Reflections on Our First December at Howberry Hills Guest Lodge in Plettenberg Bay

Opening a guest lodge in a beautiful place like Plettenberg Bay is a dream for many. Our first December running the lodge was a month full of lessons, emotions, and unforgettable moments. It tested our limits, brought joy, and showed us the true potential of this special place for our family and guests alike.

Festive entrance of the guest lodge in Plettenberg Bay

December is a busy month for hospitality, especially in a popular destination like Plettenberg Bay. We quickly realized that running a guest lodge requires more than just a welcoming smile. From managing bookings to ensuring every room was perfect, each day brought new challenges.

• Guest expectations: Many visitors come with high hopes for a relaxing holiday. Meeting these expectations meant paying attention to small details like fresh linens, local recommendations, and timely service.

• Staff coordination: Our team had to adapt to the holiday rush. Scheduling shifts and maintaining morale was crucial to keep service smooth.

• Unexpected situations: Power outages, last-minute cancellations, and special requests tested our problem-solving skills.

  
  

These experiences taught us to stay flexible and proactive. We learned to anticipate needs before they arose, which made the difference between a good stay and a great one.

Moments That Touched Our Hearts

Running the lodge is not just about logistics. Its about people and Daniella does this incredibly well. She has the softest and welcoming approach. Her casual, reassuring approach with the best smile is invaluable to starting off the guest experience. Her effort for the guests is enormous in getting them settled, recommending restaurants and activities, bookings cabs etc. She excelled in all apscts and I could not be more proud.

We met guests from all over the world, each with their own stories and reasons for visiting Plettenberg Bay. Some came to celebrate milestones, others to find peace by the sea.

Almost all Guests comment on how peaceful it is at Howberry Hills and how welcome that moment of peace is during a busy travel schedule trying to do and see as much as possible. Our family bookings with kids often mention how the farm and open space with a relaxed environment helped them slow down reconnect with nature and themselves. These moments reminded us why we chose this path.

At times, the pressure was near overwhelming. Admittedly came close to a few tears mostly fueled by exhaustion. But those feelings were balanced by the joy of seeing happy guests enjoying our place and the beauty that surrounds us.

Guests become friends and staff become family Howberry Hills

The Potential of Our Place

December showed us the true potential of our guest lodge. Plettenberg Bay offers so much. We saw how guests appreciated the blend of comfort and natural beauty and it took as back to our family holidays here and why we fell in love with Howberry and Plett.

Our family feels deeply connected to this place. It’s more than a business; it’s a shared dream and a source of pride. We plan to build on what we learned by improving our facilities and services. Some ideas include:

• Adding guided tours to local attractions

• Hosting small events or workshops

• Enhancing the dining experience with local cuisine

  
  

Each improvement will help us create memorable stays and strengthen our bond with the community.

Cozy guest room with a view of the ocean at the guest lodge in Plettenberg Bay

Looking Ahead

Our first December was a month to remember. It tested our bodies and hearts but also filled us with hope and excitement. We discovered how much this guest lodge means to us and the people who visit.

For anyone thinking about starting a similar journey, remember that challenges are part of the process. Embrace the learning, connect with your guests, and never lose sight of why you began.

We look forward to many more Decembers in Plettenberg Bay, growing, improving, and welcoming guests to share in the magic of this place.