ANEW Ocean Reef opened its doors on December 1, with ANEW Hotels and Resorts having extended its footprint to include a beach property on the KwaZulu Natal North Coast.
This brings the group’s portfolio to a total of 11 hotels and resorts, managing over 1 000 keys and a staff complement of 900 people countrywide.
“This opportunity enables us to market our collection to a wider group of visitors, as well as being able to now offer an itinerary that includes the full range of experiences that travellers are looking for.
“Guests can land in Gauteng, enjoy the highlights of Pretoria, Jozi and even Kruger, before heading down to KZN to immerse themselves in the trio of beach, bush and berg’....all at ANEW properties,” said ANEW Hotels and Resorts CEO, Clinton Armour.
We asked him how the new addition to the portfolio was being received:
Q: With the newly branded property opening on December 1, what has the response been from both domestic and international tourists (and the trade)?
A: We are thrilled with the massive interest we’ve received from both local and international leisure travellers. The trade is especially excited, as it has enhanced the portfolio and extended the existing ANEW footprint to include a beach property, which was the missing link in the chain.
Q: What is the appeal of the KZN North Coast and how is the property positioned to take advantage of this?
A: The growth of this part of the East Coast has been phenomenal in recent years. The property is so well positioned, just off the main road and while Zinkwazi has maintained an old-world, small-town charm – which people love! – it’s close enough to the bright lights of bustling Umhlanga Rocks, Ballito and Durban.
King Shaka International Airport is only 30 minutes away to the south and it is conveniently placed at the gateway to KZN’s famous game reserves and wilderness areas to the north.
Q: Apart from leisure appeal, are there facilities for the business traveller as well? Can you elaborate?
A: ANEW Ocean Reef has one of the most beautifully situated conference facilities on the entire coast, looking directly over the sea, with great breakaway options. Free WiFi means that the business traveller can set up office at ANEW Ocean Reef and be close enough to attend meetings in Durban and Umhlanga if necessary. In addition, with a variety of room types, including two- and three-bedroom apartments and hotel rooms, we can cater for the leisure and business market, including individuals, couples and groups.
Q: What sets this property apart from all the others on the North Coast?
A: It’s the only hotel in Zinkwazi situated on the beach. It is small and intimate and blends seamlessly into the surrounds, in an area renowned for miles of pristine beaches, deep-sea fishing, water activities, dolphin and whale watching. A host of top-class golf courses, game reserves and heritage sites are right on the doorstep.
Q: This year has brought its fair share of challenges but, beyond the festive/high season, what is the outlook like for next year, not only for this property but for the ANEW group in general?
A: We are thrilled to see over the past few months so many South Africans exploring the country and visiting our properties, and we expect this trend to continue.
Q: Any other comments?
A: Our priorities over the last six months have been to stay focused on our overall goal to expand the ANEW footprint, grow the brand effectively and sustainably, and make a case for the role of family-owned and -run hotels, with a distinct ethos and passion for personalised service delivery. We’ve also made a significant investment in state-of-the-art technology and systems, providing efficiencies of scale, which can be duplicated across the group.
