Category: Blog

I’ve been made a Super Host by airbnb for the ninth time! 

Maybe when you get to ten they make you a Super Duper Host.

It made me start wondering about the whole concept of hosting. It turns out that the words ‘host’ and ‘guest’ share the same root. They can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European term ‘ghost-ti’ which can mean stranger, guest or host which, basically translates as ‘someone with whom one has reciprocal duties of hospitality’.

I do like the notion that it’s reciprocal – I give you my home and you treat it as if it were your own, i.e. I don’t have to remind you to use the coasters. Brilliant.

Image: Carolyn V on unsplash

Yes, it’s a thing and was a thing long before the Covid 19 pandemic. The Independent made reference to it as far back as 2015 but this year it’s taken on a whole new relevance for those forced to work away from the workplace.

The work-cation is the natural extension of the UK staycation which has boomed this year as never before. There can be no better cure for Covid cabin fever. In replacing the same old four walls with an ocean view and getting a big dose of vitamin sea, a work-cation can only benefit your well-being and, by osmosis, your work output.

The Wiktionary has described a work-cation as ‘a serendipitous and pleasurable business trip’ but I think this year it would best be described as a sanity saviour and wellness booster.

Although we haven’t been able to open Pine Point this year due to the restrictions, Ocean View cottage is ready to go and the current offer for a work-cation this winter includes free ferry travel as a package for bookings of one week or more (excludes Xmas & New Year weeks). Call now for details.

Photo by bongkarn thanyakij from Pexels

The Isle of Wight made the Telegraph Travel cover story yet again last Saturday with ‘The locations where love is in the air’, marking Valentine’s Day this week.

Queen Victoria, Churchill and even Benedict Cumberbatch all have romantic links to the island which features as one of the twenty British ‘hotspots for romance’.

I had no idea so, after consulting with the dog, we’re off to ‘feel a little love for the wonders on our doorstep’ and breathe some of that lovely air!

No, not really but, unfortunately, Pine Point Bed and Breakfast will remain closed through 2019.

The break will allow for some a refurb and refresh at the house, not to mention a bit of rest and relaxation for yours truly.

Ocean View, the self-catering cottage also in Ventnor, will be open from Easter 2019 and, (except during high summer and school hols), short breaks are available throughout the year.

Breakfast hampers can also be supplied to create your own B&B experience.

The Saturday Telegraph Travel (12/01/19) cover story ‘Expand your horizons with our isles of dreams’ features the Isle of Wight as ‘Best for British warmth’.

“As you roll off the ferry, you slip back 40 years to a gentler world. The island is like a pocket version of southern England, and within its 23 by 13 miles (37 by 21km) are chalk downs dipping to salt marshes and ancient woodland.’

Very nice, but I think it’s time we gave our ‘time warp’ image a refresh. I’m as guilty as anyone, telling that old chestnut of a joke:

“If it’s 12 o’clock in Portsmouth, what time is it on the IOW? … 1953.”
From now on I’ll be using a new punchline … “1983” – bringing it bang up to date.