Mosselberg on Grotto Beach
Top Travel Accommodation Awards recently posed some questions to Linda van Blommestein from Mosselberg on Grotto Beach.
Q. Tell us about the history of Mosselberg on Grotto Beach.
A. Mosselberg on Grotto Beach is a 5*, 5 bedroom Boutique Villa with amazing Mountain and Sea views with large luxurious open spaces and a courtyard area with a heated pool. Built in 2002 & Designed by a SA award-winning Architect, Johan Slee.
Q. Please tell us about the owners of Mosselberg on Grotto Beach.
A. The owners, Martijn & Riette Appelo are born South Africans, live in Johannesburg & have business interests in Cape Town. Together since University days, they spend their time between commuting for business between Cape Town & Jhb and also with their 3 Grown up Children and 3 Grand Children whenever they can. Amazing hard working kind family.
Q. Briefly tell us about Mosselberg on Grotto Beach and your connection to the property as well as how long you have been involved.
I started as a casual worker in 2007 to stand in for the then GM and then took the position as the GM as from 5 Oct 2009. Mosselberg is close to my heart as I love the Hospitality industry and connecting with the GUESTS from all over the world and couldn’t wish for a more beautiful property to do this
Q. Please tell us about the architect and the design of Mosselberg on Grotto Beach.
Johan Slee’s first love is being an Artist and is an award winning SA architect. His amazing timeless work is recognisable yet every property is so different. He likes clean lines with lots of concrete, steel and large spaces and likes to blend the property with the natural surroundings. Currently he lives in Pniel.
Q. What was the vision for the property and was this achieved?
A. The vision for the property was that this would be a holiday house for the owners for the few times they would want to use it each year, which is normally for 3-4 weeks over the Dec/Jan holidays and then also to operate as a Boutique Villa to create Jobs in the are.
Q. What have you learned in the accommodation industry, that you wish you knew five years ago?
A. I was in the Restaurant business before for 12 years, where I guess I learnt to become thick skinned which is what you sometimes need in both these industries when you work with staff and guests, but it is still an unbelievable rewarding and satisfying sector to be in to see people enjoy what you have to offer.
Q. What is your approach to marketing?
A. We had an 8 year marketing contract with Protea Hotel Group which exposed us to a lot of Travel Agents & Tour Operators from all over the world which we still work with and word of mouth is still one of the best marketing tools as we get a lot of referrals as well as return Guests.
Q. What do you do, to get bookings directly from guests?
A. Market on Google which draws traffic to our own Webpage.
Q. Is there something that you think stands out in the philosophy concerning the hospitality industry, something you can teach people, or particular insight you have gained that you would like to share?
A. No matter what,it’s the simple but important things, just give the best service, be friendly and look forward to return guests.
Basic contact information:
Contact: Linda van Blommestein
E-mail address: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mosselberg.co.za/