Harbour Island’s Fresh Picks Farmers Market & Artisan Showcase to return in November
posted by Valentine Admin on September 27th, 2018
Fresh Picks Farmers Market & Artisan Showcase at Valentines Resort & Marina on Harbour Island, Bahamas will start again on November 21st for Season 3 after completing its 2nd season with huge success. The 4th of July weekend was its best yet with over 24 vendors!
The Fresh Picks Farmers Market will be held at Valentines every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm starting November 21st, the day before Thanksgiving – just in time to pick up the absolutely freshest ingredients for your holiday dinner. Fresh Picks will continue to showcase the best farmers, chefs and artisans from Eleuthera and Harbour Island. The event has developed into a great happening for attendees to access farm-to-table vegetables, herbs, greens, baked goods and more. Both locals and visitors have come to enjoy this weekly event. The market will run weekly through July 24th, 2019!
Fresh Picks Farmers Market has become the premier opportunity for culinary professionals and artisans alike from Harbour Island and Eleuthera to showcase their crops and talent to the hundreds of attendees over the past two seasons. Every Wednesday you are bound to discover a new and noteworthy vendor. The flavors, energy, creativity and fun makes the Fresh Picks at Valentines Wednesday’s favorite spot to visit. We look forward to seeing you on November 21st, 2018 for the opening of the third season of Fresh Picks Farmers Market and Artisan Showcase. To exhibit or for more information, e-mail harbourislandbuzz@gmail.com.
Fresh Picks Market
Caribbean Journal Names Valentines Residences Resort and Marina Small Hotel of the Year
posted by Valentine Admin on December 19th, 2017
Valentines Residences Resort and Marina is pleased to announce that it has been named 2017’s “Small Hotel of the Year” by Caribbean Journal, the world’s leading Caribbean travel publication.
According to Caribbean Journal, Valentines “achieves a difficult feat: combining a real, local feel with the amenities and quality of a modern, cutting-edge resort. On an island as historic and charming as Harbour Island, it’s even more difficult. But that’s just what the endlessly creative Valentines has done, with some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful guest rooms married to a vibrant, village-style layout.”
The annual awards celebrate the very best in Caribbean travel, and winners are selected by the Caribbean Journal’s editorial team.
Valentines Residences Resort and Marina is a 41 room luxury resort and home to the largest marina complex on Harbour Island as well as a variety of world-class amenities including a Dermalogica Skin Center and Spa, Cocoa Coffee Shop, Calico’s Retail Shop, Valentines Dive Center, a well-equipped fitness center, The Rooster Tail Bar, and The Boathouse restaurant.
To learn more visit https://www.valentinesresort.com/. For reservations call (866) 389-6864 or email reservations@valentinesresort.com.
Winter Holiday Events at Valentines Residences Resort and Marina
posted by Valentine Admin on December 15th, 2017
Celebrate the New Year in paradise with Valentines Residences Resort and Marina on Harbour Island in The Bahamas. To usher in 2018, the award-winning resort will be partnering with The Bahamas’ premier entertainment company, Reckless Pirates, to host a “Cultural Invasion” featuring a variety of events throughout the holiday weekend.
The celebration will kick-off Friday, December 29th with a fashion show by Calico Trading Co. from 5 pm-7 pm. A “Reckless Pirates’ Happy Hour and Glow Party” will take place immediately after at 7 pm and will feature live entertainment, games, drink specials and more. The festivities will continue Saturday, December 30th from 5 pm – 8 pm with a “Reckless Pirates Cultural Show” throughout the property, which will include a Junkanoo Rush Out, Reckless Pirates costume launch, live entertainment as well as fire and limbo dancing. On Sunday, December 31st, guests of all ages are invited to participate in a Family Treasure Hunt Party for cash prizes and giveaways. Entrance Fee will be $5 for adults and $3 for children.
On New Year’s Eve night, Valentines will host a “New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner” onsite at The Boathouse restaurant. Beginning at 6 pm, the dinner will offer a Prix Fixe menu featuring a delectable five-course meal and bottle of champagne for two. After dinner, guests will be treated to entertainment provided by The Bahamas’ very own Patrice Murrell from Nassau and fireworks at midnight. Dinner is $250 per person, plus 15% gratuity and 12% VAT.
Capping off the celebration on New Year’s Day will be a “Pirates’ Junkanoo Rush” Event, featuring a Pirates Fun Rush Junkanoo from 4-6 pm, and a Pre-Pirates New Year’s Rush Party at 6 pm with a portion of all proceeds to benefit the local and Government clean-up program and HIAS.
