FEEL THE LOVE AT VALENTINE’S
posted by Valentine Admin on March 16th, 2016
FEEL THE LOVE AT VALENTINE’S
Feel the love at Valentine’s!
We’re excited to announce the newest edition to our special offers program, the Valentine’s Romance Package.
For less than $1700 per couple you can enjoy A Weekend of Love package which includes a 3 night stay in a luxury Junior Suite, a couples massage, en-suite breakfast served on your private balcony, a beach picnic on a private spot of the resort’s pink sand beach, and a dinner set up at the location of your choice. The package also includes all taxes and service charges, so the price you see is the price you get!
This offer is all about romance, relaxation and pleasure and is available anytime in 2016, but has a limited booking time.
Here is a link for tall the details. http://www.valentinesresort.com/special-offers.
Now it is even easier to get to Harbour Island and Valentines with the addition of a new Delta direct flight from Atlanta which opens up flight options from the thousands of flights and cities that hub through Atlanta!
Harbour Island mourns the loss of an iconic gem, May “Ma” Ruby
posted by Valentine Admin on March 02nd, 2016
Tribute by Dean Spychalla, Managing Director of Valentine’s Resort & Marina and President of the Out Islands Promotion Board.
My name is Dean Spychalla and I am a friend of Ma Ruby and her family. I’m honored to take a moment and tell you about the impact I know Ma Ruby has had on me and on our community. I certainly know her to have been an incredible mother to her children but as importantly, a real mother to many others on Harbour Island. Her life should be celebrated and remembered as one filled with laughter and love. You may never meet a more loving woman than Ma Ruby. I celebrate her life with you today.
Each and every time I walked in to Tingum Village, and that has been many times over the past four years, Ma Ruby was there to greet me. She made me feel special. To be honest, she made each and every person that walked into the hotel feel special. Ma Ruby’s spirit was always positive and Ma always welcomed her guests upon arrival. Upon leaving Ma wished them a safe journey home and always invited them to come back. Ma Ruby was Harbour Islands’ Vernal Sands, a TRU-TRU Bahamian Resort Ambassador.
Happiness was a big theme throughout Ma Ruby’s life. Tingum Village was always buzzing with activity, and even in the midst of the chaos, Ma would just smile. No matter what was going on, and no matter how busy things got, Ma Ruby was always ready to give big hugs – the type of hugs where you felt like you were the only one in the world. She had an extraordinary ability to give love.
Two weeks before Ma Ruby passed away I had the honour to take her in my golf cart to the Anglican Church. I offered to walk her in but she was adamant that she could make it in under her own power and she meant it. Ma was willful at times! Well, Ma Ruby went to three church services that day as that was her favorite activity on Sundays. I am not her son and I am not related to Ma Ruby but, Ma Ruby sure made me feel as if I could have been! I will miss her.
May “Ma” Ruby, rest in peace.
Valentines Residences Resort & Marina 2015 Update
posted by Valentine Admin on February 23rd, 2016
It has been another incredible year at Valentines Residences Resort & Marina. We have achieved measurable success and performed very well. In 2015 we saw increased growth in key areas including occupancy, future reservations, operations and infrastructural upgrades. The resort also celebrated a few remarkable highlights including the coveted title “The Leading Marina in The Bahamas” by the World Travel Awards. We are confident that we will continue on our path to achieving our goals but there is still much more to be done.
In 2016 we will continue our mandate to listen to our owners and guests and to ensure that your Valentines stay and Harbour Island experience is nothing short of exceptional. Thank you for your patience, support and trust in us. As we settle into a new season we take this moment to look back on a thriving year.
The resort’s model of year-round opening continues to impress upon the occupancy rates. The inauguration of the new Delta airlift services which commenced in December also proved favourable. The airline operates two flights a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays from the Atlanta hub to North Eleuthera. These flights have done so well that Delta will add a Monday Atlanta – North Eleuthera flight during the summer season. We anticipate the additional airlift services will contribute to increased hotel occupancy in 2016.
Of particular significance, this year Valentines Resort will host the Fourth Annual Eleuthera Business Outlook 2016 on April 21st. This is a one-day business conference. Attending will be investors, media, and top Bahamian government officials. The Prime Minister has agreed to be the key note speaker. We expect 80-100 attendees with a number spending the night at Valentines.
Upgrades
- The pool was completely refurbished with stunning results!
- The reserve water tank by the pool can now deliver water to the dock and to the villas when demand requires. This will ensure all guests will have adequate water if there is a disruption in supply.
- $27,000 worth of new linens and towels just arrived and we will be in great shape going into our high season March – July.
Aesthetics
- The Villas’ shutters have been replaced/rebuilt/refurbished as needed and painted with three coats of marine-grade paint.
- A fence has been erected between the fuel storage/parking lot and the public boat ramp.
- Repairs to concrete and painting were completed on the public boat ramp area.
- “Private” Signs have been placed on all of the main gated entryways to the villa courtyard areas.
- The patios are on scheduled PM for mold and cleanliness to include the screens.
- There is a substantial amount of strategically-located new landscaping on property. We are putting many native shrubbery and plants along all walls where needed.
Operations
In 2015 we added three new managers to our “Five Star Rock Stars team.” They include:
- Ty Olsen, Engineering Manager – Ty is responsible for ensuring proper maintenance of grounds, water pressure remains constant and all electrical and mechanical needs are maintained. Ty is originally from Utah and married to a young lady from Grand Bahama.
- Giorgia Simmons, Housekeeping Manager – As a former Property Manager with over 12 years’ experience, Giorgia is responsible for managing a staff of 10 and ensuring the maintenance of the rooms, lobby, pool and common area, walk ways, guest bathrooms and open spaces. Giorgia works hard at enhancing the guest experience. She is originally from Italy and gets a little excited now and then! Giorgia gets things done.
- Montgomery Penn, Head Chef – Prior to joining Valentines Resort, Montgomery Penn was a former Sous Chef of several leading restaurants including: Sapodilla’s in Nassau; Nobu in Atlantis, and The Ritz Carlton, Winding Bay, in Abaco. “Monty” has worked in the culinary industry for more than 13 years. At Valentines he oversees a staff of twelve and assumes responsibility for bringing the flare, flavour and infusion of creativity and culinary skill to Valentines Resort.
Marketing
- Valentines Resort was honoured with the title of The Bahamas’ Leading Marina from The World Travel Awards. The prestigious award has been placed on the website, eblasts, and print ads and has been promoted in social media marketing efforts.
- Valentines Resort was named as one of the top five luxury resorts in the Bahamas by Travel + Leisure.
- Valentines Resort was recently nominated for a Conde’ Nast Reader’s Choice Award 2016.
- Valentines Resort participated in the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s 17th annual Golf Tournament 17th annual and won the top prize of Best Promotional Booth which was a remarkable accomplishment for a first time participant. The event was held at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island.
- Valentines Resort participated in the 2015 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, the 2016 Stuart Boat Show and the Miami Boat Show and will participate in the Palm Beach Boat show. This season we had booths and the Miami and Palm Beach boat shows. Next season will have booths at all four boat shows.
- Valentines Resort was featured in several leading publications including: Southern Boating, Marina Life, Business View Caribbean, the New York Times and as of this weekend, the Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald.
- Valentines Resort will capitalize off of the new direct airlift services Delta has offered from Atlanta, Georgia to North Eleuthera.
- Valentines Resort sent a maintenance team to the North Eleuthera Airport to paint the interior of the departure terminal and it looks super. This allows us to place strategic advertising in the terminal.
New Partnership
Valentines entered into a partnership with Dermalogica Skin Care Centre. The new spa and skin care facility is located next to Cocoa Coffeehouse in a newly-renovated professional space. Dermalogica offers all skin care & body treatments, massage therapy and Dermalogica nail services in addition to the entire Dermalogica retail line which is available for purchase in the boutique. The retail boutique includes a Dermalogica Skin Bar where clients can have complimentary Face Mapping Skin Analysis and try new skin products. The spa and skin centre will continue the tradition of Valentines Resort; offering a “Five Star Service Rock Stars” experience to our guests.
Harbour Island
In 2015 Harbour Island won the influential Travel + Leisure Top Travel Award: “Best Island in The Caribbean” for the second consecutive year. To an island often referred to as the friendliest place on earth, Harbour Island continues to maintain its island charm while becoming a globalized brand. December proved to be one of the biggest highlights of the year. North Eleuthera recorded record-breaking numbers in arrivals on December 26th with an estimate of 477 foreign visitors.
Electricity
BEC is now Bahamas Power and Light (BPL). BPL is a new company and will be managed by Power Secure. BPL recently sent a team of experts and senior managers to Harbour Island to meet with hoteliers and local business owners. The meeting was hosted by Valentines and the purpose of the meeting was to highlight BPL’s plans for implementing both an immediate short term fix and a long term fix to provide stable power on Harbour Island. The work for the long term fix is to begin in March and be completed by the fall.
Kind regards,
Dean Spychalla
President, Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board
Managing Director, Valentines Residences Resort and Marina, Harbour Island, Bahamas, 242-333-2142, US 954-284-8694 www.valentinesresort.com
Dermalogica Skin Centre coming to Valentines Resort and Marina
posted by Valentine Admin on December 14th, 2015
A new spa facility at the award winning Valentines Residences Resort and Marina will open late December/early January. The Dermalogica Skin Centre will offer all Dermalogica professional skin & body treatments, massage therapy and Dermalogica nail services. Also the entire Dermalogica retail line will be available in the boutique.
“Dermalogica is the number one professional skin care brand in the world. We are very excited to be opening in Harbour Island and situated on the iconic main street and to be a part of Valentines property,” said Sarah Beek, President and CEO of Dermalogica Caribbean and Dermalogica Skin Centre.
“For quite a while now we have had many clients from Harbour Island and Eleuthera visit Dermalogica Skin Centre in Nassau, Bahamas. We wanted to bring our Dermalogica brand and spa experience to our clients and prospective clients in Eleuthera” said Beek. “Dermalogica is well recognized and we believe many tourists visiting the island are going to be excited to see the brand and Dermalogica treatments available while on vacation.”
Dermalogica Skin Centre will be located next to the coffee shop, Cocoa. The newly renovated professional space has added a new retail boutique complete with Dermalogica Skin Bar, where clients can receive complementary Face Mapping Skin Analysis and try out the products on their skin. All the treatment rooms were completely renovated. The Body Treatment Room and massage room has a new shower facility. The Skin Treatment room will have all the latest technology and equipment to give the most amazing, result-oriented treatments. There will also be Dermalogica hand and feet treatments along with nail services. “To be able to provide professional hand and foot treatments using Dermalogica while you receive a manicure and pedicure is something I am very excited to offer to our clients” said Sarah.
Dean Spychalla, Managing Director at Valentines said the partnership is a perfect fit for the luxury resort and boating community. “We are very excited to partner with Dermalogica Caribbean & Dermalogica Skin Centre to offer a state of the art spa offering the latest technologies backed by a truly global brand. We welcome the addition of Dermalogica Skin Centre and we look forward to offering more options to our guests that will continue to promote our “Five Star Service Rock Stars” experience here at Valentines,” said Spychalla.
Dermalogica Skin Centre will offer the latest technology skin treatments, including the following signature treatments: LED light therapy, Micro Current, oxygen therapy, Dermalogica’s BioActive Peel, wet/dry dermabrasion and Dermalogica body exfoliations and body wraps. Other spa services include The Dermalogica Skin Treatment, body waxing, eyebrow & eyelash tinting, massage therapy sessions in addition to Dermalogica manicure and pedicure treatments.
