what already existed with new people, rising costs - it’s a gamble,” he says. Still, Brian saw something irreplaceable in the experience Woody Island offered. “Woody Island gives people a real taste of Newfoundland - all in one place.” Arriving at Woody Island Resort is like crossing into a different era. The journey begins with a 40-minute boat ride through sheltered inlets aboard the Merasheen. With towering hills on one side and remote islands on the other, the trip itself is a highlight -especially if the local wildlife decides to make an appearance. Dolphins and whales have been known to surface alongside the boat, while bald eagles can often be spotted circling overhead or perched along Sound Island’s rocky cliffs. Once ashore, the island becomes your playground. Rowboats and kayaks are available for guests who want to explore the coastline from the water. For those who prefer land, scenic trails lead to secluded coves where you can beachcomb for sand dollars or simply sit in the stillness and listen to the water. “We want people to explore at their own pace,” Brian says. “That’s the whole idea.” On the second day, guests are treated to a boat tour around Placentia Bay, stopping at resettled communities like Merasheen, Brule, and Spencer’s Cove. The skipper prepares lunch on a quiet beach
- homemade sandwiches, tea buns, and kettle-boiled tea - while guests hike or relax around the fire. “It’s always a favourite,”Brian says. “The food, the scenery, the stories - it’s pure Newfoundland.” Back on the island, afternoons are often spent visiting the Store Loft Museum, where old fishing tools, household items, and other local artifacts line the walls. “People love it because it’s hands-on,” Brian explains. “It’s not polished - it’s real.” As evening falls, the resort comes alive with music. Guests gather for live entertainment and the resort’s signature kitchen party— where fiddles, guitars, and accordions fill the room. “We don’t script it,” Brian says. “It’s spontaneous, and that’s what makes it special.” Brian is also looking forward - quietly expanding on what’s already there without changing the character of the place. “One thing we’re considering is private cabins and remote hiking trails,” he says. “The idea is, we drop you off in the morning and pick you up in the evening - no roads, no cell service. Just nature.” He’s also exploring ways to attract new audiences, including corporate retreats. Brian believes that Woody Island’s isolation is its biggest draw for groups looking to disconnect. “It forces people to be present,” he says.“It’s quiet. It brings people together.” But with that comes a responsibility to
protect the atmosphere that makes the resort unique. There are no guest Wi-Fi networks, no televisions, and no pressure to be anywhere at any time. “Our plan is to keep the technology out of there,” Brian says. “We need it for business, of course, but for guests - no internet, no screens. Just time.” It’s a deliberate decision - and one that aligns with the original vision. As Loyola puts it, “People love the idea of going to a remote island.” For those unfamiliar with Newfoundland’s resettlement history, Woody Island offers a window into a pivotal era. Loyola recalls the shift clearly: “Most people moved away in 1968 or ’69. One family stayed until the early ’70s.” The island sat quiet for nearly two decades before being reimagined as a retreat. Even now, remnants of its former life remain - old trails, church ruins, and cemeteries tucked into the woods.
Woody Island gives people a real taste of Newfoundland - all in one place. ” “
104 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 25 ISSUE 3
BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE 105
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator