From time to time, CASI (Condominium Associations of Sanibel, Inc.) highlights properties that have made handsome new changes that other CASI members might be interested in learning about. They recently featured Ocean’s Reach. Thought you’d like to see!
Why does Ocean’s Reach earn the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence each year? The TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is awarded to properties that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor. Manager Andy Boyle shares his “secrets” about earning the esteemed designation for six years in a row:
A great staff – Andy is active in the Sanibel community and keeps an eye out for people who would be an asset to the Ocean’s Reach staff. This has resulted in a caring and committed team, respected and rewarded by owners and guests.
A forward thinking Board – The Ocean’s Reach Board considers its fiduciary responsibility is to enhance and maximize the owners’ investment in the property. Association fees are reasonable and property values are stable as a result of returns on investment.
Consultants – As part of its long range strategy, several years ago the Board hired consultants in accommodations, design and landscape. After consulting with owners, those recommendations are being implemented in stages.
Proactive investor owners – Most owners have turned the corner from thinking they have a rental unit into understanding they are investors in the highly competitive accommodations business. Each year a number of owners participate in a long range strategic planning session — held before the annual meeting — to listen to industry and island experts on industry trends and then they apply what they have learned to their units and the property.
Consistent High-Grade Accommodations – Ocean’s Reach has an on-site rental program. Management inspects units after every departure and points out ways owners can keep their units in top rental shape. This is a difficult sell because today’s travelers don’t want a unit that looks like home. They want an upscale, fresh and modern unit that often exceeds in quality and newness what owners may have at home or would be content with if they occupied the unit as a second home.
To make a good first impression, Ocean’s Reach recently refreshed its Welcome Center. Lisa is the smiling first impression.
Most owners continually look at what needs to be refreshed in their units to keep up the quality expected at this property. Here are some pictures from an Ocean’s Reach unit:
The consultants advised creating a number of “nesting areas” where guests can enjoy themselves on-site. Staying out of traffic makes their stay and impression of the property and Sanibel a positive one. Besides their pool and tennis courts, amenities at Ocean’s Reach include:
* Shuffleboard courts and beautiful landscaping
* The Grove: Multiple tables and chairs clustered around the bbq area.
* Shell cleaning station and beautiful landscaping
* A Butterfly Garden, with manager Andy Boyle
* Resident Osprey. Ocean’s Reach worked with Jenny Evans of SCCF to make sure the property included enough native plants and trees to attract wildlife — a bit hit with guests.
CASI * The Condominium Associations of Sanibel, Inc.
Sonja Smith Suitor, Executive Director
P.O. Box 1041
Sanibel FL 33957
239.334.2138
[email protected]