“People visit Harbour Island for the experience of the resorts, the restaurants, the food, the unique retail shopping and of course the beautiful Bahamian and local people. We are happy to now provide spa services to complete their experience while visiting Harbour Island. We look forward to hosting brides and bridal groups before their wedding” said Beek.
About Valentine’s Residences Resort & Marina
Valentine’s is one of the finest condo-hotels on Harbour Island in the Bahamas and iswell-known for its warm ambiance, spacious, well-appointed accommodations, 51-slip, full-service sport fishing and yacht marina and famous pink sand beach. To learn more visit http://www.valentinesresort.com or friend them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ValentinesResort.
About Dermalogica®:
Dermalogica® revolutionized the skin care industry when it emerged into the marketplace in 1986 with innovative formulations, which excluded common irritants, including SD alcohol, lanolin, mineral oil and artificial colors and fragrances. Jane Wurwand developed the products to better support the advanced curriculum she had developed a few years earlier for The International Dermal Institute, which she also founded. Today, Dermalogica is the world’s most-requested professional skin care brand and is used by over 100,000 therapists worldwide and found in over 80 countries.
Dermalogica Skin Centre is a concept space that offers all of Dermalogicaprofessional skin and body treatments. We believe in skin health and giving clients results. Healthy skin shouldn’t be a luxury. That’s why we are not about pampering, indulgence or frills. We are about smart skin care that delivers proven results – the kind that keeps your skin healthy for life.
Visit: www.dermalogicaskincentre.comandwww.dermalogicacaribbean.comfor more information. Also “like” Dermalogica Skin Centre on Facebook.
Bahamas International Film Festival Schedule 2015
posted by Valentine Admin on December 01st, 2015
The 12th annual Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) will open today in Harbour Island offering a unique cultural experience and set of educational programs and forums for exploring the past, present and future of cinema. The festival will run from December 1-12th. Below are showtimes for movie showings in Harbour Island December 1-4.
Delta Airlines Adds Direct Flights to North Eleuthera
posted by Valentine Admin on November 27th, 2015
Non-stop travel to the “Best Island in the Caribbean” is even more accessible for travelers flying out of the United States with the introduction of direct flights from Atlanta, Georgia to North Eleuthera, Bahamas on Delta Airlines.
Delta’s new ATL/ELH route will commence on December 19, 2015 with weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Direct access to the sister destinations of Eleuthera and Harbour Island in the Northern Bahamas means shorter travel time to the pink sand wonderland that garnered the Bahamas top ratings in Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards 2015 readers’ survey.
Discerning globetrotters paid tribute to Harbour Island’s laid back appeal, secluded coves and breathtaking pink sand beaches with the top honor “Best Island in the Caribbean”. The quickest route to Harbour Island is a non-stop flight to North Eleuthera’s international airport, where a ten minute water taxi is the only thing between touch down and pink sand in your toes.
“Everyone in Harbour Island is excited about the new flight services to North Eleuthera. Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport is one of the busiest airport hubs in the world. With Delta’s new ATL/ELH route, our future guests at Valentines Residences Resort and Marinawill be afforded the convenience of direct two hour flights to North Eleuthera,” said Dean Spychalla, Managing Director at Valentines.
Just in time for the winter season, Delta Airlines commissioned a 65-seat EV-CJ7 aircraft to offer the new international route, with both Economy and Business Class service.
“Guests who visit Eleuthera and Harbour Island are not interested in the hustle and bustle of the capital Nassau, so being able to fly directly to the secluded Out Islands is a great advantage; it will enhance the overall experience by giving guests more vacation time,” said Mr Spychalla, who is also president of the Bahama Out Island Promotion Board (BOIPB).
With boutique resorts like Valentines, Harbour Island continues to attract a steady stream of repeat visitors, who benefit fromthe close proximity between Eleuthera and Harbour Island. Eleuthera is the island of freedom, known for its tropical flair and its history, as the first island in the archipelago to be settled by British Loyalists.
