Blog Posts - Oualie Beach Resort

OUALIE BEACH RESORT AWARDED BY NEVIS ISLAND MINISTRY OF HEALTH

12/27/2018

On December 19th – Oualie Beach Resort was honored by the Ministry of Health with an award recognizing Oualie’s dedication to the Nevis Eye Care Program (NECP).

General Manager Faith Bertie accepted the award at the annual Alexandra Hospital Christmas Program. “For the past 12 years,” she explains, “the Resort has given free accommodation and lodging to volunteer ophthalmologists, optometrists, anesthesiologists, surgical assistants, and other personnel who come from throughout North America to provide preventive screenings for vision impairment, surgeries, and follow-up care for the people of Nevis.”

The NECP was launched in 1996 by Dr. George Bresnick and his wife, Geraldine Hendriksen, following a vacation to Nevis. During their trip, the couple learned about the significant vision health problems facing many of those living on the island: untreated issues like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy often led to preventable vision loss, and there was a need for diagnosis and treatment services that did not require travel to St. Kitts or to other countries for care. The Nevis Eye Care Program was born. Bresnick and Hendriksen led the program until 2008, at which point Dr. Raymond Hubbe took over as the program’s director.

Together with the Nevis Island Ministry of Health and the Nevis Public Health Nurses, the Nevis Eye Care Program holds two clinics every year, each one lasting between three and five weeks. Between 500 and 900 patients are seen during each clinic, and the program’s principal aim is to identify and treat diseases that cause preventable blindness. In addition to these screening and treatment services, the NECP provides training and education in vision care for Nevisian health care professionals and the general public.

Oualie Beach Resort is proud to partner with the Nevis Eye Care Program and to be a part of serving the entire Nevis community.

For more information or reservations, call +1(869)469-9735, email reservations@oualiebeach.com, visit www.oualiebeach.com or follow the property on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for special deals.

NEW DIRECT FLIGHT FROM MINNEAPOLIS TO ST. KITTS

10/2/2018

Sun Country Airlines will begin new flights from Minneapolis direct to St. Kitts

Just in time for the holiday season, this new service will begin on December 22nd, 2018, and will run every Saturday until April 20th, 2019.

Sun Country Airlines has begun sales of their new non-stop service to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

This new service makes it easy for travelers in Minnesota and areas in close proximity to access non-stop travel to the twin islands.

OUALIE BEACH RESORT GOES BIODEGRADABLE

5/16/2018

Biodegradable bags, spoons and cups

OUALIE BAY, NEVIS (16th May, 2018) – Oualie Beach Resort’s commitment to green operations is well known, but their recent decision to switch to 100% biodegradable and compostable takeaway containers, “T-shirt” bags, and disposable cups, as well as bio-degradable cutlery is a change they hope will spread to other hotels and restaurants throughout the Federation.

Biodegradable containers

Plastic and Styrofoam food service supplies take centuries to break down, and in some cases may never break down at all. This leaves communities with high levels of litter and landfills brimming with these single-use items which often end up polluting our oceans. The supplies that Oualie Beach Resort has sourced, however, that are either made from plant starch and fibers that are fully compostable or contain a microbial additive that accelerates biodegradable breakdown.

Faith Bertie, General Manager of the Resort says “We are proud that Oualie Beach Resort is one of the first hotels in the region to take this important step in reducing waste that is harmful to our environment, and we invite others to do the same.”

The Oualie Beach Resort is a 32 room, family-owned, eco-friendly boutique hotel designed to appeal to travelers seeking a laid-back, personalized experience. The resort never closes and provides all year round employment to all of its 55 staff.

Oualie Beach Restaurant Finds Space at the Bar for Empty Bottles

4/24/2018

By Grace McQuillan

With a quick glance through the pages of a DIY craft book or web page, anyone who has a few empty wine bottles around the house can find countless ways to turn them into something decorative or practical. What might it look like, though, if this kind of recycling and repurposing were initiated on a larger scale, in a place like a restaurant or hotel? Those curious to find out may want to stop by Oualie Beach Restaurant for a meal or drink by the beach.

