As Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort celebrated its 21st anniversary on October 18th, we took a moment to step back and appreciate the journey and transformation since opening in 2000. You can see what it was like then, in 2000, compared to now. A noteworthy change is the amount of staff Hamanasi employs. From a small staff of approximately 25 at inception to over 170 strong, 20% of Hamanasi’s employees have been with the company for over 10 years. In fact, three special people have been with Hamanasi with uninterrupted service since the beginning! While their roles may have changed over the years, the jovial presence of Neal, Marcia, and Jackie have not.
Neal Ariola
Neal Ariola is one of those smiling faces you will never forget. A senior boat captain, expert guide, and all-around versatile person, he has blessed Hamanasi with 21 years of service and is indispensable in the Adventure Center. Neal, also known as ‘Rice’, began working at Hamanasi as a night watchman, dabbled in maintenance and finally landed where he aspired to be as a member of the marine team. His impression at Hamanasi can be seen everywhere from the values he passes over to the junior members of the marine team to the very bricks of the pathway he walks on everyday and that he helped lay so many years ago. It is safe to say that Hamanasi would be a different place without Neal Ariola. I sat down with Neal to learn more about his time with Hamanasi and what it was like then.
Neal began working for Hamanasi in January of 2000. He had heard about the new resort from some friends who were working on the dive team and was determined to join the team. Unfortunately, there were no vacancies in the department when he came to apply, but he was offered a position as a night watchman. It was there he began his career with Hamanasi. He watched Hamanasi start with its 8 beachfront rooms and small staff to now, 30 rooms and approximately 170 members of the team.
When reflecting on some of the changes Neal witnessed over the years, he commented that he notices and appreciates that there are more rooms, staff, and training. Neal said, “More training is one of the most impressive things to me. Hamanasi trains people, like the guides, to be topnotch.”
Neal is a humble person. Even when discussing all of his accomplishments over the years and the skills he possesses, he just laughed and said with a smile, “I just know my way a little bit.” This is an understatement and an example of Rice’s easy going nature.
“Hamanasi trains people to be topnotch.”
– Neal Ariola
Neal plans to continue to work for another few years. His goal is to make it to 25 years of employment with Hamanasi. When asked what has kept him with Hamanasi for all of these years he stated, “What has kept me here is the environment, the people that I work with, the management, the friendliness and the way how they treat me.”
Neal Ariola says he hopes to see Hamanasi continue in its current direction. He hopes the resort will keep up the good reviews. Neal remarked, “If the resort keeps up those good reviews, it would be good for my kids and my grandkids. That way, they could come here to work, if they wanted.”
Next time you visit Hamanasi, be sure to say hello to Neal. You’ll most likely find him doing the thing he loves the most, either driving a boat or snorkeling with guests.
Marcia Nunez
Singanga Restaurant serves a variety of delicious dishes inspired by the many cultures of Belize using local and fresh ingredients. If you’ve enjoyed a delectable dish from Singanga, then most likely you’ve tasted the talent that Marcia brings to the table. Marcia Nunez started working for Hamanasi a couple days before the resort opened in 2000. 21 years ago she was a cook specializing primarily in breakfast dishes. Now she is a head chef for lunch and dinner, which she prefers. Marcia sat down with me between the lunch and dinner rush to talk about her journey with Hamanasi.
Marcia likes many things about Hamanasi, but what she enjoys the most is working with many other people. She stated, “You get to meet a lot of staff and a lot of other chefs. You get to learn from them.” She has enjoyed learning to make many different kinds of dishes over the years, as well as mastering the classics! Marcia said her favorite memories at Hamanasi have been the staff get-togethers and parties. She loves to mingle with everybody as she is definitely a people person!
Space and systems within the kitchen are not the only things that have evolved since Marcia joined Hamanasi in 2000. She also has experienced some incredible things. In the early 2000s, Marcia took a training course from the Johnson & Wales culinary school. From 2010-2012, Marcia enrolled in a Culinary Institute of America course located in Belize City. She refined her culinary practice during this time and was able to explore the preparation of dishes new to her, such as Mediterranean food.
“I was… proud when Prince Harry thanked me for the meal with a handshake and a hug.”
