TRP News 06/10/2025

VALUE OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER

To Create an Environment of Relaxation and Enjoyment

PRIMROSE HOUSE

Human Resources

The Head Office team recently marked a special milestone as Primrose House officially celebrated its first anniversary. The occasion was combined with Heritage Day celebrations, which everyone enjoyed.

Discovery has announced a significant increase to medical aid premiums, well above the national inflation rate. Fortunately, the implementation has been postponed until April 2026, giving members a four-month grace period.

Comprehensive – 7.9%

Priority Plans - 6.9%

Coastal Plans – 7.9 %

Saver Plans  - 6,9 %

Core Plans – 6,9 %

KeyCare – 7.9%

Active Smart Plan – 0%

Staff are reminded that upgrades or downgrades to plans must be finalised by 5 December 2025. A dedicated medical aid training session will take place this month to help employees make informed choices.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and all female staff members to prioritise their health and schedule screenings.

We would also like to wish Edward Morton, our Ambassador, who is currently in hospital recovering from a spinal operation. The team sends their thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

A reminder that the SARS tax submissions deadline for individual filing deadline is on 20 October 2025. Staff are responsible for submitting their own tax returns via the SARS website. The company will provide IRP5 and relevant certificates, but cannot file returns on behalf of employees.

A number of employees have recently received ITA88 notifications from SARS relating to outstanding tax matters. These notices represent legally binding deductions, which the company is required to pay over to SARS on behalf of the affected individuals. The deductions will continue for the next 60 days unless the employee successfully disputes the notice directly with SARS. Team members who have received an ITA88 are encouraged to contact SARS as soon as possible to resolve any discrepancies or confirm payment arrangements.

Victor is currently visiting South Africa and will be spending time at all properties over the coming weeks. He will conduct inductions with new team members, host The Advantage and leadership training sessions, and present certificates to those who completed the Management and Leadership Intervention earlier this year.

07 Oct –  14 Oct:              La Residence

14 Oct – 16 Oct:               La Residence (RCC)

17 Oct – 22 Oct:               Malewane Lodge

23 Oct  – 25 Oct:  The Farmstead

26 Oct – 01 Nov:              Waterside Lodge

02 Nov  – 07 Nov:            Masiya's Camp

09 Nov – 13 Nov:             Birkenhead House

17 Nov – 20 Nov:             The Silo Hotel

24 Nov – 28 Nov:             Primrose House

The upcoming month will feature several training opportunities, including sessions on financial planning, public relations, healthy company practices, and medical aid options. Please reach out to your property HR should you not already have a link to join the sessions.

Marketing

It’s been another busy and productive month for the marketing team, with a variety of exciting projects coming together across our properties.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve focused on refreshing our printed collateral and digital fact sheets. One recent highlight is the beautifully designed Restaurant Week menu for The Silo Hotel, created as part of Cape Town’s Restaurant Week. Alongside this, we’ve updated our tour documents, including our popular “Guides and Recommended Tours Around Cape Town,” which helps guests and trade partners discover the best experiences the city has to offer. These updates ensure that our information stays current and continues to inspire visitors to explore beyond the hotel.

As part of our integration with Leading Hotels of the World, we’ve been refreshing our guest questionnaires to include co-branding and new elements such as the Net Promoter Score, which asks guests to rate how likely they are to recommend the property to friends and family. These refinements align our feedback tools with global standards and enhance our understanding of guest satisfaction.

From a public relations perspective, we’ve released a comprehensive feature on the Conservation and Research Centre (CRC) at Royal Malewane. This press release highlights the centre’s purpose, its partnerships with organisations like the Endangered Wildlife Trust and BirdLife Africa, and its vital role in advancing conservation efforts. By weaving the story of sustainability and research into our hospitality narrative, we continue to emphasise our commitment to meaningful environmental impact.

We also issued an internal and trade announcement introducing new members of the sales team, along with short bios to help our partners get to know them and their respective portfolios.

On the digital front, we’ve been preparing a new Silo Spa mailer to accompany the launch of the spa’s updated Wellness Menu and the exciting new online booking system. This feature will allow guests to book treatments in just a few clicks, eliminating the need for email inquiries or phone calls. Once the system goes live, we’ll be sending the mailer to a carefully selected database to promote this streamlined experience.