Reggie Yearwood, older brother of Oualie’s director John, says it all began with ashtrays. The hotel prides itself on its TripAdvisor GreenLeaders Platinum Level award and green practices, so when the bar needed a new batch of ashtrays a few years ago, management’s first instinct was, naturally, to find a way to repurpose something that might otherwise be seen as merely trash.

The bar, it turns out, was the first place Reggie decided to look for material. The empty wine bottles appeared to have a base the perfect size for an ashtray, so he decided to give it a try. Using only a hot wire held in place by a washer on either side of the glass, Reggie cut each bottle and then sanded the rims for a smooth, frosted finish. After seeing how simple this process was, and after much positive feedback from customers about the ashtrays, another question presented itself: rather than being sent away with the plastic and trash each week, could even more glass bottles find a permanent home in the bar and restaurant as functional and attractive items?

The answer was yes. Instead of sourcing new drinking glasses, Oualie Beach decided to turn its attention to replacing all of the glasses used in the dining room and at the bar with ones made from recycled bottles.

As they soon discovered, the rosé bottles’ playful curves worked perfectly for serving Oualie’s smoothies and signature cocktails, and smaller glasses cut from beer bottles or mini sparkling water bottles were just right for serving liqueurs. When you enter the restaurant today, you may see customers sipping a tamarind juice or soft drink from green glasses that represent the dozens and dozens of wine bottles that the hotel has recycled. What about the top of the bottle, you ask? Those are kept and used as votive covers on dining tables and as light fixtures!

The most amusing part of the whole endeavor, John says, is that many people don’t even realize at first that they are drinking out of what used to be a wine bottle, which must be a testament to how attractive the glasses are. In fact, the glasses are growing in popularity, and after numerous requests from guests about how to purchase them, the hotel is looking forward to expanding its recycling efforts to be able to offer this “green” item for sale at the gift shop.

OUALIE BEACH RESORT RECEIVES 2017 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

12/14/2017

OUALIE BAY, NEVIS (14th Dec. 2017) – Adding another distinction to its blossoming reputation as a top affordable Caribbean boutique property, Oualie Beach Resort is pleased to announce that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Award for 2017. This award is granted to only the very top 10% properties listed on the TripAdvisor websites. “Of all the honors we’ve recently received, this one from the largest travel site in the world, TripAdvisor, may be the most gratifying yet,” said John Yearwood, Managing Director of Oualie Beach Resort. “I say this because it is directly driven by traveler reviews, which reaffirms that the Oualie Staff is succeeding in our efforts to deliver high value and a top quality experience to every guest who stays at Oualie Beach. This is both a milestone and a testament to our success, even in today’s exceedingly competitive marketplace.”

TripAdvisor® is the world’s largest travel site, offering trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching nearly 390 million unique monthly visitors, and over 500 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 49 countries worldwide.*
* Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, Worldwide, December 2016.

For years, Oualie Beach Resort has been promoting itself as the leading choice for travelers seeking reasonably priced yet uncompromising accommodations on Nevis. A full-service boutique property that is family-owned and operated, it offers many amenities typical of larger hotels while maintaining friendly, individualized service and a sense of community that is within the means of a wider range of vacationers. Oualie Beach Resort was previously awarded a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Award for 2014 and was recently also awarded the top Green Leaders Platinum Award by TripAdvisor for its green practices. The Resort has received various other prestigious awards in recent years including Luxury Travel Guide Award for St Kitts and Nevis 2016; being nominated by Island Magazine Readers as the second best out of 50 Best Caribbean Beach Resorts; and being named one of the 20 Best Beachfront Hotels under $200 by Caribbean Travel & Life magazine.

Situated on a sandy beach on the picturesque island of Nevis, Oualie Beach Resort is a uniquely charming, boutique hotel designed to appeal to travelers seeking a laid-back, personalized experience. The property’s management is passionately eco-friendly and employs sustainable tourism practices including solar water heaters, low energy lighting, water saving techniques and community development initiatives.

