Exceeding all the Hype

Group managing director at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa, Michael Kewley injected charm and artistry into the space, elevating its status of luxury

- Anele Geqiwe

FAIRLAWNS BOUTIQUE HOTEL AND SPA'S GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR, MICHAEL KEWLEY, who succeeded founders John and Anna Thacker, has transformed the property into a stately yet inviting retreat.

Michael's refined taste is evident throughout the interior, from the charming lobby to the carefully selected decor.

Whether you're in a guest room, dining at the awardwinning restaurant, or unwinding in the spa, you'll experience a seamless blend of elegance, style and personalised service.

An unforgettable stay is assured.

Michael, a self-proclaimed hands-on manager, gained his expertise at esteemed establishments such as Hyde Park Tsogo Sun, Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga, The Saxon Boutique Hotel in Sandton and the Palazzo Hotel in Johannesburg. "It might sound like a cliché, but hard work truly pays off.

In my experience, especially coming from the food and beverage industry, it's a classic example of this principle. I began working in the industry at around 17, waiting tables and taking on any task that came my way. Even then, hard work made a tangible difference.

By the time I was 19, I had risen to the position of maître d' at a five-star restaurant," he reflects.

Michael could have opted for a stable paycheck with minimal effort, but he chose instead to "put in the work, got involved, and understood the business dynamics".

That was at Chatters, a renowned Durban restaurant favoured by high-flyers and businesspeople. Now, at 52, his name floats around the hospitality industry.

Michael has been the go-to person for non-hoteliers looking to develop hotels and he takes pride in that.

"Even with all I've achieved at Fairlawns, I've recently come out of a meeting with a Cape Town developer.