‘We are expecting a very strong summer’

The Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa continues to expand its management team and expertise as part of its relentless focus to offer authentic experiences and creative, contemporary Nova Scotia cuisine.

Staying open year-round for the first time in its 90-plus year history this past winter, the Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa was busy.

“Along with our exceptional November/December months and the unparalleled experience we offered during the festive season, we had some encouraging results to build on,” says Event Manager, Nicola Vance Lousada, who joined the Pines from Kings Theatre in Annapolis Royal and brings decades of events management experience from the United Kingdom.

“We've had a new team on board for jump-start promotion of the new winter season, we packaged up some new experiences, special rates, and activities. With the extra promotion and social media our inquiries started to come to fruition,” says Lousada. “We are expecting a very strong summer and this will lead into a productive and substantial autumn and winter seasons. We are currently working on a full-rolling calendar of events and activities for 2023-2024.”

Lousada says the Pines “had to unlock the potential of year-round success with our winter staffing drive."

"By expanding our recruitment efforts, we've found the perfect team members and witnessed exponential growth in our staffing levels," says Lousada. "We have a healthy mix of locals and we expanded into other provinces. With our on-site accommodation facilities, our staffing levels became stable.”

Lousada says the Pines being open 365 days a year not only generates economic growth and community engagement at The Pines, but for the local economy too.

“This thriving destination fuels local businesses and fosters meaningful connections among residents and neighboring communities,” she says.

Also joining the Pines this year in the culinary department are Executive Chef Dan Vichittharong and Pastry Chef Laura Porter, best known in Halifax for her bread and pastry creations at the Old Apothecary Bakery & Café.

“Chef Dan has traveled from coast-tocoast, where he has served most recently as Executive Chef at Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, in Okanagan Valley, Penticton, British Columbia," states a media release. "A graduate of George Brown College and a Red Seal Chef, he has worked in Copenhagen, Vancouver, Toronto and other areas throughout Ontario. Chef Dan moves his family to Digby, and takes the reins from long-time Pines' Executive Chef Dale Nichols who retired this spring."

“We look forward to Chef Dan and Laura continuing our tradition for fine food and inspiring the Pines' menus with fresh approaches and tastes,” said Charles Otter, The Pines' Vice-President of Resort Operations. “They join a culinary team dedicated to the very best of guest experiences.”

As the team at the Pines continues to grow, Catherine (Cathy) Rodgers has joined as Executive Housekeeper. She has worked for two decades with major hotel brands in Nova Scotia and brings an acute eye for detail to her new position.

Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa is preparing for a strong summer and fall season.

“We are diligently working to bolster our dedicated team with people who bring to us different experiences and talents,” Managing Partner Glenn Squires said. “With team members from diverse backgrounds, plus the addition of Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) hospitality students on site in the fall of 2023, we will continue to build on our four pillars of authentic experiences, contemporary Nova Scotia food and beverage, health and wellness and sustainability.”

The NSCC Business-Hospitality Program, which will host students at the Digby Pines Resort, has generated positive interest since the new program section was launched, says NSCC spokesperson Kathleen Cameron, adding there are still seats available for those interested in applying for this unique learning experience.