RICHARD LANDER, who is well-known in the hospitality industry, has been appointed
General Manager of the gracious Hotel Polana in Maputo. Richard is a well-respected Member of the Hotel and Catering International
Management Association (MHCIMA) and has managed some of the best hotels in Africa,
whilst featuring many of the most highly acclaimed hotels in the world on his
résumé. His most recent position was as General Manager of the Arabella Sheraton in
Cape Town, recognised as one of the finest hotels on this continent.

In welcoming Richard Lander, the Managing Director of Serena Hotels, Mamud Jan
Mohamed said Serena Hotels were delighted to have recruited a General Manager of his
calibre, particularly at a time when the Hotel Polana was about to embark on an
exciting phase of its development cycle. Richard is a recognised specialist in
opening and upgrading 5-star hotel properties.

Mr Mohamed expressed his gratitude that David Ankers had honoured his commitments
with the group and that he was remaining in Maputo to pursue his chosen interests.

 

Raheem Azad has also joined the Hotel Polana, as Resident Manager, his former
position being with Serena Hotels, East Africa.

 

The Hotel Polana will be given a “refreshing nip and tuck” to add luxurious
facilities to complement the grande dame of Maputo! The hotel will not close for
business during these procedures, due to commence later this year. Watch this space
for regular updates…

 

 

A scenic, easy drive from Johannesburg…

Take a drive - or just a short flight - to Maputo and indulge in luxurious comfort,
gracious service, plus fun activities and scrumptious cuisine that will leave you
deliciously surprised and begging for more. Passport and visa required.

 

Valentines dinner

Driving to Maputo via Mpumalanga is scenically inspiring and the fabulous Hotel
Polana, built in 1929 and proud survivor of a civil war, is the epitome of graceful
Portuguese colonial architecture fit for royalty and romance. In fact, Prince Harry
recently spent time there, where he behaved impeccably. Valentines dinner will be a
delicious 3-course set menu at US$22,50 per person as a supplement to an extended
weekend special.

 

Situated on one of the most prestigious avenues of the city and near the airport,
the Hotel Polana is surrounded by eclectic popular restaurants. This private haven
basking in lush, tropical gardens with uninterrupted views of the Bay of Maputo, has
a well-equipped gymnasium, tennis court, hair salon, casino, art gallery as well as
conference and wedding facilities of international proportions. The hotel’s two chic
bars and eateries offer better than superior service, fine cuisine - not to mention
the delicious seafood -  and splendour of the highest order.

 

The world-class comfort, warm hospitality, standard and executive rooms, plus luxury
suites offer elegant furnishings to mirror its rich Portuguese heritage. The
Presidential suite offers beautiful views of the pool and bay, whilst the
ocean-front Polana Mar wing, built in the 1970’s against the hillside, offers modern
luxury.

 

Activities are plentiful, with exotic jazz clubs and nightclubs celebrating the
vibrant nightlife with sophisticated international, local Portuguese as well as
Latin-American club music - a melting pot of colourful cultures blending
harmoniously.

 

The city of Maputo is home to Portuguese colonial architectural relics of the finest
calibre, with most such buildings beautifully renovated or in the process of being
clothed in the luxurious facades they deserve.

 

Boat trips to view the canons and bunkers left over from the 2nd World War on Xefina
Island, indigenous cuisine on Catembe island as well as ferry trips on the Komatie
River are on offer to titillate the senses of the most jaded tourist. No time to be
bored in this fast-developing city with luxurious old homes being lovingly restored
and new million-dollar homes rising on the ocean front.

 

Serena Hotels is part of the Aga Khan Foundation for Economic Development and its
luxurious hotels and lodges in East Africa are internationally recognised for
gracious service, indigenous architecture, artful décor and delectable cuisine.

 

Hotel Polana packages for 2005 are between US$425 per room double occupancy for 2
nights and US$1150 for 7 nights, including: dinner, bed and breakfast, a 2 1/2 hour
city tour of Maputo and airport transfers in Maputo. Single room occupancy ranges
from US$315 for 2 nights to US$940 for 7 nights. Conditions apply and rates are
commissionable at 10% on total packages.
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