Sharda and I, have been working hard for the past 20 + years and continue to do so, upgrading and improving Whispers Resort, our Treasure Island Boutique Vacation Rentals.
When we bought it in 2000 it was pretty barren and open to the street.
We immediately realized that this 1960's era property was very unique in terms of its location. Being one block from down town Treasure Island in the heart of everything, and being on the water, it had great potential.
But we wanted to preserve the look and the feel of the 1960's back in time when Grandpa loaded everyone into the back of his "Chevrolet Woodie" and high tailed it to Florida where he and the family stayed in a property just like Whispers, 60 years ago.
In the 20 + years that we have owned Whispers, almost every single one of this kind of property have been leveled and redeveloped into a 'MacCondo or a MacHotel". The charm is gone, replaced by huge block buildings of concrete and glass.
We undertook to preserve a little bit of Old Tme Florida and we held out against development in spite of being offered a lot of money from developers.
Maintaining an old property is hard work and its expensive and it requires non stop dedication every day.
We rebuilt the sundeck over the water where the dolphin play, we rebuilt the pool and made it into a Salt Water Heated Pool, and we rewired the electric in all the condos. We added modern Central A/C's, ripped out the stale carpets and tiled the floors, painted in "Brash Florida Colors".
And we had a vision.......
That vision was to make each condominium unique and part of the story of our actual lives!
Each condo represents a theme of the places that we have lived in or traveled to. Asia, Africa, Hawaii, England, the USA South West, etc. and of course Florida!
Within that idea, we kept the old 1960's tiled colored bathroom tile, as many light fittings as possible, and we searched all over for period furniture.
A common remark we hear from guests who don't share our vision, is that Whispers needs updating. We just laugh because that would be easy! Try finding period furniture and fittings and making that work! We are always on the look out. Come to find out what we have been doing for 20+ years now has a name.... Shabby Chic! Who knew?
We have updated important things like appliances and electricity. But that electric line is likely to power a 1950's table lamp!
Over the years our lush tropical gardens have flourished so that today it is no longer barren!
Indeed our landscaping has won local awards and acclaim.
The property is packed with tropical plants like Jasmine, Bougainvillea, Hawaiian Ti plants, Ixora, Ginger, Gardenia, Hibiscus, Rose, Bird of Paradise, Lilly, Palm Trees, Shefflera and Rubber Trees, Mango, Papaya, Banana, and Avocado trees, as well as Stag horn, and orchids.
All of this is packed into a third acre!
So Whispers it is is a jungle! And the name Whispers evokes a shady and private retreat so that one imagine oneself far from civilization in a bygone Florida era.....a time of quiet reflection.
The Treasure Island Award Program has chosen Whispers Resort of Treasure Island for the 2013 Treasure Island Awards in the Resorts classification.
"For most companies, this recognition is a result of your dedication and efforts as well as the work of others in your organization that have helped build your business
Your team is now a part of an exclusive group of small businesses that have achieved this selection. The Treasure Island Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Treasure Island area.
Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
Each year, the Treasure Island Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community.
These exceptional companies help make the Treasure Island area a great place to live, work and play.
The Treasure Island Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups.
Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy".
Please enjoy Whispers Boutique Retro Resort!
Share our vision and surrender to the Whisper in your heart, feel the peace........
Your friendly hosts,
"Poppa" Jeffrey and "Momma" Sharda Solomon