Karen has a background in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Conference, Events & Entertainment, and business management having held numerous national and international positions in sales and marketing and operations. In 2010 Karen married Michael Cross and her life changed forever from a globetrotting, footloose, fancy free career girl to instant wife, step mum, and grandma! In 2013-2014, Karen & Michael managed the multi award winning Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat on the Sunshine Coast, winner of the prestigious Qantas Australia – Hosted Accommodation award.

With her entrepreneur and business background Karen in partnership with Michael now own and run the Management Rights for Dorchester on the Beach in Surfers Paradise – AAA rated 4 ½ star large 3 bedroom beachfront apartments great for family holidays or conference delegates, a great place to escape – located right on Surfers Paradise beach on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Michael and I look forward to welcoming you to Dorchester on the Beach and to Australia's favourite playground famous for fun!