There’s nothing like a go-getter management team to ring in the changes and create that special recipe for success at a luxury new lodge. And, if such a management team should be young, with an already sterling reputation in the industry, all the better!
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The owner of Leadwood Lodge at Tala Private Game Reserve near Pietermaritzburg is delighted to welcome Andre and Danielle du Toit, formerly of the award-winning Singita Private Game Reserve in Mpumalanga.
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These young professionals have earned their stripes as hospitality managers, their exciting journey in the industry including working on private yachts on the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and New Zealand; running a small private hotel in the French Alps as well as cultural back packers excursions in Zululand
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Andre and Danielle were both raised in KwaZulu-Natal and are overjoyed at coming back to their roots - and the challenge of a brand new luxurious lodge such as Leadwood and its individual privately situated suites, which are now nearing completion.
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Says Andre: “this is such an exciting project for us: streamlining the newly established Leadwood Lodge and ensuring that every aspect of the product will be a delight to our guests when we launch theÊ final deluxe phase at the Tala Private Game Reserve experience.”
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Andre and Danielle met in the hospitality industry, travelled and worked together for several years and tied the knot 2 years ago.
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Leadwood Lodge and its individual private suites offer exclusive vistas ranging from water stream to forest to secluded watering holes. Once complete, the private suites will complement the imposingly luxurious Leadwood Lodge, presiding over sub-tropical bush and forest, as well as a large watering hole. The infinity swimming pool completes the splendid picture.
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The décor and ambiance could be described as larger than life, luxurious, spacious, romantic and timeless, blending with the rich tapestry of nature in a region that has become a popular international film location - and malaria-free. Eclectic touches, such as antique collectables, décor by Boyd Ferguson and a unique wooden bar counter from the old Pietermaritzburg Country Club create that once-in-a-lifetime ambience of sublime luxury and good living.
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Until recently, the cuisine was artfully presented by co-owner, Tina Roche, who has a natural flair and passion for creating memorable cuisine - ranging from aromatic venison soup to culinary triumphs from catches of the day brought from Durban, as well as feather-light soufflés and orgasmic desserts. The appointment of a new chef is in the cards, and the best of luck to this new addition to the team, who will have to equal Tina’s creative skills in the kitchen.
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Watch this space for hot new developments at this innovative lodge!
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Activities for Leadwood Lodge include horse safaris, game drives, bass fishing and bird watching. Rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo and a wide variety of antelope are on view in the 7,000 acre Tala Private Game Reserve.
Rates are R2000 per person sharing per day, +dinner, lunch, breakfast and scheduled daily game drives. Easy access to Durban and Pietermaritzburg airports, with a private landing strip on the Reserve - 20 minutes outside Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
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