Innisfree Hotels

The idyllic panhandle hotel is re-launching this Spring with an all new Wifi system and colorful, Instagram-ready rooms

PENSACOLA BEACH, Fl., July 13, 2022 – Gulf Coast management company Innisfree Hotels has renovated  its Surf & Sand Hotel on Pensacola Beach. The updates—which total $3.4 million and range from technological to aesthetic—will launch the hotel into a new, more vibrant, and eco-conscious era.

The hotel has been outfitted with all new furniture, fresh coats of paint, and top-of-the-line soft goods, including new mattresses and linens. Additionally, all bathrooms have been completely redone and new TVs will be installed with a platform that will allow guests to stream content from their phones. 

Complimentary amenities, such as beach cruiser bikes, stand-up paddle boards, and kayaks, have received an update. The hotel’s pool deck, which sits just adjacent to the property’s dog-friendly private beach, is set for updates later in the year. Most significant among the immediate changes are the hotel’s myriad technological improvements, such as its new Wifi system, which will allow guests to stay connected and stream the same entertainment content they would at home right from their smartphones. 

“We are committed not only to improving our properties but bettering guest experiences,” said Innisfree’s Vice President of Operations Jason Nicholson. “These renovations will steer the Surf & Sand hotel into a new era of optimized comfort and entertainment.”

In an even greater effort to keep up with today’s technology trends, the hotel has installed additional plugs and USBs, ensuring that guests’ phones are always fueled up to capture the property’s lively vintage vibes and neighboring attractions; additionally, a new lock system enables guests to use their phones as their room keys. 

Surf & Sand hotel prioritizes health and wellness as an outlet for all guests. By providing paddle boards, kayaks, and bicycles at no additional costs, the hotel encourages guests to get out and see the best of Pensacola Beach while also enjoying a bit of physical activity. 

Conveniently located within the core of Pensacola Beach, Surf & Sand is just a short walking distance from an array of local restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues. The area also offers world class charter fishing and scenic bike trails. Snorkeling is also available with reef structure at several island locations. 

To aid in its energy efficiency efforts, Surf & Sand has begun switching to LED lighting throughout the property. Surf & Sand is committed to green standards and has earned a “Three Green Key” eco-rating by Green Key Global, an international environmental certification body that is recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

  For more information visit https://surfandsandhotelpensacolabeach.com/.

A creativity-inspired school administrator, Dr. Kovacs will help Dixon realize its vision for providing creative experiences for young scholars

PENSACOLA, Fla., June 17, 2022 – Dixon School of Arts & Sciences is proud to announce new school leadership for the 2022-2023 school year. The Dixon Board of Directors conducted a nation-wide search and is pleased to welcome Dr. Kevin Kovacs as Dixon’s new Head of School.

As an educator and administrator, Dr. Kovacs brings more than 25 years experience to DSAS.  He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Principal/School Leadership certification in the State of Florida. Having begun his career as a classroom teacher in Boston, Dr. Kovacs has since served as an elementary and middle school principal and university professor in Palm Beach County. He also has served as Director of Schools for the nonprofit Center for Creative Education, where he worked to transform teaching and learning through a stronger focus on creativity and the arts.  

​​Before joining the Center for Creative Education, Dr. Kovacs led a K-8 public charter school as principal, where he drove the school’s vision of innovative and technology-rich instruction. As principal, Dr. Kovacs brought his K-8 Palm Beach County public school to an “A” rating and maintained that rating for the duration of his tenure. Under his leadership, Dixon has the momentum and potential to reach a new level of success.

Dr. Kovacs’ approach is both future-thinking and creativity-driven. He values arts integration in the classroom, prioritizing students’ differences and ability levels. The Dixon Board of Directors is excited to welcome him during this time of monumental change for the school.

Dr. Kovacs hopes that planned 2022 curriculum and technology improvements will inspire students to achieve greater creative expression and hands-on skill-building. 

“For my entire career, I’ve chosen Title I learning environments. My aim is to achieve the greatest possible impact in communities, especially underserved communities,” said Dr. Kovacs. “I’m excited to hit the ground running and collaborate with the Dixon team to provide quality and inspiring educational experiences for our DSAS students.”

As a creativity-inspired school administrator, Dr. Kevin Kovacs has used the arts to inspire a zest for learning at all levels of education. He is passionate about assisting all learners in transforming how they view themselves as students and as citizens. The Dixon Board is proud to welcome him as the next leader of Dixon School of Arts & Sciences. For more information about Dixon School of Arts & Sciences, visit https://dixonschoolota.org/.

Startups on the Blocks, an initiative of the Kukua Institute aims to build a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem for historically marginalized business leaders

PENSACOLA, FL., MAY 23, 2022 – Innisfree Hotels is sponsoring Startups on the Blocks, an entrepreneurial support program and pitch competition that empowers founders of color in Northwest Florida. 

The competition, which will take place on June 23, invites Northwest Florida’s African American and Latin founders to cultivate their ideas through mentorship and training. In doing so, Startups on the Blocks hopes to both broaden and diversify the area’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem. 

Innisfree, which has partnered with the Kukua Institute on the Startups on the Blocks pitch competition twice before, will retain one seat on the judge’s panel as well as award $5,000 in cash prizes.

“At Innisfree, we believe that establishing a foothold in the market and keeping inclusive company practices should be harmonious,” said Innisfree CEO Ted Ent. “Entrepreneurial-based economic development is a perfect way to empower people of color from Pensacola to Panama City. We are excited to continue to demonstrate our commitment to empowering our African American and Latino neighbors through this sponsorship.”

Five out of ten finalists will receive cash prizes ranging from $500 to $2000. Additionally, all ten finalists will be invited to participate in Startups on the Blocks programs which include mentoring, startup playbooks, startup tools, weekly training, weekly networking, and weekly opportunities newsletter. In addition to the $5K from Innisfree, in-kind prizes will be awarded by the Pensacola Chamber, the Gulf Coast Minority Chamber, Bantucola.com, Real Women Radio, and the Kukua Institute and its partners.

“Innisfree is a great example of how a company can practice ethical responsibility and inclusivity while maintaining market value,”  said Lloyd Reshard, Board Chairman of the Kukua Institute. “This sponsorship demonstrates Innisfree’s commitment to inclusive economic development in Northwest Florida.”

Startups on the Blocks Founders Pitch Competition invites African American and Latino residents of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Homes, Washington, Jackson, and Bay counties to present both new business ideas as well as existing startups. 

Past pitch competition winners include Troy Watts’ Dribbles the All Knowing Cat, a digital program designed to help educators and students develop STEAM-based skills; Elijah Rigsby, whose NFT development company Icon Tradeables specializes in the creation of digital art; as well as Monica White’s Magenta Root Scalp Care and Greg Lashley’s Mobility Network Infrastructure.
Applicants must be 18 years of age and citizens of the United States, Applications will remain open until June 6, 2022 at 11:59 PM. Ten finalists will pitch on June 23, 2022. For more information, visit https://pitch.kukuainstitute.org.

The dream vacation experience at the 209-room Fairfield Inn & Suites comes with a host of prizes, including restaurant gift cards, attraction tickets, gift bags, drink tumblers, and more. 

PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. — To promote its upcoming grand opening, the all-new Fairfield Inn & Suites on Pensacola Beach (fairfieldpensacolabeach.com) is giving away a 7-day dream vacation for one lucky family.

The grand prize winner of the Dream Vacation Giveaway contest and their family will be among the first to catch a beach sunset from their balcony at the $75 million, 209-room Fairfield Inn & Suites, which Innisfree Hotels plans to open over Memorial Day Weekend[2] . Besides a stay at the brand-new hotel — home to Innisfree’s largest lazy river yet, an ideal place for families to unwind together — the weeklong prize package includes:

●       Complimentary breakfast daily 

●       Four free tickets aboard the Frisky Mermaid dolphin cruise

●       Four free mini-golf passes to UFO’s of Pensacola Beach

●       Free access for four to the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier

●       Two free pizzas at Piazza Pizza

●       $50 gift card to Fish Heads Beach Bar and Grill at the hotel

●       $50 gift card to Water Pig BBQ

●       $50 gift card to Red Fish Blue Fish

●       Four insulated drink tumblers

●       PensacolaBeach.com swag bag

●       Late checkout: 2 p.m.

Head over to fairfieldpensacolabeach.com for full contest details, including how to enter. Entry is as simple as “liking” and sharing one of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach’s social media posts about the contest, or signing up for its email list to receive a free entry. 

“When we committed to rebuilding a hotel on the site of the former Best Western, a beloved Pensacola Beach hotel that was severely damaged by Hurricane Sally in 2020, we wanted to bring something to the community that was equally welcoming and family-friendly,” said Ted Ent, President and CEO of Innisfree Hotels. “We think we’ve done just that with the Fairfield Inn & Suites, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome guests there in a few short months. What better way to let the world know we’re opening than to give away a 7-day vacation there and make one family’s summer especially memorable?” 

Innisfree partnered on the original and the new hotel with Dallas-based RREAF Holdings (rreaf.com), whose hospitality portfolio includes a number of Gulf Coast properties.

“We’re looking forward to our guests and Pensacola Beach locals enjoying the beautiful Fairfield Inn & Suites,” said Mitch Provosty, CFO of RREAF Holdings. “The Fairfield will open 2 ½ years after we lost the Best Western to Hurricane Sally which is a testament to the Innisfree and RREAF development teams. This is one of ten beachfront hotels that RREAF and Innisfree have done together. We enjoy a strong and fruitful partnership.”

“The Fairfield Inn and Suites is the culmination of a highly successful collaboration between RREAF Holdings and Innisfree Hotels. This is a big win for the Florida Panhandle, Escambia County, and the ever-expanding visiting population to the area,” said RREAF’s CEO, Kip Sowden. “RREAF’s mission is to enhance the lives of its investors, partners, residents and guests by providing outstanding service, excellence and expertise with integrity, vision, values and purpose were surely met by this project.” To learn more about Innisfree Hotels, visit innisfreehotels.com.

The 2021 Hilton Leader of the Year is being promoted from his previous role as Director of Convention Services and Banquets for the award-winning Florida property.  

GULF BREEZE, Fla. — Innisfree Hotels is proud to announce that longtime team member Paul Durant has been promoted to Food & Beverage Director at Hilton Pensacola Beach. In this role, Durant will be responsible for all F&B operations at the idyllic Florida property, conveniently situated on one of the country’s top-rated beaches. 

“Paul is the epitome of leadership, hard work, loyalty, and dedication,” said Ted Ent, President and CEO of Innisfree Hotels. “We can’t wait to see him work his magic on his new department, one that truly impacts each of our guests’ experiences.” 

Durant is a 19-year veteran of the Hilton Pensacola Beach, starting in 2003 as a Banquet Server. He earned a promotion after six months, to Banquet Captain, and worked his way up to Director of Banquets. Since 2019, he has served as the property’s Director of Convention Services and Banquets. Durant was named a 2021 Hilton Leader of the Year. 

“We are very excited to have Paul as our new F&B Director,” said Chef Manuel Rodriguez, Corporate Director of Food & Beverage for Innisfree Hotels. “Some of Paul’s duties will be creating new food and beverage programs for the hotel, and coordinating events for guests and locals to enjoy our beautiful Hotel. Paul’s expertise will help elevate our service in every aspect at every outlet of our property.”

Added Durant: “I am honored to take on this important role at one of the best vacation and event properties in the State of Florida and beyond. I am grateful to my team at the Hilton Pensacola Beach and my colleagues throughout Innisfree Hotels who work tirelessly to provide excellent service and hospitality to our guests.”

Innisfree’s Hilton, Hampton, Holiday Inn Resort, and Surf and Sand properties have each been presented with “Green Keys” following their recent environmental initiatives.

Gulf Coast hotel operator and management company Innisfree Hotels is proud to announce that all four of their Pensacola Beach properties have been recognized by the Green Key Global Eco-Rating Program for their ongoing commitment to improving their environmental and fiscal performance. 

The Green Key Global Eco-Rating Program is a first-of-its-kind “eco-audit” that awards hospitality and tourism enterprises up to 5 Green Keys based on their sustainability practices and diligence when it comes to eco-friendly operations. The Green Key Program is recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international accreditation body that manages sustainability standards in travel and tourism.

Of the four Pensacola properties, Hilton, Hampton, and Holiday Inn Resort have each received a rating of 4 Green Keys, while the Surf and Sand was awarded 3 Green Keys. These initial keys demonstrate the hotel operator’s commitment and responsibility to sustainability and community engagement.

“As we step away from one of the most challenging years in hospitality, we’re humbled that guests have chosen to return to the Gulf Coast, and excited to introduce to them a better, greener Innisfree,” said the company’s CEO, Ted Ent.  “We hope to set a new standard for sustainable travel and tourism, and these newly awarded Keys represent only the beginning of Innisfree’s commitment to environmental responsibility.”

This recognition comes after the recent appointment of Brittney Barnett as Innisfree’s new Director of Sustainability. With over seven years of experience in community development and sustainability program implementation, Barnett joined Innisfree in October 2021 to pilot a new program focusing on climate action, resource preservation, ecological balance, and health and wellbeing. 

Under Barnett’s leadership, Innisfree will continue to pursue the highest standard of sustainable operations. 

 “It’s inspiring to see our Pensacola Beach hotel teams prioritizing sustainability efforts despite the immense challenges the past few years have posed to their operations,” commented Barnett. “Looking ahead to 2022, we have many more exciting initiatives to roll out as we onboard more hotels into our sustainability program that focuses on ensuring regenerative business operations and thriving host communities.”

