The Conrad Pezula Extends It’s Hand to Knysna

If you’re a local resident then you’ve likely visited Pezula, Knysna’s 5 star hotel for a dining, golfing or spa moment. But few will have seen, or experienced, its full magnificence and the vision it’s founder, Keith Stewart, possessed. I still haven’t seen it all but definitely gained a better, bigger insight into it’s 2500 acres when it was re-branded as Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa on Saturday night. I now understand their motto, “The Luxury of Being Yourself’. You can take that visual journey by clicking through to the full photo gallery.

The name addition is derived from the union with Conrad Hotels, one of Hilton Hotel’s most stylish brands. The Hilton chain is comprised of more than 3800 hotels and Knysna gets to brag that we have the first Conrad in Sub-Saharan Africa! This big association is important to our tourist economy e.g. the Hilton HHonors guest-rewards program has 30 million members.

The luxurious launch party will undoubtedly be rewarded with well deserved, media attention but what struck me the most was the genuine hand extended to Knysna itself by Gert Venter, General Manager, and Jan van der Putten, VP of Operations for Africa and Indian Ocean.

Despite some association with charitable sporting events, Pezula has always seemed a bit aloof during my years in Knysna (and sometimes at loggerheads with the Noetzie Conservancy). The good news is that they have been in discussion with groups such as Knysna Tourism and the Knysna Chamber of Business. Soon, the Dining Club Loyalty Card will be launched whereby locals will benefit with discounts on meals, facilities and events. If you enjoy even a bit of what i experienced, a big smile will hug your face.

The photos on this page were provided by Conrad Pezula. You can experience my amateur shots of the Private Castle, our putt-putt moment, carrots, chocolate and more at Photos: Conrad Pezula Launch Party.