– Marcia Nunez
Marcia then continued to grow and develop as a chef. She was the first Hamanasi chef to enter the Taste of Belize Cooking Competition in 2009, where she won 2nd place for a dish with tilapia and savory coconut sauce. Not satisfied with 2nd place, Marcia went back in 2012 and won! She won first prize for a delectable pork chop smothered in a chocolate sorrel sauce. That same year, Marcia even had the pleasure of meeting royalty. Prince Harry visited Belize in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. Marcia was one of a few people who served him a traditional Garifuna meal during his stay. She reminisced, “I was nervous at the time, but ultimately proud when Prince Harry thanked me for the meal with a handshake and a hug.”
Over the years, Marcia witnessed a lot of changes in the kitchen. In 2000, the kitchen was much smaller and hotter than it is now. Marcia reflects on some of the changes, “Now, we have a lot of space in the kitchen. It is a little bit cooler- the kitchen is still hot, but much cooler.” Mrs. Nunez also commented on some of the systems that have been put in place since starting up, 21 years ago. She recalled that when the staff was small, employees would work many stations in the kitchen. She said that now there are, “different sections of the kitchen. Now, you have the cold station, hotline, grill, and dishwasher. In different sections are different people and supervisors for each section. It is more efficient.”
Marcia Nunez plans to work at Hamanasi for another three or four years before retiring. She has learned a lot over the years but the biggest piece of advice she gives for staff members who are just starting is to be patient. Marcia says, “There are a lot of rules and regulations here at Hamanasi, but here you do learn a lot.” Patience is her key to success. Marcia Nunez wants to see Hamanasi continue to care for their employees in the upcoming years. She stated, “I would appreciate it if you would continue to help staff when they need the help. Train them. Continue with the training and development of the staff.” These are some meaningful words from a woman who has seen so much from the Hamanasi kitchen
During your next visit to Hamanasi, be sure to send your compliments to the chef, as you may be tasting the craftsmanship of one of Hamanasi’s first employees!
Jackie Gamboa
Jackie Gamboa first heard of Hamanasi in 2000 from a family member. As the resort opened, she began her career with Hamanasi as a housekeeper, and after a few years, became the Housekeeping Manager. She then worked to where she is now, Assistant Human Resources Manager. Jackie helps plan and implement many programs that are a part of what makes Hamanasi a great place to work, such as the Wellness Program. Through this program she organized many inspiring events like the Women’s Rally, fitness events, and clinics that aid in supporting the health and happiness of the staff.
Over the years, Jackie has seen a lot of changes. She reflected on how Hamanasi transformed from an 8 room, small staff, and tiny kitchen to a dynamic boutique hotel. Her favorite memory from the past several years was going on a staff trip with the housekeeping team and her manager, Dana. She said it was great to interact outside of work and the experience helped her to appreciate her team even more.
“I love that Hamanasi cares for their employees.”
– Jackie Gamboa
After 21 years, it leaves you thinking, what has made Jackie stay so long? She reflected on this question and explained, “What has kept me here is the love for my job. Hamanasi is a big family, a place where people can grow. They allow you to make mistakes. They train people to be successful in what they do. I have grown so much and there is no way I can complain about my journey here.”
As an assistant manager in the Human Resources department, Jackie spends a lot of time with all employees. She gives this advice to new employees, “ My advice would be to have a positive attitude, this will take you a long way. The journey is not easy but if you keep a positive mindset, you will definitely succeed in whatever you do.” Jackie’s positivity comes out in everything she does. It impacts those around her making her invaluable in her position.
What makes Jackie so positive? She definitely enjoys her job. Jackie elaborated and said, “I love that Hamanasi cares for their employees. They help employees succeed in what they do, so even if staff decide that they would want to leave, they can work anywhere they choose because they are well trained. Our policies give guidance and help with consistency.” The years that Jackie Gamboa dedicated to her job is a big part of why that is the case. We all look forward to what positive impacts Jackie will make in the next several years. Another Women’s rally perhaps? I am certainly hoping so!
During your next visit to Hamanasi, tip your hat to a woman who has been a positive influence to those who are around her.
Neal, Marcia, and Jackie are celebrating 21 years of service at Hamanasi. Their positivity, hard work and dedication add to the lives of those that meet them, and that makes them an indispensable part of the Hamanasi family.
