An Urban Escape in the Heart of North Miami

“Oleta is an oasis in North Miami,” said Area Manager Matt Smith. “While you’re standing in the park, you’re surrounded by high-rise buildings. This park is an escape from the busy South Florida lifestyle. You can go from bumper-to-bumper traffic, turn a corner, and in minutes be paddling through mangroves and spotting wildlife. It’s a true gem.”

For Matt, Oleta River State Park offers a rare contrast from many other state and national parks by featuring an immersive natural retreat just minutes from downtown Miami. As a new Guest Services property, Oleta River Adventures presents countless opportunities to enhance the guest experience and connect visitors to the park’s unique blend of recreation and tranquility.

Experiences that Define Oleta

Guests can explore the park in a variety of ways, from kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals to bike and trail excursions that wind through shaded mangrove tunnels. The park also features moonlight guided paddles, sunset tours, chair and umbrella rentals, and a tranquil beach, along with numerous picnic pavilions for gatherings and relaxation.

Ol’eata Beach Bistro keeps visitors fueled, while the combination of beachside leisure and adventure-based recreation makes Oleta a favorite among both locals and travelers. “It’s one of those places where everyone finds their own rhythm,” Matt explained. “Some come for a workout challenge, others for the calm, but they all leave with a sense of connection to nature.”

Looking Ahead

Exciting plans are already underway for Oleta’s next chapter. A complete remodel of the Blue Marlin Fish House, now known as the new Oleta River Grill, is expected to open in early 2026. The park is also preparing for an Outdoor Visitor Center renovation and food court addition, guided snorkel trips, and the introduction of glamping tents to replace existing cabins, offering a more sustainable lodging option for overnight guests.

Additional ideas include tour boat rides, pontoon rentals, art festivals, and car shows, all designed to expand Oleta’s role as a vibrant community destination. “We’re just getting started,” Matt shared. “This park has so much potential to grow while staying true to its identity as Miami’s urban oasis.”

Leadership That Drives Growth

Matt also credited David Snyder, a recent addition to the Oleta team as General Manager, for helping elevate operations. “David has vast recreation and boating knowledge, is a licensed captain, and thinks outside the box,” he said. “He’s a hard worker and a great team leader, someone who truly has what it takes to take Oleta to the next level.”

With dedicated leadership, creative programming, and ongoing investment, Oleta River Adventures is poised to become one of South Florida’s most dynamic outdoor destinations and a place where adventure, community, and conservation meet just beyond the city skyline.

Guest Services, Inc.’s Condominium and Property Management Division continues its strategic growth under the leadership of Vice President of Condominium and Property Management Joana Vasilescu. Following an outstanding year of expansion in 2024, the division has added two prestigious properties that reflect luxury and legacy: The Whitehall of Naples and the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation. These new additions mark a step forward in strengthening Guest Services’ presence across Florida’s high-end residential and cultural sectors.

“Together, The Whitehall and the Rauschenberg Foundation represent both luxury and cultural significance within our Condo Division, expanding our portfolio into properties that blend exclusivity, creativity, and community impact,” says Joana.

Introducing the New Additions

The Whitehall of Naples

Located in the highly sought-after Coquina Sands neighborhood, The Whitehall Condominiums is an intimate beachfront community consisting of only 16 exclusive residences. Each spacious home, averaging around 3,000 square feet, offers direct Gulf of Mexico views, private beach access, and luxurious amenities such as under-building parking, a heated pool and cabana area, and a beautifully renovated lobby. With highly valued units, The Whitehall represents the pinnacle of boutique coastal living in Naples. Its premier location and discerning ownership make it a natural fit within Guest Services’ growing portfolio of luxury properties.

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation brings an entirely new dimension to the division’s portfolio. Established to preserve and advance the legacy of world-renowned artist Robert Rauschenberg, the Foundation is headquartered in New York City but rooted in Captiva Island, where Rauschenberg lived and worked for nearly 40 years. His expansive 22-acre compound, featuring 12 historic and contemporary structures, now hosts the internationally recognized Rauschenberg Residency, a program that welcomes artists from around the world to live, create, and collaborate in an environment shaped by art and nature.

The Captiva property embodies creativity and community, a unique operational challenge, and a statement of Guest Services’ versatility. “The Rauschenberg Foundation allows us to support a space where creativity, collaboration, and purpose come together, showcasing the adaptability and excellence that define Guest Services,” says Joana.

Aligning with Our Vision for Growth

“These new contracts align perfectly with our strategic goal of expanding and strengthening Guest Services’ presence in Florida’s luxury market,” Joana explains. “The addition of The Whitehall of Naples reinforces our expertise in managing boutique, service-driven communities that prioritize exclusivity and exceptional resident experiences. Meanwhile, our partnership with the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation broadens our reach into the arts and nonprofit arena, reflecting our versatility and ability to support diverse operational environments.”

What Sets Our Team Apart

Behind each new partnership is a team whose approach is defined by precision, care, and collaboration. “These partnerships highlight what truly sets our team apart: our personalized, hands-on approach, strong service culture, and ability to adapt to each client’s unique needs,” Joana notes. “Our reputation for operational excellence, attention to detail, and collaborative mindset made Guest Services the natural choice for both The Whitehall of Naples and the Rauschenberg Foundation.”

Looking Ahead

As the division continues to grow, Joana remains focused on strengthening relationships with both new and long-standing clients. “I’m looking forward to building strong relationships with both ownership groups and discovering the unique character each property brings to our portfolio,” she says. “At The Whitehall of Naples, we’ll have the opportunity to elevate the resident experience within a highly exclusive, service-driven community, while the Rauschenberg Foundation allows us to help preserve an inspiring legacy through exceptional property management.”

In addition to these two new partnerships, the division also successfully renewed seven existing contracts this year, an achievement that speaks to the continued trust and satisfaction of their clients.

Congratulations to Joana and the entire Condominium and Property Management Team for another year of remarkable growth and innovation.