Our work on family travel content for The Silo Hotel continues to grow, with a new blog post focusing on the V&A Waterfront neighbourhood and nearby family-friendly activities. It’s part of our broader effort to showcase the versatility of our properties and the wealth of experiences available in their surroundings.

In the world of PR, there’s been some wonderful coverage recently. Masiya's Camp has been featured in several top publications, including House and Leisure, Luxury Travel, and Condé Nast Traveller, the latter running features in both its Middle East and Brazil editions. La Residence and Masiya's Camp also earned mentions in Condé Nast Traveller UK.

Another exciting milestone was the official launch of The Silo and Birkenhead House on the Leading Hotels of the World website. A huge thank you to everyone involved and for all the hard work behind the scenes to make this possible. We’ll be adding our remaining properties shortly, marking another step forward in this important partnership.

We’re also celebrating an impressive achievement from Franschhoek House, which was awarded Hotel of the Year at the 2025 House & Garden Design Awards, a well-deserved recognition of the team’s dedication and creativity. Additionally, Malewane Lodge has been nominated for World’s Leading Luxury Lodge, further testament to the world-class standards across our portfolio.

From a social media perspective, we’ve hosted some fantastic influencers recently, particularly at our Cape Town properties. Among them were Brazilian creators Adriana and Raphael, whose visit resulted in a stunning fifteen-page spread in Condé Nast Traveller Latin America. We look forward to receiving physical copies of the feature to showcase this remarkable coverage.

Finally, Lourenco Afonso (Wildlife Photographer and Content Creator) has been capturing breathtaking new photography from the bush, focusing on themes such as family travel, romance, and solo exploration. His imagery beautifully highlights natural light, texture, and authentic guest experiences, creating a visual library that continues to strengthen our storytelling across platforms.

Sales

The past few weeks have been busy for our sales team, with activity spanning multiple continents and exciting opportunities to connect with clients and partners.

In Marrakesh, Liz Biden (Founder and Co-Owner) and Edward Morton (Ambassador) attended Pure. This remains one of the most important events on the calendar, offering valuable interaction with fellow members of Leading Hotels of the World, who had their own stand at the event. Going forward, we anticipate closer collaboration on this platform to enhance our presence in the international market.

Hoon Kim (Sales Manager - Asia Pacific) completed the final week of a six-week roadshow, which took him from Japan to China. Along the way, he also managed to spend some much-needed time with family. Edward and Penny Fraser (Sales Manager - UK & Europe) continued the roadshow in London, conducting sales calls despite challenging travel conditions.

Looking ahead, Joaquin Brosou-Boanhora (Sales Manager - Latin America) will be traveling to Brazil and Mexico at the end of next week, while Nigel Pace (Executive Head of Sales) and Simon Mandy (Managing Director) head to the United States for the Safari Pros event in Denver and a Leading Hotels event in New York. Werner Krause (Sales Manager - USA) will be on a comprehensive sales trip across Texas in early November.

Penny also attended the first official Leading Hotels summit in London at the end of September. During the summit, she and Edward also conducted sales visits to existing clients in the UK countryside, strengthening relationships and reinforcing the value of our portfolio. A key takeaway from the summit is the importance of working closely with the global sales teams of Leading Hotels to connect with top agents in each market. This approach allows us to host networking events and product showcases, providing potential clients with immersive experiences rather than relying solely on traditional office visits.

An exciting opportunity emerging from the summit is the Leaders Club program. Team members are encouraged to join the Leaders Club to experience firsthand the communications and benefits available to our potential guests. This insight will help our operations and sales teams better understand and leverage the program to enhance guest experiences.

The summit also highlighted a new demographic trend within the luxury travel market. Millennials, aged 25 to 44, and Gen Z travelers, aged 12 to 28, are increasingly seeking unique experiences and are willing to spend their disposable income immediately, in contrast to older generations who often save for the future. Social platforms such as TikTok are becoming unexpectedly influential in this sector, opening new avenues for marketing and engagement with younger luxury travelers.

It’s an exciting time for the sales team, with new connections, strategies, and opportunities shaping the way we bring our African properties to the global luxury market.

