There are 70 guest rooms - 15 suites and 55 regulars. I am in Number 408 - a newly refurbished one bedroomed suite that has fabulous views of the Ocean. Marble floors, embroidered silk wall-coverings, flat screen tv's, a chandelier made of clay (awesome), cool bathrooms, comfortable beds and the lovely scent of the 12A candle! I can see why people would rather stay here than in the City or Waterfront ...
Woke up to an awful scene! Heavy rain ... dark ... misery! Thankfully we were filming in the hotel. First up - the lovely Clive Bennett ... General Manager. He's an old school GM - the best type ... a people person ... NOT a bean counter. He understands service and guest expectations. The photo below is of us sitting down .. rather than standing. He is 6ft 8" ... makes me look like a midget! Ha!
Then suite review ... and lunch.
From nowhere, the clouds lifted and the sun came out! Very unexpected!
Next up - the South Africa wine review with the country's top sommelier - Luvo Ntezo. His story is awesome. 7 years ago, he didn't drink wine ... he didn't know how to even open a wine bottle. He was taught the basics in Steenberg and came to the 12A as a glass washer. But the hotel soon found out that Luvo had studied wine to an almost obsessive level and helped him gain official qualifications and recently he came 4th in the Sommelier of the Year competition! He is a true inspiration to everyone. I have forgotten the wines we tasted but I will NEVER forget meeting Luvo.
From there it was the spa where Candice massaged my troubles away (and later got my nails back in shape). The Sanctuary Spa is 300 sq metres in size - 9 treatment rooms and a cave with 3 pools - 2 at different temperatures and one filled with seawater. Awesome!
Bacon & egg sandwiches in my suite tonight! Postcards to write and work to do!
Have not felt right all day ... sleep should help. Early start tomorrow - leave here at 0630 - but will be back on Sunday! Off to ... well, you will find out tomorrow!
Song of the Day: Who Wants to Live Forever - Queen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgK_keIJq-4
Weather: Ridiculous to Sublime
lounge
bedroom
clive bennett ...
luvo
in spa! happy happy!