Oualie’s 32 spacious guest rooms and suites are nestled within authentic 1- or 2-storey Caribbean cottages, each with outstanding views of the property, beach and Caribbean Sea. Accommodations are well appointed and feature covered front porches complete with authentic planter’s chairs, white ceramic tiled floors, four poster mahogany beds and invitingly cushioned furniture. Wireless internet access is complimentary in-room, on the beach and throughout the property.

When not exploring the island, guests can enjoy numerous activities on property, including snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, spa treatments, mountain biking, scuba diving, or simply relaxing in a lounge chair on the beach. Guests may dine in a casual open air ambience at the Oualie Beach Restaurant on tempting Caribbean fusion cuisine prepared with generosity by the Culinary Team. The Federation’s only 5-Star PADI dive operator, Scuba Safaris, is also based at Oualie Beach Resort. Oualie Beach Resort rates for 2017 start at $166 per room based on double occupancy and packages are available to suit a variety of special interests ranging from family to scuba to weddings & honeymoons. For more information or reservations, call +1(869) 469-9735, email reservations@oualiebeach.com, visit www.oualiebeach.com or follow the property on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for special deals.

Nevis Mango & Food Festival 2017 July 6-9

7/18/2017

Click here or on the image above to view the video from THG Network

Nevis Mango & Food Festival 2017

Source: NTA (Nevis Tourism Authority)

Once again Nevis held its popular annual Mango & Food Festival to celebrate the island's delicious fruit. The festival attracted foodies from far and wide to come to the beautiful island to join in with the celebrations.

The Nevis Mango & Food Festival ran from July 6th to the 9th and showcased the talents of both international and local chefs who participated in cooking demonstrations, cook-offs, master classes, and orchestrated dining experiences in various events taking place in Nevisian restaurants, beach bars, and hotels.

During the Nevis Mango & Food Festival, guests at Oualie Beach Resort were treated to a mango-themed feast complete with tantalising mango cocktails!

Chef Gary Urbanski created a tempting food menu including Mango Jerk Pork, Chicken in Mango Glaze, and Veal Chop in Mango Sauce, whilst the cocktail list served up Mango Rum Punch, Mango Margheritas, Mango Mojitos and Mango Smoothies, all of which went down a treat during this year's celebrations.

Oualie Beach Resort is a family-owned, boutique hotel. Starting off as a beach shack in the 1980s, it has since grown into a well-established 32-room resort. It is one of the only recognised 'green' hotels on Nevis, generating its own electricity along with other green initiatives. Oualie always focuses on assisting with community development and community outreach.

For more information about Oualie Beach Resort, please click here.

OUALIE BEACH RESORT GIVES BACK TO THE NEVISIAN COMMUNITY

7/5/2017

OUALIE BAY, NEVIS (5th July, 2017)

Oualie Beach Resort is the Federations only internationally recognized green hotel. In addition to making its own electricity and other physical green initiatives, the Resort also focuses on trying to assist with Community Development. As a part of its community outreach, Oualie Beach Resort hosted the celebratory lunch for the parents, teachers and children of the graduating class of the St James Primary School on Wednesday 5th July. “In previous years the Resort has given a cash prize to the academically top boy and girl.” says Faith Bertie, General Manager of the Resort. “Today’s youth are facing challenges of poor work attitudes and inappropriate behavior.

So this year we decided to reward good behavior!” The winner of this year’s cash prize for best behavior was Mlishwa Browne. The cash prize for most improved behavior was awarded to Kezaria Sutton. The Principal of the school, Danielle Wallace commented, “Determination is the key to Success: Endeavour to achieve was the theme for the 2017 St. James Primary School Graduation Ceremony. Being one of our main sponsors, we are extremely grateful to the Oualie Beach Resort for their continued support to our school. We love you Oualie. Mrs. Faith Bertie General Manager and Directors John and Alastair Yearwood, your assistance and consideration for us is appreciated beyond words. Thank you so much.”