The events are open to the public on a first come, first serve basis. To make a reservation for the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, please call 242-333-2142.
ABOUT VALENTINES RESIDENCES RESORT & MARINA
Named best Small Hotel in the Caribbean by Caribbean Journal, Valentines award winning resort is the finest Residence Resort on Harbour Island and well-known for its warm ambiance, spacious accommodations averaging 1000 SF many with full kitchens, a 51-slip full-service sport fishing and yacht marina, and the Island’s famous pink sand beach. To learn more visit http://www.valentinesresort.com or friend them on Facebook. For reservations call (866) 389-6864 or email reservations@valentinesresort.com.
Bahamas Junkanoo
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
How to Make 2 Famous Bahamas Cocktails
posted by valentineblog on June 18th, 2014
Be sure to ask for one, or both, of these great drinks on your next visit to The Rooster Tail Bar at Valentines Residences, Resort & Marina in Harbour Island, Bahamas – known to have the best water location on the island!
The Bahama Mama
Not much is known about the origins of the Bahama Mama, but it’s likely that this rum cocktail was born during the Bahamas heyday as a smuggling base during Prohibition. A mix of dark and high-proof white rum, the Bahama Mama is more complex than it sounds, with recipes calling for coffee and coconut liqueur, lemon and pineapple juice.
Ingredients for 1 drink
- 1/4 ounce coffee liqueur
- 1/2 ounce dark rum
- 1/2 ounce coconut liqueur
- 1/4 ounce 151 proof (high proof) rum
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 4 ounces pineapple juice
- Strawberry or cherry for garnish
Preparation
- Pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well.
- Pour into a collins glass with cracked ice.
- Garnish with a strawberry or cherry.
Variation of the Bahama Mama:
This can also be blended with 1 cup ice.
- 1 ounce coconut rum
- 1/2 ounce dark rum
- 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce grenadine
- Orange wedges and strawberries for garnish
- Pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well.
- Pour into a hurricane glass with cracked ice.
- Garnish with an orange and strawberries.
Video: How to Make a Bahama Mama (another variation)
The Goombay Smash
Created at the humble Blue Bee Bar on Great Turtle Cay in the Out Islands of the Bahamas, this potent libation contains four kinds of rum. Created by Blue Bee Bar founder Miss Emily, the Goombay Smash — not the Bahama Mama — is the national drink of the Bahamas. It’s named after the traditional form of drum-oriented Bahamaian music, similar to calypso.
Ingredients for 2 drinks:
- Ice cubes
- 6 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup Malibu rum or other coconut-flavored rum
- 2 tablespoons light rum
- 2 tablespoons gold rum
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
- 2 pineapple wedges
- 2 orange slices
Preparation
Fill cocktail shaker with ice; add pineapple juice, orange juice, and all rum. Cover and shake until very cold. Fill 2 short glasses with ice. Strain cocktail mixture over, dividing equally. Garnish with pineapple wedges and orange slices. Raise glass and toast.
Goombay Smash recipe from Rum Shop Ryan
Read more about drinking and dining at Valentines Residences, Resort & Marina…. https://www.valentinesresort.com/resort/dining/.
5 Things To Do In Harbour Island
posted by valentineblog on May 23rd, 2013
By Sherice Major
Although there are 30 more days until the summer season officially kicks off, we’ve already started our summer adventures. Over the weekend, we packed up and sped off into the sunset to Harbour Island, The Bahamas to escape the hustle & bustle of city living in exchange for the deliciousness of the island life.
Briland,’ as it is affectionately called is located three hours away from the capital Nassau [via boat], and is one of the [not so] best kept secrets in The Caribbean! For centuries, the island has attracted the rich & famous, who, in their pursuit of all things major, found one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, the most enchanting architectural structures, the most hospitable islanders, and the most palatable plates this side of town.
If you’re considering a MAJOR getaway here are 5 things you must do in Harbour Island…
- Rent A Golf Cart – Although the island is only approximately 3.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, you will need to rent yourself a buggy for your stay on the island. Golf carts range from $45-50 ish for a 24 hour period, if you’re a good talker you might get it for a few coins cheaper. Grab a map and go on the ultimate adventure, trust us – you won’t get lost!
- Have Lunch at Sip Sip – Unarguably one of the best spots on the island to grab a bite to eat at lunchtime. The restaurant is off the track most beaten, deep in the cut on Court St. Enjoy a five star meal with an amazing view of Pink Sands Beach.
