solid foundation for the seasons ahead - one that continues to shape Samantha and Phil’s vision for The Birches, where thoughtful touches make each guest experience feel personal and unique. From the antique décor to the screened- in porches, the cottages themselves reflect the couple’s commitment to creating an inviting and calming environment. But it’s not just the physical space that makes The Birches stand out; it’s the heart and soul poured into every corner of the property. “We want our guests to feel like they’re walking into a space that has been thoughtfully curated just for them,” says Samantha. The property’s eight cottages include six standard and two executive-style accommodations. To honour their family legacy, the cottages were named after the Hughes family’s ancestors. One executive cottage is named Smith after the original founders, Don and Pat Smith, while the other, Harding Cottage, honours Samantha’s parents, Randy and Liz Harding. The standard cottages are named after other special family members. The executive cottages offer breathtaking water views and spacious living areas, while the standard cottages provide a cozy and charming retreat. “It’s the perfect place to get away and unwind,”Samantha explains. “We’re so close to everything, but it feels like a peaceful retreat from the world.” Samantha’s perspective on hospitality is grounded in the importance of relationships over transactions. While The Birches offers a unique and tranquil experience, Samantha’s goal is to create a lasting connection. “Our most meaningful moments have come from the relationships we’ve built with our
guests. Having those returning guests is key to our success,” she reflects. One of the ways they’ve managed to build such strong relationships with their guests is through the personalized packages they offer, such as a golf getaway with the nearby Fox Meadows Golf Course or a reader’s retreat that includes a gift card to Bookmark, a local bookstore and some of the Island’s famous Cow Chips – chocolate covered potato chips. These thoughtful touches give guests the chance to experience the island in a unique way, and they have helped create a loyal following. In addition to crafting personalized experiences, Samantha offers practical and inspiring advice for those looking to enter the hospitality industry in PEI. “Go into it with your whole heart,” she says. “The busy season is full on, so being hands-on and genuinely caring about your guests will make a big difference.” Her words emphasize the importance of dedication and passion, qualities that have helped Samantha and Phil continue building this thriving business. She also stresses the importance of learning as you go. “Every season brings new lessons. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to other operators and keep learning. If you’re passionate about creating a great experience for guests, there’s no better place to do it than PEI,” she says, encouraging other entrepreneurs to embrace the journey, even when it gets challenging. Phil, a talented builder, is constantly envisioning ways to expand the business. “We’re always planning behind the scenes to make each season better than the last. Phil’s the one who wants to build
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It’s the perfect place to get away and unwind… We’re so close to everything, but it feels like a peaceful retreat from the world. ”
82 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 25 ISSUE 2
BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE 83
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