PROPERTIES UPDATE

Birkenhead House

It’s been a lively and rewarding period at Birkenhead House, with the start of the new season bringing both familiar faces and fresh opportunities for growth and connection.

We’ve welcomed a number of returning guests over the past month, many of whom took the time to share heartfelt feedback about their stays. It was particularly gratifying to see how often individual team members were mentioned by name in reviews, a testament to the warmth and professionalism that define our guest experience. Several guests even left beautiful handwritten notes in the guestbook and postcards expressing their appreciation.

One guest shared stunning photographs of whales captured during a local cruise, which we’ve proudly shared on our platforms. In another memorable moment, when guests were feeling unwell, the team created thoughtful wellness baskets to help them recover comfortably, small gestures that made a big difference in their stay.

We also had reason to celebrate within the team. Zuki Demesha (Handyman) marked an impressive ten years with the company and was recognised by Simon during his visit for the quarterly meeting, where he presented Zuki with a long-service certificate. Zuki was also named Employee of the Month for August, followed by Zimkita Mkentane (Spa Therapist), who earned the title in September. Congratulations to both for their outstanding contributions.

In between the busy season, the focus has remained firmly on staff development. The team has been participating in a variety of training and cross-departmental initiatives designed to enhance service delivery and strengthen product knowledge. A recent collaboration with Marine Dynamics included a cross-training lunch with the reservations and sales teams, offering insights into their offerings and operations. Whale Haven hosted a wine service training and tasting session, while Nikita Benade (Front Office Manager), who leads our Culture Committee, conducted sessions on our company purpose and values, helping to deepen understanding of what these mean in our daily work.

Housekeeping training has also been a priority, supported by Jordan Meyer (Student) currently completing her rotation in that department. Her progress has been excellent, and the additional training has ensured consistently high standards throughout the property.

Innovation and continuous improvement remain key themes, with the launch of our new seasonal menus bringing fresh creativity to the dining experience. Clive Biggs (Head Chef) has been leading development in the kitchen, introducing exciting new breakfast and lunch dishes.

We’re also grateful to Liz for overseeing the introduction of elegant new banquettes and art pieces that have added vibrancy to the interiors. In a cost-saving initiative, several of our baths have been resprayed rather than replaced, a practical improvement that’s both sustainable and financially efficient.

Our commitment to community and culture has also shone through in recent weeks. The team participated in a beach clean-up and helped serve meals at the local night shelter, initiatives that continue to foster a spirit of giving back.

We also celebrated Heritage Day in true Birkenhead House style, with staff proudly dressed in traditional attire and enjoying a festive braai prepared by Roux du Preez (Maintenance Manager) and Joseph Mati (Maintenance Supervisor).

The Silo Hotel

The Silo Hotel team has enjoyed another vibrant and successful month, with plenty to celebrate both in terms of guest satisfaction and employee engagement.

We’ve received a wonderful array of guest reviews over the past few weeks, many of which highlight the exceptional care and attention provided by our staff. Time and again, guests mention our team members by name, recognising the warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality that define every stay at The Silo Hotel. It’s heartening to see how much these personal touches continue to shape our guests’ experiences.

In the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie, our Silo soccer team took part in a tournament on the 27th of September, showing great energy and enthusiasm both on and off the field. Earlier that week, Johandri Ras (Deputy General Manager) and Andre Weber (Assistant F&B Manager) represented the hotel at a golf day on the 25th, adding a touch of friendly competition to the month’s activities.

On the development front, the concierge team participated in a conference on the 17th of September, with Jessica Pohl (Concierge and Guest Relations Manager) and Cemone Harrod (Concierge) attending on behalf of The Silo Hotel. It was a valuable opportunity to engage with peers, exchange ideas, and stay ahead of industry trends. Meanwhile, members of the F&B teams completed Sommelier training programmes, earning well-deserved certificates in recognition of their growth and commitment.

Our cultural celebrations were another highlight, with the team proudly embracing Heritage Day in a colourful display of traditional attire. The day was filled with laughter, music, and, of course, a delicious braai prepared by our talented chefs, a fitting tribute to South Africa’s rich and diverse heritage.