- Swim – The Briland temperature is always perfect to take a dip in one of the best beaches in the world, Pink Sands. Stroll on three miles plus of nothing but untouched powder pink soft sand. Grab a spot, lay back and inhale the island breeze.
- Take a Cocoa break – Need a pick me upper? Head over to the quaint & quiet Cocoa Coffee House over on Bay St. for a fill up! The boutique coffee shop offers hot or iced Starbucks coffee as well as Lavazza made drinks. Get cozy in one of their chairs, grab a drink and enjoy the view of Valentine’s Marina. For the social influencers, WIFI is readily available!
- Drink & Dine At Valentine’s – Even if you’re not staying at the luxury property, Valentine’s Resort & Marina, you are still able to enjoy all that they have to offer. Head out for a night of fun with the girls and pop into the Rooster Tail Bar for drinks or grab a bite to eat from the Boat House Restaurant. Live entertainment weekly coupled with a view makes it a major must.
Harbour Island, Bahamas Active Things to Do
posted by valentineblog on January 30th, 2013
Just like its surrounding islands, Harbour Island, Bahamas is a great place to engage in all sorts of water activities, such as fishing, snorkeling, diving, and horseback riding along the beach. If you wish to dive, The Plateau and The Arch, two magnificent coral formations, are must-sees.
Martin “Horseman” Saunders – Horseback riding is done on the Pink Sands Beach only. There are five friendly brown and white horses that eat right out of the palms of your hand.
Byron Bullard Horseback Riding
Community Park & Ball Field – This is the community playground where the schools hold their sports meets, the churches have crusades/revivals, community fairs and other fund-raising events, and other locals play a game of football or soccer.
Lil Shan’s Watersports – Captain Devon “Lil Shan” Stuart offers a number of water sports and equipment rentals, including the following; Jet Ski Rental, Boat Rental/Charters, Kayak Rental, Windsurf/Sunfish Rentals, Wakeboarding/Waterskiing, and Kneeboarding/Tubing.
Valentines Dive Center – The acclaimed Valentines Dive Center offers world-class PADI scuba diving in a resort setting.
Harbour Island’s weather is delightful; especially during late Winter and Spring when there is little chance of rain. Ocean breezes take any edge off of moderately warm temperatures ranging from the 70s to 80s during the day and late 60s at night, so always a good time to come and try out these adventures.
About Valentines Residences, Resort & Marina
posted by valentineblog on December 03rd, 2012
What makes Valentines Residences, Resort & Marina so special?
Although the architecture of our luxury accommodations was inspired by the historic dwellings that once dotted Harbour Island, they feature all the modern amenities. Each luxury suite is equipped with a full kitchen, a spacious patio, and incomparable décor. Every detail is a stroke of design genius—from the fabulous fabrics that ribbon throughout the suites, to the sunken tubs in our marble bathrooms.
Our Junior Suite (753 square feet) and 1 Bedroom Suite (1,048) accommodate 4 guests. For larger parties our 2 Bedroom Suite (1714 square feet) accommodates 6 guests, or our 3 bedroom Penthouse Suite (2267 square feet) accommodates 8 guests.
When you choose not to work your own magic in our fully equipped kitchens, let us cater your meals breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you desire, massage therapy can be arranged in the privacy and comfort of your own luxury suite. If you want to combine the physical benefits of exercise with inner peace, nearby yoga classes can be arraigned during many weeks of the year. Please click here for our activity schedule.
Our Location
Valentines is the newest luxury resort on Harbour Island, Bahamas a location ranked “Best Island in the Caribbean” by a Travel + Leisure Magazine recent poll. With our powder soft, pink sand beach, readers of the travel elite travel magazine rated Harbour Island #1 among the best islands in the Caribbean.
Our location on this beautiful Caribbean island adds to our international appeal. We are on the exciting harbor side of the island, on the edge of the best shopping and restaurants of Dunmore Town, Harbour Island.
About Harbour Island
Over 300 years old, a Bahamian settlement with rich maritime history, Dunmore Town in Harbour Island served as the first capital of the Bahamas. This historic town is a unique blend of New England architecture and Caribbean color. Shady verandas, hibiscus and bougainvilleas, and the allure of turquoise water and pink sand beach makes this an idyllic Caribbean island.
We invite you to rejuvenate under our swaying palms, hibiscus, bougainvilleas and jasmine. Relax, and re-energize amongst this island’s natural beauty. Or indulge in the best Bahamas snorkeling, boat charters and rentals, deep sea fishing, bone fishing, sport fishing, big game fishing, scuba diving, jet skiing, kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing, sailing and wake boarding in our turquoise waters.