Portofino’s presentation of amenities is highly personal. Offered by Premier Island Management Group, which is located on-site and functions exclusively on behalf of the resort, all services and enhancements have been conceived in light of the area’s resources and for the benefit of those who live and vacation here. Robert Babcock, owner of Premier, has far more than a business stake in Portofino. His wife, Sabine, and their two daughters are full-time resident owners with a decided personal interest in keeping the standards high. Consequently, he and his team continually create new meanings for spoiled—on land or on water. 10
Water lovers might have a tough time choosing among the activities offered: Gulf (Adventure Beach), the sound (Adventure Cove), the lagoon pools, a tower pool, or the Olympicsized indoor pool. Will they choose a boogie board or paddleboard, Wave Runner or a kayak, snorkeling or sailing? The quality and quantity of options are impressive. “Our watercraft and gear are top-of-the-line,” says Babcock, adding, “We always want to have the best toys on the beach.” Safety and qualified instruction are also priorities. For several sports, such as sailing, multilevel lessons are available. Friendly tips are also shared freely. Staff members, in fact,
frequently join in if guests need help or someone to round out the fun. When parents want to relax as children beg to play, the High Tide Kid’s Club makes everyone happy. In addition to playing on inflated slides and trampolines in Adventure Cove, children engage in a wealth of age-appropriate activities. Taking an eco-excursion, a child might get to hold a beach crab, and later in the day, he might learn to bodysurf. Camps are different each day, but they always culminate in an activity that reunites parents and children. By the way, all children, even those not enrolled in the Kid’s