Robust Growth At Valentines Resort, Harbour Island

In Harbour Island ...

Valentines Residences, Resort and Marina - a 42 unit upscale Harbour Island resort, tucked along the waterfront, is home to the largest marina complex on the three and a half mile long by half mile wide island. Located just moments away from Harbour Island’s world-famous pink sands beach, the 4.5 acre resort’s impressive list of amenities also include Valentines’ Dive Center, a Dermalogica Skin Center and Spa, Cocoa Coffee Shop, Calico’s Retail Shop, a well-equipped fitness center, state of the art conference boardroom, and both indoor and outdoor dining at The Rooster Tail Bar and the Boathouse Restaurant.

Dean Spychalla, vice president and managing director of the spectacular property, during a vibrant 2018 summer season, took time to share some of the exciting developments at the luxury resort. New state-of-theart amenities, expanded accommodations, and select training opportunities for local staff, have all contributed to phenomenal growth this year, with the resort overall during July 2018 up 24% over the same month last year.

Adding to their beautiful collection of upscale villas and townhouses, Valentines Residences, Resort and Marina recently acquired The Lemon Tree, a 6-bedroom, 5-bathroom, 3,500 sq. ft. property contiguous to the resort, said Mr. Spychalla, and changed the name to Sapodilla House - taken from the very large and productive tree on the grounds. Sapodilla House was beautifully refurbished from top to bottom, with a new light and

Robust growth at

ValentineS ...

airy décor, state-of-the-art electronics, and lush greenery, in keeping with the rest of the resort.

With room to sleep up to 12 people, this historic stone home is perfect for families with children, large groups, wedding parties, photo shoots or people who just want to escape with their friends for a few days. A special golf cart, with the Sapodilla House logo is included with the house, and private chef services are also available on request.

The remaining 41 units at Valentines Residences, Resort and Marina are an exquisite mix of luxury studios with kitchenettes, and 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom villas and townhouses, featuring full kitchens, with stylish island décor and spacious patios and terraces. A 2,000 sq. ft., 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom penthouse, called the Governor Dunmore Suite, which sleeps up to 10 people, is another exceptional offering at Valentines.

A new, state of the art conference boardroom has been added to Valentines’ list of world-class amenities, aimed at corporations as well as small businesses for business retreats. “The boardroom is magnificent… There is nothing like it in the Out Islands,” shared Mr. Spychalla. “The conference table is really well done, and was custom made for the resort by Paul Downs Cabinetmakers in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, with built in zoom teleconferencing technology.” It seats 20 people and 10 people can be seated on either side of the table, allowing accommodation for as many as 40 people in the beautifully appointed boardroom.

Mr. Spychalla, highlighted the innovative approach Valentines has taken toward ensuring that their local management staff are amongst the best in the region, with comprehensive training opportunities. “I’ve found that the best way to manage this resort is to take people who are from the community, who have talent, and give them opportunities to experience this industry in another location; to have another point of view, and take part in a training program that allows them to come back with ideas and the knowledge they need to run their areas of responsibility at Valentines, like the restaurant, effectively.”

Restaurant business was up 20% this fiscal year versus last year, he revealed, due largely in part to taking that approach. In 2017, a local manager went through a six week management training program in Nassau with Luciano’s of Chicago. Another attended a restaurant management training school in Appleton, Wisconsin for six weeks during summer of 2018, and returned in August, hitting the ground running.

As a responsible corporate citizen, and aware of how important the Harbour Island community is to the overall success of the resort, Mr. Spychalla, shared that a certain percentage of Valentines’ gross revenue each year is budgeted for donations, which are made to many different organizations. Valentines Residences Resort and Marina also has a special scholarship endowment with the University of the Bahamas, covering full tuition, for two new students from Harbour Island annually. As an endowment the scholarship program is intended to continue into perpetuity.