You have probably seen our managing couple with their warm and bright smiles around the Resort and, presumably, have had a conversation with them that made you think to yourself: “Wow, they are such amazing people!” The managing couple at Little Eden, Anneke and Hancke, are two people who make sure that we continue to deliver on our intentions of giving our guests the best possible service and the perfect environment for families to create everlasting memories. We asked them to spare a moment so that you, our valued guests, can get to know them better.
Can you share your education and experience in the Hospitality Industry with us?
Anneke: My hospitality career started 18 years ago as Housekeeper at a hotel in the UK. Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to work in each department of this industry; from being a waiter to managing this incredible Resort. This experience has given me keen insight into each department that operates within the Hospitality Sector, so I better know how to deliver quality service to our guests, and support to our team.
Hancke: I started my hospitality career in 2003; washing glasses behind the bar at a small hotel in Hartenbos. I worked my way up to being a Receptionist and then moved to the South Coast where I was a Duty Manager at a hotel on the beach. I have also been involved in most departments in the industry and enjoyed every single moment. Working my way up from the bottom has been an incredibly rewarding journey as I believe that it has given me a greater understanding of how the industry operates and I’ve been able to incorporate those nuggets of knowledge into my job as the Little Eden Resort Manager.
What is your favourite thing about Little Eden?
Anneke: My favourite thing about Little Eden is without a doubt the sunsets. Some may say I’m biased, but I truly believe that we have the best sunsets in the whole of South Africa! The area at the Reception is flat so there is nothing to block your view while watching the sun disappear behind the mountains. The best part of my day is when I’m sitting in my office as office hours draw to a close and I look out of my window and see the blue sky turn deep orange and a fiery red as the sun goes down. It really makes you appreciate those small, but special moments in your life.
Hancke: I love how close it draws you to nature. I always say that, whether you are a big nature lover or just like being in a peaceful environment, Little Eden is the ideal place to recharge your soul. Most people are into the big and majestic displays of nature. For me, it’s in the small things where I find myself in harmony with nature. Hearing birdsong at first light, taking in the views with that first cup of coffee in the morning, watching all manner of critters scurry up the rocks or along the ground; it\’s these little moments that make me feel closer to nature in a way that only Little Eden can provide.
Give us a glimpse behind the curtain: what does a day in the life of managing Little Eden entail?
Anneke: Most of my work is done in the back office, managing the administrative work and handling all the accounts. I am responsible for ensuring that all our accounts are up-to-date, as well as maintaining the stock levels and orders. I also do a lot of reporting on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. On the weekends, I am able to get into the operational side of my role and spend time with our guests. I particularly enjoy being able to do this when running the Monkey Chum Kiosk.
Hancke: It is not a normal “nine to five”, that’s for sure! We always start every morning off by having a praise and worship session with all the staff, just to make sure we start the day off on the right note. From there we discuss the planning for the day and get into the nitty-gritty. Shortly after, I get into the operational procedures on the Resort. This is where I spend the majority of my day; checking on and offering my assistance to maintenance, the Units, Resort grounds and everything in between. From 16h00 I head back to the office to do some admin before calling it a day.
On your day off, will we likely see you on the hiking trails, lounging beside the pool or taking a drive into Cullinan?
Anneke: When we’re on the Resort, we love spending our Sunday afternoons with our two beautiful daughters at the kiddies’ play area. They absolutely love going on hikes so we will often take a hike to the waterfall or the rock pools. Hancke is the bigger nature lover between the two of us and will take longer hikes than me. I\’m a fan of markets and two of my favourites to visit on my off day are the Boeremark in Cullinan and the Pink Koei Farmer\’s Market just outside of Rayton.
Hancke: I really love exploring the Resort and there are a few spots on the hiking trails that are off the beaten track. I will usually go and find these areas and enjoy the peace and tranquillity; walking along the river, taking my shoes off, and standing in the water while it flows past my feet. Cullinan is a great day out, and there’s a lot of rich and interesting history in town, but I am happier when I lose myself in nature.
What are the two things you consider yourself to be really good at?
Anneke: I live and breathe this job and have come to be quite good at it. So, I would have to say that my strong point is doing administration. It has just become second nature to me! I think I’m also rather good at coming up with creative ideas for celebrating special events at the Resort.
Hancke: This is quite a difficult question for me, but I’d have to say, that I have a lot of patience; I’m a really patient person and I believe that it is a good characteristic to have for a person in my position.
Do you have a funny or sweet story to share about guests who have visited the Resort?
Both: We don’t have a specific story, because there have been so many special moments with guests at the Resort. We have had the pleasure of being able to provide people with amazing birthdays, anniversaries, and honeymoons that they will (and we) cherish forever. One thing that will always hit a sweet spot for us, though, is when returning guests start to make us feel like we are a part of their family and always leave us anticipating their next visit. We love being part of the reason why Little Eden is their Resort of choice.
What essential would you say guests should pack when visiting Little Eden?
Anneke: For me, Little Eden is all about escaping the hustle and bustle so I would recommend that guests bring a sun hat, some sunscreen and that one book that they can’t seem to finish because they are so caught up with life back at home. They can just visit the Resort, put on their sun hat and sunscreen and enjoy their book while lounging, uninterrupted, beside the swimming pool.
Hancke: For those who like being active, a good pair of walking shoes are a necessity so that you can make the most out of the hikes, a camera to capture every single moment of their holiday, and a positive attitude!
What is the one item you purchase regularly at Monkey Chum Kiosk?
Anneke: The Kiosk has so many yummy options to choose from, but my go-to meal is a juicy Lyndill Burger and a thick chocolate milkshake.
Hancke: I would have to agree with Anneke on that one! The Lyndill burger is, by far, my favourite item on the menu. When I am in a rush though, and don’t have a moment to spare for some lunch, nothing beats a Pizza Cone. It’s the best grab-and-go type of meal.
What is the strangest or most interesting thing you have experienced since working at the Resort?
Anneke: I haven’t experienced anything that I found to be particularly strange. However, when I first took a hike to the rock pools, I was filled with amazement! It was an interesting moment for me because I was genuinely surprised at how breathtakingly beautiful the rock formations and surroundings were and I’m sure I’m not the only one who experienced that; the first time you see it will leave you in awe.
Hancke: I also haven’t had a strange experience, but I find the rock formations at the waterfall to be very interesting and unique. The fact that they are one of only two places in the country where this specific formation is visible above ground had me even more intrigued. The experience of viewing these rocks is not something I can justify with any amount of words; you have to see it for yourself!
What is the one thing you think every guest to Little Eden should experience?
Anneke: I would say that a hike is an absolute must; even if it is just to the waterfall! The surroundings are something out of the Garden of Eden itself. Everyone needs to experience being immersed in nature with nothing but peace, and maybe a good book.
Hancke: As I said earlier, Little Eden is the best place to come and recharge your soul. Everyone should sit back, forget about the “rat race” and just enjoy the views, lounge at the pool, and walk as far as they can on the hiking trails. This is how they’ll get the true Little Eden experience.
It is clear that Anneke and Hancke are a big contributing factor to why Little Eden is the perfect place for holidaymakers. They are dedicated to making sure that when their guests enter through the Resort gates they feel like they have arrived home. We hope you\’ve enjoyed getting to know them a little better and that they\’ve given you some clues as to how best enjoy a holiday at Little Eden. We couldn’t have asked for a better Resort management duo!