Profound Gratitude to the Staff of Secrets Wild Orchids & St. James During Hurricane Melissa
+Subject: Profound Gratitude to the Staff of Secrets Wild Orchids & St. James During Hurricane Melissa
To the entire Staff and Management of Jamaica Breathless and Secrets Orchids and St. James, We are writing to express our deepest and most profound gratitude for the incredible care, professionalism, and safety you provided to us during the terrifying ordeal of Hurricane Melissa.
From the very beginning, it was clear that you had a robust emergency preparedness plan. We want to personally call out and give praise and thankfulness to the managers—Philip, Francois, Radalfi, and Jason—and the entire Secrets staff. You not only had an Emergency Response plan, but you clearly communicated it to every guest, and then executed it with precision.
When the storm's full force hit and the roof was blown off the ballroom, your team had to pivot in a moment of extreme crisis. Without hesitation, you moved us all safely down into the bunker, keeping us safe and secure through the worst of it.
When we were finally able to emerge, the sight of the destroyed resort was shocking. Yet, even in the face of that devastation, your team's focus never wavered from the guests. You did everything in your power to keep us safe, secure, and remarkably well-fed.
But it was the Jamaican staff of Secrets who truly made all the difference.
We were, and still are, in awe of you. We know that many of you could not go home to check on your own homes or families. You were facing your own personal ordeals, not knowing what had happened to your loved ones or your property. And yet, you kept a smile on your face. You made us, as guests in your country, feel safe and welcomed.
The Secrets staff went above and beyond what any job description could ever ask. You cared for us while carrying the immense burden of your own fears and losses.
We cannot thank you enough for making us feel safe, secure, and well-fed while you were going through so much.
Thank you, Secrets staff, from the bottom of our hearts. Because of you, we are Secrets members for Life and will come back to help support Jamaica.
With deepest gratitude, Brian and Simone
Trip Home
+My best friend and I traveled to Jamaica for an October vacation.
We didn't have any idea there would be a hurricane. It was a very harrowing and humbling experience. Thank God we made it through without one guest out of 550 - and 200 staff members being injured.
Prior to and after the hurricane - staff members were absolutely amazing.
Our needs were not just met - every concern and want was addressed.
I had a Butler that was the nicest and coolest young man I've ever met.
The housekeepers treated our rooms as if they belonged to themselves.
The food and restaurants were amazing.
Due to the hurricane there wasn't much entertainment after a few days but
Jamaican music was always playing and staff were always making us laugh.
In spite of the hurricane and the seriousness of the situation - I plan to visit
the resort again next year - if money and good health are available.
To Me - It felt like home - because of the warm and genuine spirits of the
Jamaican people.
