The Reefs Club’s Family Operation Distinguishes the Property from Branded, International Resorts
Family Involvement Leads to an Arsenal of Prestigious Awards and Repeat Visitation
In a time when major brands dominate the hospitality scene, it is refreshing that a rare gem like Bermuda’s most award-winning hotel, The Reefs, continues to be family-owned and operated. The Reefs’ President David Dodwell has been with the property for 35 years, and now a new Dodwell generation joins him at the helm. David Dodwell, Jr., a recent graduate of the prestigious Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, is now on board as Director of Rooms.
The father-son team, with the help of Managing Director Ben Tutt, is propelling the renowned hotel into a new era with the addition of The Reefs Club, a private residence club next to the hotel. The Club is scheduled to open in June 2009. With over $65 million being spent on the residences and improvements, including a new kitchen, new restaurants, and new spa, The Reefs will sustain its position as one of the best hotels in the Atlantic and Caribbean.
Mr. Dodwell still maintains a visible presence on a daily basis at the hotel. His devotion is evident as he greets the repeat visitors by name and considers his dedicated staff, many of whom have been with The Reefs for decades, as part of his extended family. The Reefs enjoys a remarkable rate of repeat visitation, making the guests just as loyal as the staff. It is for this reason that Dodwell decided to develop The Reefs Club, which allows hotel devotees and other Bermuda enthusiasts to own real estate at their favorite vacation destination.
“I have spent more than half my life at The Reefs. For me it has been more than a career. Overseeing this hotel is a fierce passion of mine,” Dodwell says. “Our guests take pleasure in feeling at home when they visit, so offering a residence club that provides them with a rare opportunity to own real estate here is the logical next step for The Reefs.”
During its 60-year history, The Reefs has welcomed generations of families. Couples who honeymooned or were married on the property are now seeing their children do the same.
“It was an easy decision to come back to Bermuda and work at The Reefs,” explains David Dodwell Jr. “I had the great fortune of being raised at this resort, so to return in a professional capacity and see the same families visiting, who I essentially grew up with, is truly rewarding.”
The Reefs’ impressive collection of awards and accolades can largely be attributed to this personal touch and family devotion. Recent acknowledgements include:
Condé Nast Traveler - “Reader’s Choice Award,” 1997-2008 (3rd in the Atlantic 2008)
Condé Nast Traveler - Gold List: “World’s Best Places to Stay,” 1997-2008
Forbes Traveler - “400 World’s Very Best Hotels and Resorts,” 2007, 2008/09
Travel + Leisure - Readers’ Poll “World’s Best - Top Hotels for Service” - Top 10 Hotels in the Caribbean, Bermuda and The Bahamas, 2003-2008
Travel + Leisure - “500 Greatest Hotels in the World,” 2003-2008
In an effort to synergize The Reefs Club with the hotel, the same staff will be involved with both properties and continue to provide the exceptional service guests have grown accustomed to. Club owners will benefit from exclusive amenities, including an infinity-edge pool, rooftop putting green with Atlantic views, state-of-the-art fitness center, and owners’ lounge. The Reefs’ three fine restaurants and new La Serena Spa with eight treatment rooms will be shared by both properties. Owners may purchase restaurant meal plans to enjoy during their visits.
The Reefs Club promises to maintain the hotel’s intimacy by offering just 19 two- and three-bedroom residences, all with dramatic ocean views and private hot tubs on the verandas. Residences will be furnished in contemporary Bermudian style and will feature amenities such as flat screen televisions, spa bathrooms, gourmet kitchens, and more. One-tenth ownership starts at $350,000, with flexible and generous use offered.
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