Last week we had the pleasure of being interviewed by Michelle Matthews of al.com, our local Mobile, AL online newspaper. Michelle and I toured the suites and the property as we talked about Jubilee Suites, a place where we’re providing a boutique hotel experience for people to relax and recharge, rekindle relationships, and to experience joy. We talked about where we’ve been and where we’re going, and she then published a wonderful article online and in print filled with pictures of all our updated spaces called, Dreams Come True at This Zen Den on Mobile Bay.
It was quite an eye-opener to read the article and see just how far we have come in 2 years since we took ownership of this Fairhope, AL property in December, 2017, almost 2 years to the day of Michelle’s interview. It makes me wonder where we will be in 2 more years!
A Look Back at 2019
As our 2-year anniversary of ownership approached, Jim and I reflected on the huge amount of work we accomplished, exceeded only by the joy of seeing our first granddaughter grow from a newborn to age 2. When we bought this historic property 2 years ago and began the process of transforming it into an upscale boutique hotel and bed and breakfast, we certainly had a vision we were working towards. It was hard work but oh-so-rewarding to rebuild it from the ground up, repairing, remodeling, painting literally every surface inside and out, landscaping, redecorating, re-roofing, and at the same time building our brand new business. But there’s nothing quite like the absolute delight we feel each morning waking up in this beautiful place overlooking spectacular Mobile Bay. I have had my lifelong dream of owning such a place fulfilled.
In 2019 we redecorated our suites again. Yes, we did it in 2018 but this year we added some more furniture, rugs, and lots more home-like amenities. We want our guests to feel peace and tranquility here and that home-away-from-home feeling that so many of our guests tell us is what makes Jubilee Suites special. We also began to decorate each suite and our common spaces with locally consigned art. It’s a little like living in an art gallery. Our personal spaces were finally finished as well. After spending almost the entire year living in a 1-bedroom suite with various work going on around us every day, we finally finished our gorgeous new kitchen and great room and our own bedroom and bathroom as well. Finally, we were able to unpack after leaving Charlotte in early 2018.
Personally, we’ve also made some big changes. Jim retired this year and instead of traveling to a hotel to work for Microsoft, he now works in a hotel for Jubilee Suites. It’s great having a full-time partner in the business and we’ve gotten even closer. Our reason for moving here initially was to be near our first granddaughter Bea who has just turned 2. It has been a delight to see her blossom and grow at every stage. She likes to hang out with us and to go to Home Depot with Jim. And it has been pretty great to be near our son and his wife also. It’s been a really full 2 years!
What’s Ahead for 2020?
Jim and I regularly take the time to think about what gives us joy. We decided a couple years ago that we wanted to move to Fairhope, AL to be near our new baby granddaughter and our son and his wife. It was a good decision! And we also wanted to be able to provide a place for other people to relax and enjoy their families too.
What would you say gives you the most joy? Is it your family? Your work? Having a sense of purpose? Chances are, one of the most satisfying things and yet one of the most difficult to achieve for many people is balancing work and play. We certainly know that feeling! That’s one of the reasons we stop work each day to sit and enjoy the sunsets over Mobile Bay. They’re different every night and it gives us a chance to focus on what’s important to us and to count our blessings.
2020 is stretched out in front of all of us like newly fallen snow. When you look back on it in 12 more months, will you be happy with the way you decided to travel across it? Or will you have regrets? Won’t you take some time to plan something for yourself that gives you joy? Maybe it’s about getting fit or taking more time to plan healthy meals. Maybe it’s about taking the time to reach out to friends and family you have lost touch with. Maybe it’s about changing jobs or moving closer to your kids or planning a family vacation. At Jubilee Suites, it’s our joy to be able to share our home with our guests, people who have decided that taking the time to enjoy life, to love their family, to spend time together focusing on each other, to get away from work and worry for a short time– is worth it to them. Come join us this year! Love never fails.
Please let us know if we can help you plan a getaway here at Jubilee Suites. What would you like to do? See our Guest Experiences page and our Guest Packages page for lots of fun ideas. The resort town of Fairhope is also filled with friendly people and fun things to do. Having a good time here at Jubilee Suites is limited only by your imagination! Contact us if you’d like help making your reservation.
