Mount Amanzi Newsletter December 2019

There’s just something so magical about immersing oneself in nature and leaving behind all forms of modernity. You finally feel that sense of peace and tranquillity you’ve been longing for the entire year. And as the harsh grip of the city slowly starts to loosen, you finally fall into nature’s nest.

As the year draws to a rather quick close and the holiday season nears, we would like to share a few special moments and memories Mount Amanzi has been a part of this past year.

First Thing’s First

Annual Levy Increase Announcement:

We, as your Board of Directors, fully understand that there is a considerable financial requirement from you, our Valued Shareholders, in complying with your annual levy obligation. Each year, the Board of Directors and VRS aim to ensure that increases are kept as minimal as possible, while still providing you with world class holidays. For the year 2020, levies will increase by a mere 0.4%. The reason that such a low percentage increase can be accommodated is due to extremely efficient and competent resort management on the part of the Managing Agent, VRS. However, we must emphasise that this low percentage increase cannot be guaranteed in future years.

Awards and Applause

At the Lilizela Awards this year, we received a runner up position and we are proud to announce that we received a certificate of service for excellence- accommodation award. We are honoured to have received such a prestigious accolade and we would like to thank all our valuable staff members who strive for excellence every single day.

Bravo! We are also very pleased to say that we have been rated as “excellent” by 210 guests on TripAdvisor, who visited our Resort. Mount Amanzi thus received a Certificate of Excellence Award from TripAdvisor, for providing quality holidays and experiences to guests. Thank you all very much for your valuable feedback and support!

Special Staff Shout Out

Once again, the lovely Lebo Nyatla walked away with the Spa Therapist of the Month, in August for the VRS Spa Competition. This competition saw all VRS-Managed spas competing for the title of Spa Therapist of the Year. Well done, Lebo!

Remember to pop in to Mbali Day Spa on your next visit for a range of luscious treatments; the cherry on top of your relaxing holiday.

Find out more

Hello Mount "Amazing"...

Willie Smit

We are so elated to announce the arrival of our new Resort Manager, Willie Smit. Willie joined the Mount Amanzi family at the beginning of October 2019. We are absolutely thrilled to have him on board, steering the ship!

Favourite quote: “Trust is earned, respect is given, and loyalty is demonstrated. Betrayal of any of those is to lose all three.”

Caroline Smit

We would like to extend a warm welcome to Caroline Smit, our new Reservationist. Caroline also joined the crew in October. With her wealth of knowledge and experience, she will definitely be an asset to Mount Amanzi. We cannot wait to make everlasting memories with you, Caroline!

Favourite quote: “Stay focused and positive.”

A little birdy told us...

It’s that time of the year again for the Black Eagles to nest at our Resort!

When this happens, we close off the mountain hiking trail so that the eagles aren’t bothered.

The Varreaux Eagle, also known as the Black Eagle, is a South African Bird of Prey. With its length ranging from 75 to 96 cm long (from bill to the tip of the tail), this majestic bird is the 6th largest eagle in the world! The Black Eagle has specific habitat requirements - they choose to make their homes in dry, rocky environments; Mount Amanzi thus makes for the perfect place for the Black Eagle to settle in. A mating pair will build a nest in this area and lay two eggs, four days apart; hatching usually occurs approximately 45 days later. The chicks will be cared for and remain in the nest until ready to fly, nearly 100 days after hatching.

Keep the good times rolling...

Each year brings with it a multitude of fun days and holidays to be enjoyed and celebrated; Mount Amanzi always sits up to take notice and to make guests feel super-special (as they are.)

Father's Day

To show dad how much he means, we had a Father’s Day brunch at the Old Kitchen Restaurant where all the dads received an array of special “bederfies”. From sweet hampers on the tables to a photo booth in the Restaurant, all the dads were able to make long-lasting memories with their families.

We know all dads’ work exceptionally hard and so he needs to relax from time-to-time! We decided to treat the Mount Amanzi dads to some spa spoils and pampering! When the dad's checked in, they were recipients of a well deserved shoulder massage and a lovely Father’s Day special at the spa for the weekend. The dads were left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated for the rest of their stay!

Women's Day

August is Women’s Month and it goes without saying that we had to show boatloads of appreciation for all the strong and hardworking superwomen out there.

Upon arrival at Mount Amanzi, the ladies who checked-in were greeted with special fruit juice drinks at Reception, as well as a cocktail bar with specials for the ladies. At Old Kitchen Restaurant, we had some lovely Women’s Day food specials, which went down a treat. We love to pamper our guests and make them feel well looked after. Mbali Spa at Mount Amanzi organised that the ladies received face cloths and soap, as well as welcoming cupcakes.

Heritage Day

Heritage Day is not complete without a bag of charcoal, some firelighters and an array of meat to whack on the braai, coupled with salads and drinks. The Old Kitchen Restaurant, at Mount Amanzi, hosted a bring and braai on the football field. There was also a pop-up cocktail bar on the field for guests.

Guests were treated to live entertainment with loads of fun activities, including a Mechanical Bull, Giant Slide and Boeresport.

Needless to say, the day was filled with many festivities that guests thoroughly enjoyed.

Clara’s Birthday Party

We love celebrating birthdays at Mount Amanzi, it’s a memory that we can add to our photo album.

Young Clara had herself a birthday treat at Mount Amanzi with her friends. Her birthday party was hosted at the spa where the young ladies received the sweetest manicure and were later treated to some delicious birthday cake.

Chat to our dedicated team to organise your next celebration: a party for your little princess, an anniversary treat or a boma birthday - we'll tailor something special to fit your brief and budget. events@mountamanzi.co.za

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Archie and Lungi’s Wedding

The festivities continued in September as we hosted a unique 'happily ever after' for Archie and Lungi. The bridal couple had a wonderful white wedding but also incorporated traditional SeTswana elements into their special day and both families were dressed in custom-made Shweshwe attire. At the reception, the new hubby and wife entered in song and dance as they began celebrating their marriage. A special touch was the couple’s entertainment which included traditional SeTswana dancers who brought a real jovial element to the wedding.

In the Know with Mount Amanzi!

Take a look at how we’ve been making your home-away-from-home even more special:

The mini-market received an interior make-over. We really wanted to create a more open feel for our guests. We also added some tasty new treats, including fudge and nougat. Refurbishments were made to the outside seating area; guests can now relax while waiting for their takeaways. Did you know our takeaway outlet is now open to our customers during holidays and long weekends! So go on and feel free to indulge!

We simply had to revamp the recreational hot spot for the kids! We are excited to say that the games room got a fresh coat of paint, the pool table mats were renewed and the dart board section was brought back to life. We’ve also placed new inspirational quotes on the walls of the games room, especially for our young guests.

Oh what a SWANder-ful world! At Mount Amanzi it is of vital importance that we respect and take care of our guests and our feathered friends who live on the Resort. Therefore, we are very happy to say that we have repainted our swan enclosure. Suitable enclosure design and management, and constant improvements are key components required to fulfil the behavioural requirements of these graceful birds.

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