“North Eleuthera is one of our premier tourist destinations that attracts upward of 20,000 visitors annually. This is a welcomed addition that will increase the number of return visitors to the island,” said Tyrone Sawyer, Senior Director of Airlift Development at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT). Increased airlift services directly to the Out Islands, including North Eleuthera is a key target of the BMOT.
North Eleuthera Regatta to Aid Hurricane Relief efforts
posted by Valentine Admin on October 08th, 2015
It’s Regatta time again and Valentines Residences Resort and Marina along with the North Eleuthera Regatta Association invite you to party in a pink sand paradise at the 26th annual North Eleuthera Regatta, October 7-11th. This year’s event will host a Hurricane Relief and Dollar Drive at the famous Harbour Island regatta site.
Lucie Johnson-Butler, chairperson of the North Eleuthera Regatta Association said the committee’s hurricane drive will aid in the relief efforts for the southern islands affected by the hurricane. “We want everyone to come and support this year’s regatta and our hurricane relief initiatives. Persons can donate monies to the dollar drive and we’re also asking for donations of canned items and non-perishable goods” said Butler.
“The North Eleuthera Regatta is one of the most popular events in the Bahamas. In light of the devastation that has taken place in our neighboring southern island communities, some of the boats from those islands will not be participating in this year’s regatta. Our thoughts are with them” said Dean Spychalla, managing director at Valentines Residences Resort and Marina and president of the Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board (BOIPB).
The regatta will feature three days of B-Class and C-Class sloops competition. Events scheduled for the weekend include a Briland-style Cultural Show, Down Home Rake n Scrape performances and the popular “Get Loose” Beach Party at Pink Sands Beach.
As a sponsor of this year’s regatta, Valentines Resort will offer a number of activities for guests staying at the resort as well as anyone looking to experience the Valentines treatment. On Friday, the resort will host the annual Skipper Party and the Bristol Wines Grey Goose Party.
“What makes Harbour Island so inviting is its winning reputation. Events like the North Eleuthera Regatta allow us to celebrate the island’s reputation of having one of the best beaches in the world; the famous pink sands beach, waterfront dining restaurants, servitude and a rich culture of community” said Spychalla. The island was recently awarded the title, “Best Island in the Caribbean” by international travel publication’s Travel + Leisure readers.
Party revelers can expect a more exciting lineup of entertainment including for the first time, the Blue Connection Band out of Nassau which will be the house band for the event, the return of a Bahamian all-star lineup including Geno D, Veronica Bishop, Q-Pid and Puzzle. Closing out the weekend will be Bahamian Sensation, DMac known for his most recent hit songs, “The Boat Man” and “Back Dat Bam Bam” (Pressure).
5 Things to Do on Harbour Island’s Pink Sand Beach Before the Crack of Dawn
posted by Valentine Admin on September 28th, 2015
When visiting an island known for having the most gorgeous beach in the world, you should try to experience the beach morning, noon and night. The perfectly smooth and supple, pink sand; the invigorating ocean air and the calming cool of lapping waves have different characteristics throughout the day. So whether you are staying at Valentines Resort or somewhere else on the island, here are some things to do before the crack of dawn on Harbour Island’s Pink Sand Beach.
1. Beach Yoga –The Pink Sand Beach is the perfect setting for an early morning yoga workout. Once you descend the sand dune, the beach is long and flat with ample places to throw a yoga mat. The sunrises on the horizon so you can perform sun salutations as you greet the birth of the new day. And who needs a playlist when you can enjoy the soothing sounds of rolling waves.
2. Morning Walk or Run – Whether your pace is heel to toe walking or a full on run, the Pink Sand Beach has a naturally made runway for you to exercise in the morning. Wake up your body with movement along a stretch of beach 3.5 miles long. The beauty that surrounds will be inspiration to keep moving, and your muscles will love you for it.
