Why Eleuthera holds a special place in my heart...

My Father, lived and breathed all things work. He loved waking up (super early), jumping out of bed, coming loudly down the stairs, having his everyday bowl of oatmeal or toasted Italian bread with butter, and the hot tea he hardly ever drank. He loved the thrill of a deal and a "good score". He was the hardest worker I ever knew, and he lived a life full of work, family, all things Italian, and the love for the island of Eleuthera.

Not only did he live and breathe work, but he did the same with the impeccable island of Eleuthera. He loved the sound and salty smell of the pristine turquoise ocean, the picture perfect beach, the serenity and peace in Eleuthera, and most importantly his cottages he created by the sea. He loved the feeling Eleuthera gave him from the moment he landed on the island, and his feet touched Eleuthera ground, and the moment he stepped back on that old puddle jumper and headed back to Jersey.

He would visit the island every few months, and the excitement he would get before leaving was aways unmatched. The 20 minute flight, in the smallest scariest flight gave him a rush of adrenaline. The smell of the salt water once you got off of that tiny puddle jumper comforted him. Driving to his cottages he designed and created was a high for him. SEAing, the tip of the roof of the Shooting Star and the coral, blue and yellow cottages made him take a deep breath that he was finally there after a long travel day, he was at his home away from home by the sea.

The feeling of the pink soft sand between his toes, made him relax, even if it was for a few minutes. He absolutely adored the each cottages beachfront private infinity pools. He would relax and sit in the pools while admiring the shiny perfect tile he picked out personally for each special cottage. This was his special place of peace and seclusion.

He lived for our guests to come and stay with us at his special place of c a l m. He lived for their pictures and stories on their memories at his cottages. He lived for the love of the cottages he received from his guests, and truly enjoyed seeing what special memories they created. The countless engagements, baby moons, weddings, family vacations he witnessed was endless and so special to him.

After my Father sadly passed away nearly 3 years ago this April, I have become to have the exact same sensations of Eleuthera just like he did. My Dad always instilled high work ethic, and a work hard play hard mentality that truly still lives on with me. Eleuthera has always been my second home, aside from the Jersey shore, my place of peace and calm, my place that ties me to my Dad.

I remember countless special memories spent with him on the island, and him showing me all his favorite places to visit. We would hop around from place to place for the best burger, check out the fish fry on Fridays, and just run from place to place on the island while admiring the beauty of the seclusion and picture perfect beaches. I now am enthralled with letting our guests and kids see the love their Grandpa had for the island, and how special it is.

This is why Eleuthera is so special to me.