Want to know a secret? Angels and Heaven exist…and they’re in The Bahamas! For over 60 years, The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort on Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas, has stood its ground as a paradise for all the senses. Its 35 acres unfold like a dream—pristine beachfront, Versailles-inspired gardens, palm-lined pathways and hidden alcoves. It’s no surprise that in 2006, this breathtaking setting became a film location for Casino Royale, testimony to Ocean Club’s cinematic grandeur. Beyond spectacular scenery, the resort’s culinary delights shine at its renowned restaurant where each dish is a composition of fresh, island-inspired flavors.
Rolling in casually is none other than Marvin, tennis extraordinaire. It didn’t just start with him, it’s a family tradition! His father, Leo Rolle, was a distinguished tennis professional at The Ocean Club for over 51 years. Marvin followed in his father’s footsteps, proudly continuing the legacy. A longtime member of the Bahamian Davis Cup team, Marvin has represented The Bahamas in multiple international competitions, including the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games, where he won a bronze medal.
Speaking of traditions, for 45 years, Vernal has been a warm and familiar presence at The Ocean Club’s glittery beaches. Having met notable figures like resort founder Huntington Hartford and legendary actor Sidney Poitier, Vernal is no stranger to meeting people from all walks of life. Vernal’s advice on making a lasting impression? “First impression, last impression. If you greet someone with kindness, that’s what they’ll remember.” And to top off his heart of gold, he’s also highly skilled in martial arts! Discipline of the heart, mind, and body!
The magic, soul, and charm of The Ocean Club all in one room. From Left to Right: Garrill Johnson, Guest Experience Manager; Arvin Wallace, Villa Manager; Prince Collie, Butler; Bridgette Poitier, Concierge; Stanford Burrows, Credit Manager; Alan Russell, Bellman.
With 17 years at the Resort, regal Bridgette has seen hundreds of faces. Good thing she loves looking at them! She’s all about watching guests’ expressions as they take in the mesmerizing ocean views. Her first recommendation? “Head down to the beach and just enjoy as lunch is served.” You don’t have to tell us twice! Once a guest has gotten the full experience, Bridgette always knows when a guest will come back, and sure enough, nothing compares to seeing guests return year after year, knowing they’ve fallen in love with The Ocean Club.
Absolute treasure and all around pleasure to have around, Alan has worked at The Ocean Club for 41 years! And it all makes sense given the countless guests greeted with his million dollar smile and priceless charisma. When he’s not assisting visitors, he channels his creativity into music—both as a pianist and singer, crafting Bahamian melodies that could only come from the one and only Alan Russell.
For 18 years, Stanford has brought precision and discipline to The Ocean Club, but numbers aren’t the only thing he appreciates with an eye for detail. A firm believer in “health is wealth,” he swaps spreadsheets for boxing gloves, indulges his love for architecture, and finds peace in birdwatching—a poetic contrast to the rigid world of finance. Whether admiring the symmetry of historic buildings or the effortless rhythm of nature, he sees beauty in structure, both man-made and wild.
Did someone say hospitality? Because Arvin is the epitome of it: Bahamian style! Born and raised in Nassau, Arvin’s journey to becoming Lead Villa Butler has seen him rubbing elbows with celebrities. After starting his career as a busser at a Paradise Island resort, he quickly worked his way up through every corner of the hospitality world, from housekeeping to accounting, and even took specialized courses in hospitality management. Maybe this ambition explains his ability to anticipate the needs of others. Arvin credits his success to a healthy mix of food & beverage expertise and a whole lot of common sense…But we think there’s also the occasional bit of magic which only he can bring.
Sunibel Or is the powerhouse behind The Ocean Club’s sales success, blending a passion for travel with a sharp business acumen that’s kept her at the forefront of the industry for over a decade. Her frequent jet-setting takes her to luxurious spots like Cannes and the Middle East, but it’s her time at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas that she looks forward to most each year. When she’s not dazzling clients or on a plane, you can find Sunibel in South Florida with her husband Batu, stepson Liam, and their dog “Love,” living a balanced life with weight training, triathlon cheerleading, and exploring new destinations. Known for her favorite Aperol Spritz or a Hartford Martini, Sunibel knows how to savor life both in and out of the office.
Dana Lauren Berry is a PR maven who’s spent nearly 15 years in PR for Four Seasons. As Senior Director of PR & Communications for both The Ocean Club and Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Dana knows how to make headlines. Originally from Colorado, Dana made the bold leap from mountain peaks to sun-kissed beaches, but her roots in journalism still shine through in everything she does. Before entering the world of hospitality, Dana’s sharp writing could be found in regional magazines and The Denver Post, and she even worked on the Governor of Colorado’s Press Office team. When she’s not handling media relations or planning her next adventure, Dana’s living her best life in Florida or in The Bahamas, whether she’s riding roller coasters or sipping Champagne (or an Espresso Martini) at The Martini Bar.