It’s been a joyful and productive month at The Silo Hotel, filled with teamwork, learning, and heartfelt hospitality. Congratulations to everyone for the continued dedication and for making the hotel such a warm and welcoming space for our guests and each other.

La Residence

It’s been another month filled with warmth, creativity, and heartfelt hospitality at La Residence, a true reflection of the passion and care our team brings to every guest experience.

One of the standout stories from recent weeks came from guests who shared a touching connection through the WhatsApp concierge channel. From a thoughtful olive oil gift to a beautifully personalised anniversary turndown, every detail reflected the deep sense of care that defines life at La Residence. In one particularly memorable moment, the team surprised guests who adored Paddington Bear with a new bear of their own, complete with a poem written just for them. It was a simple yet magical gesture that perfectly captured the spirit of the property: thoughtful, personal, and full of heart.

Employee engagement has also been at the forefront, with the team coming together to celebrate Heritage Day in vibrant traditional attire. There was plenty of laughter, colour, and a delicious braai enjoyed by all, a fitting tribute to South Africa’s rich and diverse heritage. While the celebration was joyful, there was also a bittersweet moment as the team bid farewell to Chef Ilse Doli (Chef de Partie), who embarks on an exciting new entrepreneurial journey. Sheryldine Visser (Waiter), our former in-house florist, has since moved to front of house, where she continues to thrive in her new role.

Training and development remain central to our success. The front-of-house team enjoyed several educational visits and site experiences, including a trip to Terbodore in Franschhoek, while our farm and maintenance teams engaged in hands-on vineyard training. The team also participated in wine sessions, gaining deeper insights to help enhance our guest experience and upsell reserve wines.

Team-building moments added plenty of fun to the month, including a hilarious challenge where staff had to keep a soccer ball balanced between them without dropping it. We’ve also welcomed Marijke Kruger (Guest Relations Officer), whose energy and enthusiasm have made her a wonderful addition to the team. Under the mentorship of Garth Alkaster (Senior Tour Guide), one of our longest-serving colleagues with 17 years of service, she’s quickly settling in and learning the finer details that make La Residence so special.

Our culture of appreciation continues to shine through. Sisipho Ntjuna, our dedicated staff cook, was recently recognised as “Star of the Week” and treated to a well-deserved breakfast, a small gesture to say thank you for the care she shows every day. We’ve also welcomed Marlene Dirks as our new in-house hotel florist, whose passion and creativity have transformed our spaces with breathtaking floral arrangements that guests continue to admire and compliment.

There was excitement on the guest side too, with a memorable stay by Australian philanthropist Judith Neilson, who generously donated R20 000 to The Royal Portfolio Foundation following her visit. As a token of gratitude, each guest received a copy of The Perfect Stay, a small keepsake to remember their time with us.

Behind the scenes, our cellar team has been hard at work reimagining the space for summer, creating a beautifully cool and inviting venue for guests to enjoy.

Meanwhile, our ongoing partnership with the Lord Acre Feeding Scheme continues to make an impact in the local community, with new team members joining the outreach. We were deeply saddened by the passing of one of West Eind Primary’s top students due to cancer, and our florists created a special bouquet for the family as a gesture of compassion and support.

On the business front, afternoon tea has been gaining extraordinary attention thanks to a viral TikTok post that reached over 250 000 views, resulting in several new walk-in guests in a single weekend. The Curious Shop continues to perform exceptionally well, showcasing local craftsmanship and the creativity of our team. We’re also growing more of our own flowers on the property to reduce costs and embrace sustainability.

There’s a joyful sense of pride across the team, whether it’s the smiles from the boutique models proudly displaying our latest collections, the laughter during birthday celebrations in the garden, or the comfort of our newly refurbished staff canteen where everyone gathers to rest and recharge during lunch.

Royal Malewane

Malewane Lodge

It’s been a truly vibrant and celebratory month at Malewane Lodge, filled with meaningful guest moments, creative staff initiatives, and continued excellence across our teams. Guest feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many guests praising the warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism of our staff. Our rangers have once again created unforgettable experiences, and several team members received personal mentions in guest questionnaires. A special note of appreciation also goes to our wonderful team at The Waters Spa for continuing to deliver world-class wellness experiences.

