Business View Caribbean | Volume 9, Issue 3

36 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 9, ISSUE 3 guests canceled. Just like everybody else around the world it was like a stop, start, stop. The uncertainty was really the hardest part because planning for staffing and supplies was just a huge challenge.” She reports that the return of direct flights from the US, brought record months staring in June of 2021. Supply chain issues have been another ongoing challenge, making it necessary to source out new vendors to meet the needs of the resort. However, Harbour Village has maintained their steady relationship with freight company Amcar-Lamprecht through this changing vendor situation. During the slow time, Harbour Village worked to equip the hotel with PPE and organize changing health and safety procedures. The resort also became the first property on Bonaire to become Virus Aware certified, meeting very stringent criteria to earn this designation. Updating rooms, painting, and other renovations were also completed during down time. “We’re very lucky in the sense that we were already naturally set up for social distancing and everything is outdoors,” says Gonzalez. “There are no enclosed hallways, or elevators. All the buildings are two storey buildings on the beach with open staircases. The restaurant is also open air, obviously the diving is open air. We did a complete renovation of the bar, and we installed new AC units in all the accommodations with high-quality air filtration.” Moving forward, Harbour Village intends to keep improving, while continuing to offer a top-quality guest experience. “We need to keep our training strong, our staff strong, and preserve the high quality and the standard of the resort and the marina,” says Gonzalez. “We are not a five-star hotel, but we are the five-star hotel of Bonaire. So, we want to maintain that standard and keep improving on our services.” For those seeking a perfect island getaway, Harbour Village is there to provide an exceptional experience for divers and land lovers alike.