romantic seaside dinners, add one-of-a-kind touches to honeymoons, and even organize next-level proposals (think skywriters and white stallions).

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Duckmaster

The Peabody Memphis's resident ducks are arguably the property's most well-looked after guests. When they’re not padding along a red carpet en-route to the lobby fountain at 11am and 5pm each day, their off-duty digs consist of a $200,000 marble and glass rooftop pied-à-terre, AKA the Royal Duck Palace. Catering to the high-profile birds is, of course, a Duckmaster. Dressed in a sharp scarlet blazer, Anthony Petrina, the current holder of the brass duck cane, caters to their every need. If you're interested in filling the position, get your resume in now – the last duckmaster held onto the job for 50 years.

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4

Fragrance Butler

If you've ever forgotten your perfume at home or realized a little too late that your bottle cologne was too large to get through TSA pre-check, then surely you understand the need for fragrance butlers. If you're looking for a career change and think this might be fitting, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts (like The Carlyle, Hôtel de Crillon, and the Mansion on Turtle Creek) employs a fleet of scent-waving staff, all armed with options for men and women, like Hermès, Marc Jacobs’ Daisy, and Giorgio Armani’s Acqua di Gio.

RELATED: Inside Look: The Story Behind Luxury Hotel Scents

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5

Hotel Art Buyer

High-end hotels now have art collections to rival the world’s top museums. And few people know the players behind the scene. Hotel art buyers spend their days seeking out emerging artists and hobnobbing with collectors from around the globe (they also support artist-in-residence programs.) Let’s just say there’s a reason you’re tempted to steal the art

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6

Private Island Caretaker

Imagine your job was idling away on a sunny isle, cocktail in hand, without a person for miles. If it sounds up your alley, consider becoming a private island caretaker. Yes you may have a little handy work to do like boat repairs and storm clean up, but it’s a small price to pay for paradise.

RELATED: Jaw-Dropping Private Island Hotels

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7

Hotel Florist

As a hotel florist, not only will your creations be front-and-center, but you’ll also spend your workday perusing flower markets, tending to the hotel garden and arranging beautiful bouquets for lavish parties and other special events. And because it will be an actual part of your job description, you’ll have no choice but to stop and smell the roses.

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8

Destination Wedding Planner

If you love throwing parties, it doesn’t get much better than being a destination-wedding planner. Responsible for coordinating every last detail of all things “I Do,” the job comes with a checklist that would intimidate even the most type A personality. But get through the seemingly never-ending list of tasks (think: drafting guest lists and choosing stationary), and you’ll be amply rewarded for your time. We’re talking all-expense-paid vacations, people.

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Retail Therapist/Personal Shopper

Calling all shopaholics: spare yourself the drab retail gig and be paid to shop around the world. At Shangri-La Tokyo, you can make a living by doing what you do best: hit the racks. These personal shopping assistants channel their love of fashion to create custom shopping itineraries and score great deals for guests. Another perk to the job? Scouting up-and-coming designers in the name of… er, research.

RELATED: 25 Holiday Gifts Under $25

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National Parks Photographer

We already know photographers have the best job in the world. But this one takes the cake. Following in the footsteps of legendary environmentalist and national park photographer Ansel Adams, these lucky people spend their 9 to 5 snapping pics of America’s most breathtaking landscapes for the Library of Congress’ permanent collection. And just when you thought the gig couldn’t think get any better, did we mention it pays close to $100,000 a year? #goals

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Professional Sleeper

Attention all nappers: we’ve found your dream job! At Simon Horn Ltd., the Savoy Hotel’s luxury bed supplier, writers can earn close to $1,500 a month to try out plush mattresses and blog about it. General manager Craig Roylance said in a statement to The Telegraph, “[The writer] will not only be testing the beds, but we’ll also be putting her under certain conditions such as giving her alcohol or caffeine.” So to recap: free booze, endless coffee and a guaranteed good night’s sleep? Check, check and check.

RELATED: 6 Tips for Sleeping Well on a Plane

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Cruise Ship Performer

To apply to be a cruise ship performer, you’ll need more than a good attitude and a glowing letter of recommendation. And by that, we mean you’ll need serious talent. Whether you’re a classically trained pianist, a professional dancer or a Broadway-worthy actor, luxury liners are always looking for their next high-seas star. And sure, the pay is notoriously bad, but who cares when it means traveling the world while doing what you love?

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