Why I Love Being An Innkeeper

November 15, 2010

I have been running Dancing Firs for over 5 years.   In that time I’ve served over 450 guests.  Today I’ve been thinking about those guests and asking myself, “Why Do I Love It So Much?”

My first “Why” is sharing this  beautiful property with some amazing people from  Alberta, British Columbia,  Manitoba, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario,  Quebec, Saskatchewan and the Yukon.  From the USA;  Arizona, California, Florida, Oklahoma,  Oregon, Nebraska, New York, Texas and Washington State.  From the rest of the world, Australia, China, England, Germany, Holland, New Zealand, Shetland Islands, Scotland, Switzerland, Taiwan and Turkey.

For me Dancing Firs is a sacred space and I thank God everyday  for the blessing of living here.  That is “Why” I get such a thrill when  I see my guest’s eyes widen and they say; “Wow, this is beautiful and so peaceful” or ” the pictures don’t do this  property justice”, as one local business man recently said upon arrival.

But  my two  favourites are: what Denise from Edmonton said: ” This property is scrumptious”  and  about every 5th/6th Guest  says; “We just do not want to go home.”  That gives me joy and makes the long hours worthwhile.

One guest from Quebec said, when he stood in the lower gardens,  “Who designed the gardens?  I feel  that I am standing on the bow of a great cruise liner”.

Other comments such as these are numerous from my guests.   It  pleases me a great deal that they notice the attention to detail and that they appreciate  the love that has gone into creating this Sanctuary.

Another Big “Why”  is that I feel there is very little pampering in world these days.

I absolutely love to  Pamper My Guests!

I  always prepare the  food that I cook with love and with the person in mind.  Before my Guests arrive I know what dietary likes, dislikes and restrictions they may have, so that they will be nourished well.

I always prepare a  healthy and delicious “King’s Breakfast” which appeals to all the senses.  This is delivered to the guest’s suite, so  if they wish,they can eat breakfast in bed or inside or outside on the deck, in their robes.

Each Guest pantry is stocked with organic and locally produced food, organic juices, seasonal fruits, condiments, spices, organic coffee and tea, etc.  This way my guests can have a snack or a drink any time they wish.

As well, every time I make a special Bosnian Dish, or Chicken Soup or Chocolate Chip Cookies I share these delights with my Guests.   On very special occasions, I  have  hired one of the Local Chefs to cook an Anniversary or Birthday lunch or dinner for my Guests.

Another way I love to pamper my guests is to offer a luxurious and healthy environment.  I had each suite professional designed for total comfort and relaxation.  I wanted to create a “Home Away From Home” for my Guests because when I travelled for business, I missed my home so much.

For me pampering also means sharing my wellness techniques with my Guests.  In  2004 I  had a profound product experience  to help heal a very painful bruise on my hip, from a Japanese Wellness Company, called Nikken.  I discovered that Nikken Wellness Philosophy is based on 5 Pillars of  Health;  A Healthy Body, Mind, Family, Society and Finances, which is also in line with my belief system.

Within a two year period I equipped each suite with all  the “Nikken Technologies” to help my Guests with any aches or pains,  they may have  from travelling.  And, at the same time to introduce them to a great sleep, pure water and rejuvenating air.   This gave Dancing Firs the coveted “Nikken Wellness Home Designation.”

I love to hear comments like ” I have never slept this well in my whole life”, “I had a great relaxing sleep” and “this water tastes so great” as my Guest from Quebec said the other day.

For me “Being an Innkeeper” is a labour of love,  I get to share my blessings with others.  I get to share my passions for WELLNESS with my Guests.    And, I can use  my cooking, canning,  cleaning, decorating, garden design and flower arranging skills to pamper and nurture my Guests.

I delight in making my Guests experience at Dancing Firs as enjoyable as possible!  That is why I love being an Innkeeper so much!

Hope to see you soon!

Comments

One Response to “Why I Love Being An Innkeeper”

1. Charles on November 16th, 2010 7:11 pm

   Nice to see someone who loves their work!

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