Although each hotel has unique achievements, Innisfree’s Sustainability efforts include LED lighting upgrades throughout the hotel, boiler upgrades, installing an energy management system, procuring Energy Star certified appliances, low-flow showerheads, water saving aerator faucets in each guest room, and EV charging stations. Additionally, the hotel operator established new employee engagement practices that include developing sustainability action plans for each property, conducting sustainability trainings for staff, and establishing a platform for employees to share sustainability ideas. Bonus points were awarded for Innisfree’s strong community involvement by leading social initiatives such as their “From the Ground Up” community garden, participating in “The Bail Project,” and “Parent University.” 

And at the corporate level, Innisfree Hotels formally adopted a company-wide sustainability policy, established a strategic action plan, and formed a corporate green committee to lead their properties.

Rodriguez prepares to roll out cooking classes, farm-to-table menus, and other exciting dining events at Innisfree’s properties throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond.  

GULF BREEZE, Fla. — Innisfree Hotels is pleased to announce the promotion of chef Manuel Rodriguez to Corporate Director of Food & Beverage, overseeing all dining and drinking experiences at Innisfree’s Gulf Coast properties in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and South Carolina. 

Rodriguez, who is classically trained in culinary arts and has spent more than a decade leading professional kitchens, joined the Innisfree family in 2020 to direct culinary operations at one of its hotels. He quickly showed that his organizational skills, managerial talents, and passion for culinary excellence were worthy of a much bigger assignment. 

“Chef Manny really wowed us and our guests since day one,” said Ted Ent, President and CEO of Innisfree Hotels. “We know he’s got a great vision and plan to elevate our food and beverage offerings across the board, and we can’t wait for our guests to benefit from having Chef Manny in charge of their culinary experiences.” 

Originally from Washington, D.C., and having cooked for politicians and dignitaries from around the world, Rodriguez has enjoyed living on the Gulf Coast and getting to work with its fresh ingredients, calling it “the closest thing to a perfect job — I love it.” His excitement is evident in dishes that combine local fish with his South American cooking flair: grilled red snapper with fried green plantains, or pan-seared pompano with goat cheese croquettes and a Champagne vinaigrette sweetened with local honey. 

“I’m working with each of our chefs to incorporate more local, farm-to-table ingredients into our menus, and to create different events where we can share our love of food and cooking with guests,” Rodriguez said. “I want our restaurants to be the first choice not only for our guests but for locals as well. That’s what we’ll be pushing toward in 2022.”

Celebrity-designed golf courses, arcades, and one of the country’s tallest ferris wheels await visitors nearby this Myrtle Beach oasis

Myrtle Beach, SC, November 15, 2021 – Hotel developer and management company Innisfree Hotels, in partnership with RREAF Holdings, announces its recent acquisition of the Holiday Inn Oceanfront, located in Surfside Beach, South Carolina. 

“RREAF owns several beachfront hotels in the Southeast, and continues to actively seek out similar opportunities in the region,” says Rob Steinwedell, Director of Hospitality Acquisitions, Dallas-based RREAF Holdings. “Our investment thesis is built on the belief in a strong recovery from the COVID crisis while catering to the local community by providing excellent accommodations at affordable prices.”

The full-service six-story, 133-room hotel includes 4,500 square feet of meeting space, an outdoor pool, an on-site bar, and a fitness center. Having recently undergone a $7 million renovation, the Surfside hotel—along with its hands-on experienced management team—is more than equipped to welcome leisure guests as well as corporate groups and weddings.

“Innisfree is proud to offer a peaceful respite along the shores of one of the east coast’s most sought-after beaches,” said the company’s CEO Ted Ent. “With close proximity to the International Club of Myrtle Beach, Coastal Grand Mall, and Myrtle Beach International Airport, the Holiday Inn Oceanfront is ideal for a romantic destination or a family gathering.”

Because of its vacation destination appeal, Myrtle Beach attracts more than 17 million visitors annually. Tourism has an estimated impact of $7 billion on the community, with an additional $2.2 billion in labor impact. A direct oceanfront hotel, the Holiday Inn is located within a short distance to many of Myrtle Beach’s top attractions, as well as several oceanfront restaurants and retail destinations. 

“Surfside Beach offers the best of Myrtle Beach,’ said Ent. “Representing the hub of the Grand Strand, the destination includes scenic campgrounds, waterside piers, baseball fields, and local wildlife.”
The Holiday Inn Oceanfront is now accepting bookings through the end of 2022. For more information, visit https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/surfside-beach/myrsb/hoteldetail. To learn more about Innisfree’s book of properties, head to https://innisfreehotels.com/.

