February 2017 |Business View Caribbean

44 45 National Properties Limited G&M Distributors Beverage & food providers Long Island, Bahamas Call us: 357-1139 of roofs; we’re taking out the bathtubs and putting in shower stalls; we’re taking out the van- ities and replacing them with marble vanities; we’re chang- ing all the light fixtures; we’re changing from double queen beds to king beds, and putting in all brand-new furniture.” Although sport fishing, bone fishing, deep sea fishing, and reef fishing, as well as snorkel- ing and scuba diving excursions, are still a part of the Resort’s ac- tivities (it has three boats), Brear says that fishing has become a “secondary draw,” and that, today, the Resort is more about its remoteness, its natural beauty, and its romance. Indeed, the Santa Maria Beach Resort was recently named the Second Most Romantic Resort in the Bahamas by Travel and Leisure Magazine. But Brear is quick to add that people also come to the Santa Maria Beach Resort because of the attention given to them by its staff of 54–all of whom are islanders.“It’s these people who drive the success of this business,” he says.“Only our Operations Manager,Darby, and I are not from the Bahamas.And I pinch myself to be so fortunate to be involved in such a unique property.” He also firmly believes that being able to enjoy Long Island’s friendly and welcoming people is a draw that can’t be equaled by larger hotels in more populated destina- tions. “It’s the culture that is bring- ing people from around the world to our property,” he declares, “and we do everything we can as a prop- erty to ensure that that is our focus –not only provide people with a place to sleep on the beach, but to immerse themselves in the culture and community of Long Island.” Preferred vendors n Omar’s Massage Company daley_omar@yahoo.com n G&M Distributors tucky.smith75@gmail.com You’re on holiday ... pampering yourself is the absolute must. Whether you have been hard at work diving, kayaking or relaxing, give yourself or a loved one the ultimate gift - massage! Daley’s Relaxation Massage Call us: +1 242-338-2031