Describe The Guest Experience At Grootbos.

Grootbos Nature Reserve is situated [in South Africa] between Stanford and Gansbaai, overlooking the magnificent Walker Bay. Each unit is stylishly furnished with luxurious canopy beds, spacious bathrooms, separate lounges with fireplaces and wooden decks with spectacular views. We source all of our food locally and make our own bread and pasta. Only wines from the local area are served.

Guests have a wonderful opportunity to experience the area. We pride ourselves on our eco-tourism activities, offering guided tours through a mosaic of different habitats. Tours can be undertaken on foot, by 4×4 vehicles or on horseback and allow our guests to see the beauty of our fynbos [Afrikaans for ‘‘fine bush’‘]. During whale season, we make use of Dyer Island Cruises, which focuses on the conservation of the marine environment, so that guests can view southern right whales.

What Is The Philosophy Of The Resort?

Grootbos has been at the forefront of private eco-tourism and conservation development in the Western Cape for the last 15 years. Our objectives include engaging in conservation, rehabilitation and protection of the natural environment; the promotion of environmental awareness; training for unemployed persons; the development of sports facilities; and the development of an indigenous plant nursery.

What Community Efforts And Contributions Does Grootbos Make?

From the beginning, Grootbos has been committed to the conservation of the region’s biodiversity as well as the uplifting of local communities. The non-profit Grootbos Foundation was established in 2004 to run our environmental and social development programs.

The Green Futures Horticultural and Life Skills College provides an annual training program to 12 unemployed youths from the Gansbaai area in horticulture, indigenous gardening and life skills development, including first aid, numeracy skills, literacy skills, health issues, AIDS awareness, interpersonal skills, money management, basic computer skills and basic business skills. The students earn a nationally accredited certificate in horticulture and are assisted in work placement. The Gansbaai Communal Sports Centre provides young people from Gansbaai with quality sporting facilities, equipment and coaches. Growing the Future Food Production and Life Skills College trains eight women each year from Stanford in vegetable and fruit growing, beekeeping and animal husbandry. Half of the course content focuses on life skills.

What Is Your Proudest Accomplishment As A Hotelier And Resort Owner?

In May 1991, when we first came to Grootbos, the incredible view overwhelmed me. Some of my friends thought I was completely crazy when I gave up my former life to buy the farm and move my family out here. It was definitely a very risky project.

When fynbos enthusiast Sean Privett joined the Grootbos team in 1996, I truly realized what I had growing right outside my front door. Hard work, enthusiasm, honesty and strong family cooperation were the recipe for success. I could never have imagined that the farm I bought, together with the neighboring properties purchased over the years, would be what it is today.

While I am extremely proud of the world-class tourism business at Grootbos, I am more proud of our achievements in conservation and supporting the local communities.