Spring arrived in style this year as Malewane and The Farmstead joined forces for a joyful Spring Day celebration. The event brought together managers, GMs, and the wider team for a day of creativity and connection. The maintenance team, together with Nikita Lumb (General Manager - The Farmstead), designed a stunning spring-inspired photo booth that became the perfect backdrop for capturing memories. Staff also enjoyed a hands-on creative activity, crafting beautiful one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces from natural elements, showcasing their artistic flair and resourcefulness.

Heritage Day was another highlight, celebrated with a vibrant and colourful fashion show that reflected the diversity and spirit of our beautiful country. Staff proudly dressed in traditional attire, showcasing their cultures with joy and pride. Congratulations to Themba Mathebula (Handyman), who was crowned Mr Heritage Day and to Tinyiko Ndzivana (Demi Chef), who was crowned Ms Heritage Day.

A major milestone this month was the completion of the new Airstrip Welcome Bay, a beautiful addition that enhances the guest journey from arrival to departure. This development ensures that every moment of a guest’s stay, from the minute they land, reflects the elegance and seamless experience synonymous with The Royal Portfolio.

We were also delighted to celebrate our Employee of the Quarter winners. Congratulations to Tinyiko, who was also named the overall winner for her continued excellence and dedication. A special thank you goes to Grace Makhubela (Senior Chef de Partie) and her kitchen team for preparing delicious cupcakes to mark the occasion. In true Royal Malewane spirit, our housekeeping and maintenance teams came together to demonstrate exceptional teamwork and commitment, embodying our Vision, Purpose and Values through everything they do. Their drive, pride, and collaboration continue to inspire admiration across the property.

The Farmstead

It has been a wonderful and engaging period at The Farmstead, with multiple repeat guests returning to enjoy the beauty of the bush and the warm hospitality of our team. Guests have delighted in our Bush breakfasts and sundowners, with the giraffes in the background creating memorable and magical experiences that they continue to cherish.

Heritage Day brought joy both to our guests and our team. Guests were treated to colourful bracelets or beaded necklaces accompanied by notes explaining the significance of the day, and many proudly wore their gifts upon departure. Our staff also joined in the celebrations, dressing in traditional attire and crowning Jonathan Maluleke (Maintenance Supervisor) and Wendy Ndlovu (Commis Chef) as Mr. and Mrs. Heritage Day. A deeply moving moment during the celebrations was when the team watched the Masiya's Camp video featuring Wilson’s story, a moment of reflection that resonated deeply with everyone present.

In keeping with our commitment to innovation and sustainability, the maintenance team has been exploring creative solutions for the property. Broken lanterns were repurposed into stands for herb pots, allowing us to grow fresh herbs for the kitchen without additional expense. This initiative showcases the resourcefulness of the maintenance team and highlights our focus on reducing waste while enhancing the guest experience.

The property has also been enhanced with beautiful artwork in the farmhouse, thoughtfully curated by Liz. The artwork covers the TVs when not in use, responding to guest feedback while maintaining an elegant and inviting space. These small but meaningful touches continue to elevate the aesthetic and atmosphere of The Farmstead, creating an environment that is both functional and visually appealing.

Waterside Lodge

It has been an emotional and celebratory month at Waterside, with our team creating meaningful and memorable experiences for our guests. One returning guest visited this year after the loss of her sister, who usually traveled with her. To honour her sister, the team planted a Black Ivory tree, creating a lasting and heartfelt tribute.

Spring Day was another highlight, celebrated with beautiful fruit tarts and cakes prepared by the kitchen team, along with thoughtful notes from guests expressing their appreciation.

Heritage Day brought together both staff and guests in a lively and inclusive celebration. Guests were invited to join the festivities and act as judges for the event, adding a personal touch that made the day truly special. Verona Mathebula (Public Areas Cleaner) and Criavet Hlathi (Maintenance Technician) were crowned as Mr. and Mrs. Heritage, showcasing the talent and spirit within the team.

The overall Employee of the Quarter award went to Irene Sibiya (Senior Spa Therapist) from the spa, with other departmental winners celebrated for their dedication and outstanding performance.

