Sunday, November 6, 2011

Albany Oysters @ The Boatshed Markets


Rock Oysters are grown and cultured in the pristine unspoilt waters of the Southern Ocean, where industrial pollution is unheard of.  For the first time in four years, Albany’s oysters are hitting international markets direct from their Oyster Harbour racks, exporting to Singapore and Dubai

The Oyster House at Emu Point is currently the only producer of Sydney Rock Oysters in WA and can land their product in Asian markets within 24 hours of leaving Albany, with a shelf life of 7-10 days.

Fresh oysters from Ocean Food International can be found every Sunday morning at the Boat Shed Markets, open from 10 – 1pm.  Becki had the privilege of tasting an oyster shucked in front of her
 
We are fortunate to taste these oysters at the many events we attend.

Check out 5 spiced tempura oysters with lime and crispy shallots recipe from Albany’s celebrity chef Daniel Sharp.

When enjoying a weekend GetAway at HideAway Haven, head to the Boatshed Markets, pick up some oysters and cook them up in our fully equipped kitchen.















HideAway Haven, Luxury Accommodation in Albany is the perfect luxury accommodation for the Corporate or Business Traveller, Romantic Retreats, Honeymoons, Weekend Escapes, Couple Pamper Weekends, Babymoons, Girls GetAways, overseas travellers and Foodies


 HideAway Haven ~ Happiness and Harmony Happen Here

Why is change needed?



Loved the photos that came with the story.










Escape to HideAway Haven for a weekend escape and start the change.

HideAway Haven, Luxury Accommodation in Albany is the perfect luxury accommodation for the Corporate or Business Traveller, Romantic Retreats, Honeymoons, Weekend Escapes, Couple Pamper Weekends, Babymoons, Girls GetAways, overseas travellers and Foodies

 HideAway Haven ~ Happiness and Harmony Happen Here

Saturday, November 5, 2011

A Haven for Outstanding Service



This article was written by Denise Smithson from Smithson Media and published in the October edition of the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry's newsletter.

It is so awesome to be interviewed by journalists and see our name in print. We added our own photos.

Luxury accommodation provider HideAway Haven's outstanding customer service was acknowledged at the 2011 Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Awards.

Operated by Becki Shaver and Maggie van Santen, HideAway Haven in Bayonet Head received a flood of nominations for the ACCI Albany and Great Southern Weekender Customer Service Business of the Year Award.

Take a step inside HideAway Haven and it is not hard to see why their guests rave about their experience - everything has been thought of to make their stay memorable.
"We believe we won because of our high standards, our friendliness, and being able to anticipate what guests want but also the fact we give more than this place," Maggie said. "We give an overall experience so that our guests' stay in Albany is fantastic which is why we go out and try restaurants, and experience tourist venues, blog about them and write them up in our newsletter." "That is why when people leave they think we've done a great job because they don't have to spend the first two hours at the visitor centre looking for where to eat and places to go."

According to Becki, HideAway Haven delivers what they market - outstanding luxury accommodation. "When people go to our website and then see their rooms when they arrive - they say the pictures don't do them justice, and that they are more than what they expected," she said. "I think that we provide the perfect environment, an atmosphere of harmony through the use of colours and being surrounded by the bush."

Each of HideAway Haven's three bedrooms has luxurious beds, ensuite and a private deck with views. In addition to room amenities, HideAway Haven offers a common room with a fully equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer. microwave and cookware.
But it is the Jacuzzi that sits on the common deck under the open sky that separates HideAway Haven from its competition - and that is clearly a hit with guests - just read some of their testimonials.

That combined with HideAway Haven's homemade gourmet breakfasts using fresh, local produce and the availability of evening meals utilising the culinary skills of Maggie and Becki, which top off the experience for guests.

While acknowledging entering the ACCI business awards was a lot of work, Maggie said it was an opportunity to revisit their business plan. "We realised what we had done, and it gave us more ideas to put into action," she said.

"It is a lot of work, running HideAway Haven because we really are on-call 24/7 - so winning the award gave us a big boost and incentive to keep the customer focus at the centre of what we do," Maggie said.

"We get a buzz when we get beautiful write-ups in our guest book or great feedback. That lets us know we are serving a purpose and providing something positive that makes us feel it is all worthwhile," Becki said.

"It is all positive reinforcement that we are on our way-there is still more we can do and more challenges. We can always get better and always get out there more.  You get one customer service award but to get the next one you have got to be even better.  We will continue to go the extra mile for our guests to ensure they have a wonderful experience here," Maggie said.

It's the little touches that make the difference

Vista View

Our 2011 Awards on the wall


HideAway Haven, Luxury Accommodation in Albany is the perfect luxury accommodation for the Corporate or Business Traveller, Romantic Retreats, Honeymoons, Weekend Escapes, Couple Pamper Weekends, Babymoons, Girls GetAways, overseas travellers and Foodies

 HideAway Haven ~ Happiness and Harmony Happen Here