The HAMU Hospitality and Tourism Group LLC – of Atlanta, GA, USA– are the new owners of the highly rated Fleur du Soleil Guesthouse in Van Riebeeck Street. This acquisition is HAMU’s first investment in hospitality and tourism in South Africa.
“We are thrilled and excited with this transaction”, said Anton Hayward, CEO of the group. “Franschhoek is widely acknowledged as the tourism destination of choice in South Africa and the established heart of the South African wine industry. It is also the culinary capital of South Africa and the town’s location and surroundings, close to Cape Town and its international airport, are breathtaking,” he continued.
Fleur du Soleil was established five years ago by Tina Botha as a small private, luxurious establishment in the heart of Franschhoek, which prides itself on attention to detail, superb comfort, great decor and friendly welcoming staff. The reviews certainly show that Tina succeeded in creating a home away from home. “Perfect hosts. This wonderful establishment puts many ‘high class’ hotels to shame. We hope to return”. – Chris & Wendy, U.K. “Thank you for the beautiful moments we spent in your wonderful home – we felt like being at home!” – Linda & Philippe, Switzerland. “An oasis … very relaxing and lovely. What a great place to start our South African journey” – Dalia, Chicago.
Before Tina lost her son to leukaemia in 2000, he painted a very special painting called “Sunflowers of Hope”, which is where the name and logo of Fleur du Soleil originated. After Chris passed away, Tina decided to pack up her home in Cape Town and move to Franschhoek, bringing along Chris’s painting. “It was here where I found my peaceful serenity, now known as Fleur du Soleil (Flower of the Sun)”, Tina says.
Taking inspiration from the magnificent Franschhoek Valley with its mountains, vines and centuries old oak trees, HAMU intends to preserve and expand on Tina’s legacy and continue with the very high standards Fleur du Soleil set.
HAMU plans to expand its investment in various areas in hospitality and tourism in South Africa. “We are very bullish about the growth in tourism in South Africa and the Western Cape in particular. Franschhoek was an easy choice for our entry investment”, Hayward said. “We are excited to join in the vision of President Ramaphosa and the Government support for exponential growth in tourism. The recently announced United Airlines direct flight between New York and Cape Town will undoubtedly expand the number of US visitors to an area of physical beauty, weather, food and culture the likes of which are second to none”.
www.fleurdusoleil.co.za | 060 808 8905
Text & Image: Editorial Desk
