Romora Bay Resort and Marina in tony Harbour Island, the exclusive isle known for its pink sand beaches and multi-million dollar dollhouse cottages, broke its own record with back-to-back record holiday capacity.

The marina and boutique hotel located on a sprawling four and a half acres of waterfront just reported its best holiday season ever, topping its own record year of 2016.

“Last year, we were absolutely packed and I thought it can’t get any better than this – and then it did,” said Joe Dargavage, General Manager of the Harbour Island hotspot with its popular marina, two restaurants and family friendly atmosphere. “We had more superyachts than we have ever had in our history along with sportsfish and smaller pleasure craft. We had vessels that came from all over the U.S., the Caribbean and the Med. Folks, many of whom had been here before and some for the first time, had a ball. I don’t think there was anyone who did not know nearly everyone by the time they left. It was just a lot of fun throughout the holidays.” That “lot of fun,” as Dargavage put it, culminated in a New Year’s Eve party that was kid- and boater-friendly with a five-course meal, live music, a festival atmosphere and Junkanoo. And, said Dargavage, it “ended early enough for everyone to go into town for the New Year’s party that Harbour Island is famous for.”

While the holiday season was marked by good times, good cheer and good friends, Dargavage says there is greater reason for celebration ahead. He called the response particularly reassuring after weather events in the region.

“After an active hurricane season, yachts, megayachts and superyachts have been filling the marinas throughout The Bahamas,” he said. “That is a very good sign for all of us in the industry as well as the businesses that serve the boating and marina industry. For us at Romora Bay, the holiday season was a great springboard for the coming year and with our new restaurant offerings and still being the only place with live music three times a week, 2018 is off to a great start and looks like an exciting year.”

According to Dargavage, an uptick in the economy, growing confidence in The Bahamas and the increasing desirability of Family Islands represent a trend that is also impacting property values.

“Last year, 2017, was one of the best years in the island’s history for property sales in number of transactions and in property value.” That, he said, despite property values on the tiny 3-mile long island already being among the highest in the region with a 2-bedroom, 1,200-foot cottage easily commanding a $1.5 million price tag.

“There is a trickle-down effect psychologically. As places like Albany and BahaMar come on stream, there is a perception The Bahamas is the place for the well-to-do and those who want to be where the well-to-do who could afford anything,” said Dargavage. “Harbour Island has something for everyone. It’s friendly, it’s quaint and it has an understated luxury so it really appeals to A-listers who want the exclusivity knowing it is an island where no one gawks and no one talks.”

 

Full House, Packed Marina – Romora Bay Resort & Marina General Manager Joe Dargavage thought last year’s holiday season was as good as it could get. He was wrong. This year’s was even better, creating back-to-back record seasons for the premier Harbour Island marina and boutique hotel.