Watercrest Buena Vista Senior Living in The Villages, Vero Beach, FL, is opening its doors to northern snowbirds — and everyone else — to come for a short-term stay, or what the community calls a “play-cation.” It’s an opportunity to familiarize potential residents with the community and earn some revenue.
The offering is new this year, according to Executive Director Matthew Stephen.
Guests, who welcome to call the Watercrest community their home for two to six months, or even longer, will stay in a one-bedroom unit and will have access to three meals a day as well as access to the community’s amenities and social gathering spaces. The Villages’ neighborhoods have recreation facilities and parks, social clubs and activities.
Watercrest launched the program for temporary guests back in December, although the official announcement was made Monday.
“We currently have two staycation suites. Both are occupied,” Stephen told the McKnight’s Business Daily. “I have two more being furnished this week, which gives me more opportunity to help more people to experience The Villages and experience the offerings of Watercrest.”
Since the suites became available, they have remained booked every month, he said, adding that the revenue “has been amazing.” The suites already existed, so no additional construction was needed, although the rooms were converted and furnished specifically to meet the needs of short-term guests.
Although the typical stay is anywhere from two to six months, guests can extend their short-term stay a little longer if they want. “We have a saying here amongst the team: “We say yes,” Stephen said.
In addition to success with the short-term stay program, overall move-ins and occupancy for February were “stellar” for the community’s independent living, assisted living and memory care units, he said.
“We have pulled off double-digit move-ins, and occupancy is growing,” Stephen said. “The team is so proud.”