As part of its Community outreach, Oualie Beach also recently hosted a day on the beach for the Seniors of Nevis. “For the past four years, we have hosted an annual event at Oualie for the Seniors to enjoy swimming, eating, games and even dancing.” states Faith Bertie, GM of the Resort. “It’s a pleasure to see our older folks having such a fun time here at Oualie Beach.” The Resort also provides free accommodation to the eye doctors that visit Nevis twice a year to carry out free eye surgery for the Nevisian Community.

The Oualie Beach Resort is a 32 room, family-owned, eco-friendly boutique hotel designed to appeal to travelers seeking a laid-back, personalized experience. The resort never closes and provides all year round employment to all of its 55 staff. For more information or reservations, call +1(869)469-9735, email reservations@oualiebeach.com, visit www.oualiebeach.com or follow the property on Facebook and/or Twitter for special deals.

NEVIS EYE CARE PROGRAM HONOURS OUALIE BEACH RESORT

5/15/2017

OUALIE BAY, NEVIS (15th May, 2017) – Dr Ray Hubbe and Ginger Burn of the Nevis Eye Care Program presented a plaque to Oualie Beach Resort honoring the Resort’s 20 year contribution to the health of the Nevisian Community. “Each year the Oualie Beach Resort provides our doctors with free accommodation so that we in turn can contribute our skills to help prevent blindness in the Nevisian population,” said Dr. Hubbe. “Oualie Beach Resort has always contributed free accommodation to our team during the past 10 years when I have been in charge of the Program and before that to Dr. Bresnick’s team.”

Receiving the honorary plaque on behalf of the Resort was Mrs. Faith Bertie, General Manager and John Yearwood, Managing Director. Mrs. Bertie is the first black female Nevisian to be appointed as a General Manager of a hotel on Nevis. On receiving the plaque she commented “Our team at Oualie Beach Resort is delighted to assist the Nevis Eye Care Program each year. It is our way of giving back to the Nevis Community as the work that you do in preventing blindness is wonderful. From all of us in Nevis – our heartfelt thanks to you, your visiting ophthalmologists and your local team of nurses including Nurse Lenore Pemberton, Nurse Jenevie Daniel, Nurse Donna Hill and Nurse Elvereen Bailey-Bussue. Thank you!”

The Nevis Eye Care Program (NECP) exists to help preserve good vision and prevent blindness for the people of Nevis. NECP is a project of Vision for All, a nonprofit health organization with several projects dedicated to preventing blindness and restoring sight. Currently the Nevis Eye Care program runs a 5 week clinic in November into December and a 3 to 4 week clinic in April. There are a total of 1300 to 1600 patient visits in the clinic each year. The Nevis Eye Care Program provides ongoing care for patients with eye disease that may lead to blindness including primarily cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic eye disease by providing surgery, laser treatment, or eye drop medication as appropriate. Since its inception the Nevis Eye Care Program eye clinic is a partnership between the Ministry of Health, the volunteer ophthalmologists, and the nurses from Nevis.

The Oualie Beach Resort is a 32 room, family-owned, eco-friendly boutique hotel designed to appeal to travelers seeking a laid-back, personalized experience. The resort never closes and provides all year round employment to all of its 55 staff.

Oualie Beach awarded 2017 Recognition of Excellence by HotelsCombined

1/27/2017

Oualie Beach Resort Newcastle Saint Kitts And Nevis has just been awarded the 2017 Recognition of Excellence by HotelsCombined!

HotelsCombined is a world leading hotel comparison website based in Sydney, used by over 30 Million travelers each month. They have partnered with all the best booking sites (including Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, etc.) to create a one-stop hotel search engine for travelers.

Sophie, HotelsCombined Coordinator said "guests’ reviews have been particularly positive and caught our attention; with this award, we want to make sure our users can find not just a great deal, but also the best customer service"

Prince Harry Stopped by Oualie Beach Resort

1/11/2017

23 November 2016

After releasing baby turtles into the sea from Lovers Beach, Prince Harry stopped by Oualie Beach Resort to greet John Yearwood, Owner of the Resort and other well wishers, before leaving from Oualie Beach dock in direction of St Kitts.

Prince Harry taking a boat from Oualie Beach dock Credit: Pierre Borg

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