Dear Bellasera Owner: 

2006 was a very exciting year for Bellasera as SunStream’s signature resort set new records in Rate, Occupancy, Revenue and Owner Distributions. 

In addition, Bellasera has stayed at the top of TripAdvisor’s “Popularity Index” for well over a year, where it has remained the #1 rated hotel out of 54 properties listed in Naples.  The widely-admired travel review site – where millions of travelers go to critique hotels from around the world – also honored Bellasera in last year’s “Travelers’ Choice Awards,” when they recognized our resort as one of the “Top Ten Hidden Gems in the U.S.”

I’m pleased to report that 2007 has started off on an extraordinarily positive note, with a very strong first quarter in both occupancy and rate.  We are currently projecting an extremely solid second quarter as well, as both April and May are currently pacing well ahead of last year in revenue. 

In addition, this year has been one of change at Bellasera.  As you are aware, our General Manager, Neil Brereton, resigned toward the end of last year.  In the interim, I have been teaming with Neil Hopgood and Assistant General Manager Darlene Smith to keep Bellasera on track as we search for the right person to lead the team at Bellasera into the future. We have been diligently interviewing candidates but have yet to be able to find “la persona speciale” with the combination of skills that we are looking for in this key position.  

However, several other new faces have joined the team here at Bellasera. For those of you who have yet to say meet them, please say hello to our newest managers during your next visit to the resort.  They are all receiving rave reviews from our guests for their wonderful customer service:

As we move into 2007, our main focus will be to continue to increase our average daily rate while maintaining occupancy levels to generate top-line revenue, which should drive bottom-line profits more efficiently.  We also hope to begin to see a return of group business during the summer months which has declined the past couple of years due to our unusual weather patterns.   

I would like to thank all of you for your patience through this transition.  We have been able to assemble an outstanding management team with a refreshing mix of experience at both Bellasera and other upscale properties.  I also look forward to introducing a new General Manager at Bellasera in the near future to lead this great team.   

The SunStream family at both the property level and in our corporate office remains focused and committed to the continuous improvement of Bellasera, with the primary goal of increasing profitability at the resort while maintaining our excellent service to owners and guests.  I would be happy to meet with you during your next visit to Bellasera, or of course, I can always be reached for questions, comments, or suggestions at GaryL@sunstream.com or by phone at either Bellasera at (239) 649-7333 or at the SunStream corporate office at (239) 765-4111.   

Sincerely, 

Gary Locke
Director of Operations
SunStream Hotels & Resorts