 
It has been said many times that two heads are better than one. This can be clearly justified by the vibrant outcome that results from the hard work of Janet Woolam and Brent Kirkman of Victoria House. Both were born and grew up in Vancouver Island, Canada. There, Janet was self employed in bookkeeping services and Brent was in the hospitality business from the early 1970's. Janet first visited San Pedro and Belize in 1990 after some friends persuaded her to visit them. As a result of her first visit, she returned in 1991-1992 to stay for ten to eleven months to take a break from her busy job schedule back home. Brent came to San Pedro to visit Janet in 1992. (They had known each other since the age of 17.) He enjoyed the activities on the island especially snorkeling and fishing as much as he enjoyed Belize 's interior, specifically the West. After enjoying the unspoiled beauty of Belize, Janet returned home to resume her business. Together they shared a common interest: to live in the tropics and spend more time in Belize. In 1996, Janet received a message from one of her friends in Ambergris Caye informing her that there was a possible job opportunity for a management team at Victoria House Resort. She informed Brent of the offer and since both had family in the hotel business and had been part of management teams before, they immediately jumped at the opportunity. They applied for the job, met with the owners in Colorado, USA, and were hired. Janet traveled to Belize with one of the owners while Brent went home, packed the house, gave away the dog and in May 1996 moved to Belize to join Janet at Victoria House. They feel that the staff (all long term employees) made it easier for them to get acquainted and in no time they established a good working relationship with all 43 of them. The hotel property was purchased in 1979 by a group of men who intended to use it as their fishing camp. Over the years it has evolved to the present Victoria House Resort. Today, it consists of 29 rooms ranging from thatch roof casitas to a three bedroom villa. The Victoria House Restaurant offers a full Mexican buffet every Tuesday including live Mariachi music and Caribbean buffet every Friday with music by Wil and the Tequila Trio. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and in addition, offers free transportation for dinner guests. The Admiral Nelson's Bar also offers live entertainment on Thursday's. The hotel has a fully equipped dive shop on the premises - Fantasea Watersports. Victoria House's excellent reputation has attracted guests to return yearly for as long as 15 to 16 years. "We try to maintain the same atmosphere that Victoria has had since day one," said Janet. Janet and Brent are pleased with their accomplishments. They are happy with their way of life here and amazed with the friendliness of its people. "This is something you don't get in other parts of the world," said Brent. Since their time here they have been involved in many community activities such as the Sea & Air Festival that they both enjoy. They also support the San Pedro Turquoise Football team. Even though their job occupies most of their time, they would like to spend some time exploring the southern part of Belize and do more snorkeling and fishing. They recently bought a house on Ambergris Caye. Throughout their time here, they have joined their knowledge and expertise in the hotel business and have contributed a great deal in making Victoria House one of "Belize's best all-purpose seaside resort."
Copyright San Pedro Sun.. Design by Casado Internet Group |