3. Swimming – The Bahamas has great year-round water temperatures, averaging between the low 70’s to 90’s. An early morning swim is not only relaxing and refreshing; it helps to burn calories. It’s the perfect exercise activity for keeping your lungs and heart healthy. It’s fun and easy and it helps tone your muscles. After jogging, a good swim is the perfect cool down cardio and a great catalyst to achieving your daily workout goals. Just remember to count your strokes and play it safe to the shoreline.
4. Watch the Sunrise – Watching the sun rise over Harbour Island’s Pink Sand Beach is a bucket list worthy experience, and also the perfect time to capture a self before you check off your list. For early risers this is a great romantic activity, but equally as good on your own. In the early mornings and late evenings always adorn yourself with bug spray when you plan to longue on the beach.
5. Cocoa Coffeehouse – If you like the sound of a light breakfast of muffins and coffee while you enjoy and contemplate the blessings all around you, collect your morning cup from Cocoa’s Coffee House and head to the beach. This coffee house at Valentine’s Resort exudes island charm. It offers a variety of special blend Starbucks and Lavazza coffees and tasty treats.
2014 – The Year in Review
posted by Valentine Admin on January 19th, 2015
Now that we’ve entered a new year, we want to take a moment to reflect back on the great year that was 2014. It was a productive year with gains made in almost every category: operations, facility improvements, guest and marina bookings, and team enhancements. As the director of all of Valentine’s Residences Resort & Marina facilities I take great pride in letting our guests and owners know what we’ve been doing to make Valentine’s the best resort experience on Harbour Island while they (hopefully) enjoyed cocktails at the Rooster Tail bar or relaxed our beautiful pink sand beach
The Highlights Include
- We updated the name to “Valentine’s Residences Resort & Marina” to highlight ownership opportunities as well as the resort and marina component of the Valentine’s experience.
- Valentine’s affiliated with Preferred Residences by Interval International, giving us marketing access to their 1.8 million member loyalty club iPrefer. This will help us increase occupancy, and bring full membership benefits to all of our owners.
- In October we Launched our new and improved website, with a fully responsive design for use on tablets and smartphones, direct connection to our booking engine, and great information for resort guests and boaters.
- We restored the original building in the Southeast corner of the property, making it useful and adding to the authentic ambiance of the property.
- We purchased tamper-proof thermostats to help control energy costs and maintain a steady temperature in all units. We plan to install these in January and February.
- Valentine’s Replenished plating, utensils, pans and kitchen equipment—improving the guest experience at the restaurant and bar.
- We replaced galvanized bathtub spigot nipples with brass nipples, eliminating rusty water problems in some tubs.
- We had the pool skimmers and jets resealed, which stopped a pool leak and we installed LED landscape lighting pool-side to make sure Valentine’s beautiful pool remains one of our featured amenities.
- We ordered A/C upgrades to prevent condensation damage.
- We have continuously deep-cleaned the marina, restaurant, lounge, and guest rooms, making it a routine part of our maintenance program.
- Valentine’s was featured in an article in Southern Boating magazine, in The Guardian, and made it onto the National Geographic website.
- Planned-out the development and building of a meeting room (or possibly) gym in the large space on the ground floor underneath Cocoa Coffee House.
- Valentine’s received proposals to install a smart sub-metering system to allow for third-party billing.
Thank you for perusing all the exciting things we’ve been doing. We appreciate the support of all our owners and guests and wish everyone a wonderful and prosperous 2015!
Waterside Dining at Valentines Resort Harbour Island
posted by valentineblog on July 09th, 2014
One of the main reasons people take a Caribbean vacation is to spend as much time as possible being outdoors – enjoying the view and tropical breezes. So why be stuck inside during meal time and cocktail hour? Valentines Resort and Marina offers, hands down, the best waterfront dining options in all of Harbour Island. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can all be enjoyed al fresco and no place is better for sunset cocktails than our patio lounge. For more information and to view our menus and wine list, visit https://blog.valentinesresort.com/ResortDining.php.
