In the South African boutique hotel field, the family-owned Royal Portfolio stands out for its high-glamour style and luxury accommodation.
The group’s success originated from the foresight and inherent hospitality of Liz Biden who, following a career in fashion, considered that people might want to pay to stay in her homes. The venture started out in 1999 at the family’s bush holiday home in the Greater Kruger National Park, now known as Royal Malewane.
SERVICE MATTERS
Crucially, The Royal Portfolio is not based on money alone, but on the desire to delight guests at every opportunity.
“Warm and hearty, not cold and starchy,” is how Edward Morton, ambassador for the group describes its service ethos. Team members at all properties are chosen for their personalities first, as the nuances of service can always be taught, but the ability to make people feel truly comfortable can only come from within.
The Royal Portfolio hotels are luxury properties that come at an elevated price. However, the group’s basic approach applies to accommodation options everywhere: give your guests value for the money they spend. In the case of The Royal Portfolio, this includes a largely inclusive food and beverage menu as well as a maxi rather than a mini-bar in the rooms.
In a more modest farm stay, this kind of generosity can be expressed via cut herbs or flowers, rusks, or a welcome loaf of bread, and pleasant bathroom amenities.
On a fruit farm, for example, a fruit basket is a welcome treat. You could even consider making your own bath salts or herbal scrub for use in the shower with salt, herbs and citrus zest if appropriate.
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin March 31, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin March 31, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