In development, Head Chef, Daniel Marais, introduced new breakfast dishes and invited the kitchen and front-of-house teams to participate in training and tasting sessions. This hands-on approach helped the team understand the elements of the new dishes while ensuring seamless service delivery. Additionally, the team has adapted to welcoming more kosher guests, setting up dedicated stations to meet their needs, particularly when serving bread.

Financially, the maintenance team’s creativity continues to shine. A photo booth previously constructed by Ashwall Samuels (Maintenance Technician) was used for Heritage Day to frame the winners of Mr. and Mrs. Heritage, demonstrating how inventive solutions enhance both guest and staff experiences. The team’s ingenuity and attention to detail continually elevate the property.

Culture remains at the heart of Waterside, with staff dedicating time to maintain a clean and welcoming environment. The Oppie Koppie and Silver House areas were recently refreshed as part of ongoing efforts to keep the property beautiful and inviting for both guests and team members.

FOUNDATION UPDATE

September was a busy and inspiring month for the Foundation, with several initiatives creating meaningful experiences for both our guests and the community. In collaboration with Berettavale, a UK organisation heavily involved in the K9 unit, we hosted vet Simon and his team for training exercises with the K9 unit. Guests and staff alike enjoyed interacting with the specially designed training dogs, making for an engaging and memorable experience.

Hot Birds, a research project focused on climate change and its effects on birds across different regions, held their biannual workshop at the CRC. Researchers presented their work and discussed future priorities, noting that the CRC provided an ideal venue. This partnership opened the door for potential future workshops, including engagement with South African and international universities.

We also hosted Wild Shots facilitator training, providing four days of interactive sessions despite a few rainy days. A special highlight was a morning game drive for a local special-needs school, which proved to be a moving and uplifting experience for everyone involved.

Our monthly talk drew 29 attendees, including members of the public, generating insightful discussions and success stories, as well as conversations around the potential release of rehabilitated pangolins back into the reserve.

At West Eind Primary School, the La Residence Foundation committee joined Ali McAdam (Foundation Founder) and Laura Siebert (Marketing Project Manager) for an educational outing to the Le boneur Reptile and Crocodile Park. The children engaged directly with exotic reptiles, including a Gaboon viper and a Cape cobra, overcoming fears and deepening their connection with wildlife.

At Birkenhead House, the Foundation partnered with Lessons in Conservation for their marine program, working with grade five and six students from the Just Care after-school program. Over three days, the children learned about ocean conservation, sustainable fishing, and the importance of healthy ecosystems. Activities included coral reef building using recycled materials, dance breaks, and an outing to Stony Point to observe penguins and witness conservation work in action.

Finally, Friends of Child Protection held their September pack at Primrose House, using our third-floor space after their usual venue became unavailable. Volunteers from both Head Office and Silo came together to assist, moving heavy packs and supporting police officers and community members. The event was a great success, and the Foundation team expressed sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make it welcoming and efficient for the volunteers.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT TRP

Our Careers page is the reference point for all open positions available across The Royal Portfolio group. We accept internal and external applications here, and always, internal applications are given preference.

In order to ensure your application stands out, please apply via the Careers page and let your HOD and property HR Manager know of your desire to develop yourself further.

Feel free to share the site with your industry friends and networks too, in order to help us reach a wider network of exceptional candidates.

You can click here, or scan the QR code to visit the website.

TO BE WELCOMING GENUINE AND WARM

NEW STARTERS

A very warm welcome to the following new, and in some cases, returning or transferring, team members across The Royal Portfolio:

TO RECOGNISE, REWARD AND UPLIFT

PROMOTIONS AND TRANSFERS

Congratulations to the below staff for their hard work and for continuing to go above and beyond to ensure that we Give our Guests a Complete Experience and a Perfect Stay!

LONG SERVICE AWARDS - 5, 10, 15, 20 & 25 Years with TRP in October!

Congratulations and thank you to the following staff for their loyalty and hard work over the years:

• Vincent Ndlovu (Sous Chef @ ML) | 25 Years on the 03rd of October 2025

• Chris Mcinjana (Duty Manager @ BH) | 20 Years on the 06th of October 2025

• Nicola Bargiacchi (Deputy Head Guide @ ML) | 15 Years on the 01st of October 2025

• Sandie Pienaar (Cashbook & Treasury Administrator @ HQ) | 10 Years on the 23rd of October 2025

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