Luxury getaways to the ocean's edge
Around this time last year, we were going crazy trying to get our heads around the idea of running our newly acquired cottages. Now we’re going crazy getting ready to open our newly acquired Inn and Spa and soon-to-be constructed cafe and gift shop. Seems like a mad summer ahead of us, but I know if I can squeeze in a few good sunsets like this one (not hard in the Wonderful World of Whiteway), I’ll be ok.
Saturday’s we showcase gorgeous pictures of Newfoundland, often taken by the great Bud Vincent. Here’s what Bud said about this shot he captured in Pouch Cove:
“This world of ours sure is changing quickly..I guess there are more properties and homes guarded by special security devices than one would imagine. Yet here, in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, one simply continues on with the old-fashioned way of securing one’s property. Maybe we all can learn a thing or two from this photo …
Just zoom in on the security device on the bottom right hand door.
Yes, it’s a piece of rope wrapped around a four inch nail…Now, that’s security…”
This article MOSTLY speaks for itself – but I never miss an opportunity to get a word in! With little more than a year in the tourism industry, we’re not experts – but we’ve been very happy with our progress and have learned a lot. We were thrilled to share some of those lessons with the St. John’s Board of Trade Business News. If you haven’t read it yet, take a look! The Berry knows her stuff and has lots to offer!
If you follow the blog, you know there’s been lots of projects underway. I’m excited about them all, but perhaps none as much as getting this beauty sea worthy. Taking out our beautiful Boston Whaler, the A Wake at Last, was one of the highlights of last summer. God willing we’ll get lots of enjoyment – and catch lots of fish – out of it this year, too.
Ok, Ok, I tried taking a break from blogging – and it didn’t stick! I love my daily writing routine, and besides – there’s so much going on around here that I love sharing. Like when the very talented Newfoundland musician, Daniel Payne, brought some friends out to stay for two nights. I love his music, by the way, and it was a favourite of guests last summer when I would take them out boating or fishing.
Wine and flowers on the deck, great company, bright sun soon followed by a glowing sunset. What more could you ask for – or blog about?
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times – a four legged’s work is never done. Jerry, The Berry and their fantastic crew of Eric, Michael, Hubert, Leslie, Mike and Roy, think they’re busy – which they are, building us a new cafe and gift shop (!) and preparing The Doctor’s House for our fast approaching open date (!). But they forget – it’s so much harder to supervise! I have to many pies to keep my paws in – I barely have time to relax by the water anymore. Of course Jerry still gets my morning walk in, but I’ll sure be happy when these new projects are up and running, and I can go back to my usual role as Guest Relations Supervisor – that’s my favourite! Especially when people take advantage of pets staying free this Spring and bring me lots of friends!
Saturday’s on the blog are generally Newfoundland Art Day, and specifically, often photography from old friend Bud Vincent. He’s amazing and prolific, and perfectly encapsulates the beauty of our beautiful island. He sent me these shots the day we were all shut in by the big snow storm. I love sharing them with you – and if you have any great shots, or know of any artists looking for a venue to showcase their work, please send us an email!
Since we’re not as busy as we were in the summer season, we’ve had time to upgrade as we continue on our mission to be the best on the island. So we recently gave the Blueberry another facelift. We put laminate flooring in the bedrooms and an antique headboard in the small bedroom. The Berry found it on Kijiji and it is gorgeous. Then we put in new night tables and lamps in the big bedroom, and mounted new Tiffany lights in the ceiling. We love the results and hope that our guests will, too!
Happy New Year, friends! I hope everyone had a safe and fun time last night and has enough coffee to get them through today! Jerry and The Berry are excited because in a little while they’ll be holding the draw for everyone who entered our New Years Giveaway – the winner will get a free stay at the cottages! I wonder who I’ll get to play with!
So you may be wondering who this sweet guy pictured is – he’s my new best friend, another four legged! With all the commotion over the holidays, you may have missed the newest addition to our Ocean Delight family – Monty! One thing’s for sure – we love him already (but being the first child of ODC, I’m not worried about losing my place!). Thanks to Tammy Webber for the beautiful picture of our beautiful pony. And expect to see lots of him in the future!
A big thanks to Shirley for this beautiful picture of Clifford and Misty. As 2012 is winding down, we reflect on all the things we are grateful for. I knew before we moved to the cottages that we were getting a great chance to start a new and fulfilling life. But I had no idea what that would look like. I am continually thrilled that it has meant making new friends like the George’s. Their compassion, their openness, their infectious love of Whiteway and art and animals and the Baccalieu inspire me and The Berry daily. So I hope all our friends – new and old – will enjoy a very Happy New Year.
And please remember! Today is the last day of our very first contest! The winner gets a free stay at the cottages, so please follow this link and enter. You never know – you might get one last holiday present this year! Good luck!