Coastal charm is abundant at this West Palm-adjacent tropical paradise

Hutchinson Island, FL., November 2, 2021 – Beach Front hotel owner/operator Innisfree Hotels, in partnership with RREAF Holdings, announces its October 19 acquisition of the Hutchinson Island Plaza Hotel & Suites, formerly known as the Sandhurst Hotel & Suites. 

The 70-room boutique property includes waterfront suites, a private inlet beach, and direct access to inshore and offshore fishing. Located on the sandy shores of South Hutchinson Island where the dunes of Fort Pierce Inlet meet Tucker Cove, the hotel is just steps away from nearby businesses and attractions, including The US Navy Seal Museum and local wildlife observation centers.

“We are thrilled to add the Hutchinson Island property—now our Southernmost hotel—to Innisfree’s growing portfolio,” said the company’s CEO Ted Ent. “Thanks to its idyllic Florida beach charm and close proximity to recreational venues and oceanside excursions, the Hutchinson Island Plaza Hotel & Suites offers something for everyone.”

A short trip from several MLB Spring Training camps, the Hutchinson Island hotel is the perfect stay for families and friends hoping to scope out their favorite players. Business travelers can also enjoy free wireless internet access as well as a 24-hour business center and complimentary breakfast. For those guests who wish to indulge in a more leisurely trip, grab a few drinks from the gift shop and head out to the hotel’s private pier to see if the fish are biting. 

The hotel’s dock has been refurbished and expanded to provide additional space for fishing. Guests are able to fish all day and night with underwater lights, which provide pristine, round-the-clock views of local manatees, snook and other marine life.

“Hutchinson Island truly offers the best of Florida’s Treasure Coast,” said Ent. “Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Indian River on the west, the island is a great place to fish, play golf, take in local wildlife, and enjoy nature preserves and parks.”
The Hutchinson Island Plaza Hotel & Suites is now accepting bookings through the end of 2022. For more information, visit HutchinsonPlazaHotel.com. To learn more about Innisfree’s book of properties, head to InnisfreeHotels.com.

The Fairfield Inn and Suites, Pensacola Beach, will offer gulfside views, expansive lazy river pool deck and picturesque dune walks

Pensacola Beach, Fl, October 20, 2021 – Innisfree Hotels, in partnership with RREAF Holdings, announces construction of a new Fairfield Inn & Suites. The Pensacola Beach hotel will be the latest in the company’s trove of coastal getaways.

The new Pensacola Beachside resort will replace the former Pensacola Beach Best Western, which incurred irreparable damage during last September’s Hurricane Sally. Since the former hotel’s demolition earlier this year, Innisfree and RREAF Holdings have been working on the plans for the new Fairfield Inn and Suites resort. 

The $75 million project—which will consist of 209 rooms, and a second story lobby with Gulf-front views—is scheduled to open in Spring 2023.

“We are pleased to be bringing a newly constructed hotel to Pensacola Beach, complete with all of the amenities families want to help them create fun and memorable experiences,” said Rich Chism, Innisfree Hotels’ VP of Development and Asset Management.

Directly adjacent to Pensacola Beach, the new property will also feature a lazy river, a hot tub, and a dune walkover that leads directly to the beach. The launch of the new Pensacola Beachside Resort will also accompany the reopening of Fish Heads Pool Bar, an adjacent seasonal pool bar and grill offering fresh food, incredible open-air deck views, and a “come as you are” vibe.

“I’m excited for our former guests to return to our new hotel so they can see the major improvements,” said the General Manager Seth Fagan, who is also looking forward to the reopening of Fish Heads pool bar & grill. 

A hotel management company that works in tandem with some of the world’s most recognized brands, Innisfree prides itself on immersive hospitality and modern design concepts. “We understand that the Beachside Best Western enjoyed a very loyal following here on Pensacola Beach,” said Innisfree CEO and President Ted Ent. “Our goal is not to eclipse what made that property so special, but to replace it with a more modern design that still keeps a warm, family focus as its core mission.”

The new Fairfield Inn and Suites, Pensacola Beach is contracted by Greenhut Construction with architectural leadership from Larry Adas of Bullock Tice Associates and interior design from Lagom Interiors. Pool and landscape design is conducted by WAS Design. 

The new Pensacola Beachside Resort will be located at 16 Via De Luna Dr. Pensacola Beach, FL. For more information, visit www.Innisfreehotels.com website.