A vacation to Sanibel or Captiva Islands is a dream shared by many. As one of America’s top island vacation destinations, you certainly have a variety of lodging options from which to choose. Here’s why a simple piece of luggage can go a long way in helping you make that decision.
Last week, on the first Wednesday in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, I had the assignment as Chief Marketing Officer of Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts to tour each property and photographically document its readiness to welcome guests (and it was a tremendous cleanup and recovery effort by the SCBR team, for the record).
As one of America’s top island vacation destinations, you certainly have a variety of lodging options from which to choose. Here’s why a simple piece of luggage can go a long way in helping you make that decision.
Although ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort & Spa was scheduled to officially open on Thursday, a few guests began arriving late that Wednesday afternoon. Having completed my assignment, I hopped in my car to make my way to our other three Sanibel resorts. As I was driving away, I noticed an older couple emerge from their parking stall (parking is free!). At the same time, Chief Executive Officer Tony Lapi happened to be walking by and, by his gestures, it appeared he was greeting them.
I drove on a bit further, but something told me to turn that car around — that something special was about to happen. Sure enough, as I returned to the scene, the guests were about 15 yards closer to their room, and behind them followed Mr. Lapi, carrying their suitcases.
I quickly parked the car, grabbed my camera and went to capture the image — but unfortunately a moment later, the guests and their “bellman” disappeared up a stairwell.
I knew that if I followed them and had them pose for a photograph, the gesture of hospitality would’ve been staged and felt staged. So I drove on to my next assignment.
You have a lot of lodging choices on Sanibel and Captiva Islands,
but only one where the CEO doesn’t think twice about lugging your
overpacked suitcases up the stairs (and does so with a smile).
Nevertheless, the power of what I had witnessed was, and is, truly remarkable in today’s world. I had seen a Chief Executive Officer of a multi-million dollar corporation discard his title and replace it with a genuine, honest, selfless act of hospitality and service. In that moment, by his action, Tony Lapi set the example — and the goal — for every person he employs: Treat each guest as if they’re the most important person to step foot on your property. Because they are.
If it’s true that each company takes on the personality of its leaders, then it’s no surprise that under the leadership of Tony Lapi and his management team, Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts is now 40-plus years successful. You have a lot of lodging choices on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, but only one where the CEO doesn’t think twice about lugging your overpacked suitcases up the stairs (and does so with a smile).
Book wisely.
‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort & Spa | ‘Tween-Waters.com | 800.223.5865
West Wind Island Resort | WestWindIslandResort.com | 800.223.5865
Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts | SanibelCaptivaBeachResorts.com | 800.223.5865