Who’s this diva? Why, it’s Viktoria, the radiant force behind The Ocean Club’s commercial magic. With nearly three decades of experience in international sales and marketing across Scandinavia, Central Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and North America, Viktoria’s knack for blending glamour with strategy has made her a force to be reckoned with in the hospitality world. From orchestrating the Resort’s custom coffee table book with Assouline to celebrating the global fame brought by Casino Royale, she’s constantly writing the next chapter in The Ocean Club’s growing legacy. At home in Royal Palm Beach, she enjoys life with her husband, Robert, and two rescue dogs, Lily and Jackie, and is a passionate supporter of Big Dog Ranch Rescue. Whether she’s attending Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas with four impeccably packed suitcases or sipping a Caviar Martini at The Martini Bar, Viktoria’s energy, fashion sense, and drive are as vibrant as her career.
Looking like they walked right off the red carpet and onto The Ocean Club grounds we have Sunibel Or, Viktoria Riley, Dana Lauren Berry giving us old Hollywood glam.
What movie is this? No biggie, just one of the most painstakingly beautiful gardens you’ll ever visit. As the palms sway gently in the breeze and the scent of saltwater fills the air, the Versailles Terraced Gardens of The Ocean Club unfold before you—a serene haven of lush greens, fountains, and statues that evoke the luxury and history of the Resort. The path winds through marble cloisters, their origins as layered as the history they shelter, with “Silence” standing in quiet contemplation at the center.
Among the flowers, we find debonair John alongside the beautiful Sunibel, Viktoria, and Dana matching perfectly with the petals and sophisticated beauty surrounding. The gardens, once part of a 12th-century Pyrenean church, now house a breathtaking collection of European sculptures—each piece carefully curated to reflect the garden’s glamour and grandeur.
Speaking of statuesque figures, we met up with Vernal, Ansel, and Marvin to continue our stroll around the garden. We could feel the past and present meeting under the shade of statues and palms, inviting us to pause, reflect, and breathe in the essence of this island paradise.
It may not be James Bond himself but you could’ve fooled us! Suave, cool, and collected John has a decades-long legacy in luxury hospitality that continues to shine. Conway is passionate about the people who make the resort exceptional stating, “We have an iconic resort on Paradise Island, one of the world’s most beautiful settings. But what makes The Ocean Club really special for guests is our team. They do that effortlessly, every day, because it’s coming from the heart.” John also expressed his excitement about showcasing the legacy of The Ocean Club’s dedicated staff in Tale A Guest Magazine, reinforcing the importance of the team in the resort’s success. For us, this speaks to the foundation of The Ocean Club that begins with its people, and continues down its corridors.
Ansel Miller, Head Bartender at DUNE, has been with The Ocean Club since 2016. Known for crafting unique cocktails with local ingredients, he’s also created signature drinks for special events. Ansel, who started bartending in Great Exuma, is passionate about blending flavors, conversation, and music. Passionate about music, he produces and distributes music locally. Chances are if you travel around the island, you’ll hear some of his music. Before doing that however, don’t forget to stop by DUNE to try the flavors behind the cocktail alchemy.
Meanwhile, Keith Cash has been shaking and stirring drinks for over 35 years at The Ocean Club, making a name for himself as one of The Bahamas’ top bartenders. Starting as a bar-back, Keith quickly impressed, earning Employee of the Year within three months. He’s especially known for his signature Vesper Martini, a nod to the resort’s James Bond film heritage, and his Passion Fruit Chili Martini, which adds a zesty chili powder kick to the sweet and tart passion fruit puree. Reflecting on his journey, he says, “I was fresh out of high school and one of my friends worked here and said, ‘Keith, they have a bar boy position open at The Ocean Club.’ So I came here and they hired me on the spot. That was 1986, They just said, ‘Don’t leave!’ And I love it here. I’ve loved it from that first day.”
Garrill, in a dress that reminds us of fine porcelain, made us immediately feel at home. She is, of course, the ultimate experience curator, making every stay at The Ocean Club feel effortlessly luxurious. With 12 years at the resort and 17 in hospitality, she leads the Guest Relations and Butler teams, handling everything from dreamy proposals to milestone celebrations. A mom of three and a travel lover, she’s all about new cultures, good books, and her beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. But her favorite part? Welcoming back beloved guests year after year—because here, once you’re family, you’re always family.
Bright and bubbly like his pink suit, Prince is pure sunshine at The Ocean Club. With 19 years at the resort (and 26 in hospitality), Prince is not only an ambassador for The Ocean Club but for his beloved country of The Bahamas, as well. Guests don’t just remember him; they request him, time and time again. His warmth, charisma, and deep love for The Bahamas make every stay unforgettable (and earning him Employee of the Year—twice!) When he’s not creating magic for guests, he’s in the kitchen, cooking up joy for family and friends or off exploring new destinations. His favorite compliment? Hearing guests had an incredible time, thanks to the service.
We know what they mean because we won’t soon forget the legacy team behind The Ocean Club.