Paternoster boutique hotel to represent SA in ITB50

ITB50 Bear

As part of the campaign, German-born Simone Jacke, the owner of the Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel, is interviewed online by Cape Town-based architect Dr. Luyanda Mpahlwa, who studied architecture in Berlin before returning to the land of his birth in 2000, where he founded the Architecture and Design firm, DesignSpaceAfrica. Mpahlwa, who was the architect behind the South African Embassy in Berlin, was chosen as an ITB50 ambassador to hand over the ITB Berlin Buddy Bear to Strandloper Ocean.

Strandloper is described by ITB50 as 'a luxury retreat hidden in the dunes of the picturesque fishing village of Paternoster, a haven of unspoilt West Coast, just 150 km north of Cape Town, where thousands of years ago the indigenous Strandloper tribe lived. The hotel complex blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, and the peacefulness is interrupted only by the reassuring sound of surf breaking on the shore. This is a place of restful contemplation, which offers its guest the ultimate luxury of space and time, and this being South Africa, the possibility of a chance meeting with the odd whale or dolphin.'

Staying close to nature

Jacke says that it is part of the hotel's strategy to be an integral part of nature. "We hope that little by little every guest connects with nature and regains self-awareness. Sustainability is important. Close to nature we find our roots again as modern society disconnects us from where we really come from. Our simple approach at the Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel is easy, barefoot luxury where one can be oneself and establish balance in one's life by reconnecting with nature. We believe that this offers a unique experience to our guests.'

Dr. Luyanda Mpahlwa and Simone Jacke of the Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel

ITB Berlin will be taking place between 9 and 13 March 2016, and will include 180 countries from around the world, represented by some 10,000 exhibitors, to attract an estimated 110,000 trade visitors, of which more than 40% are from outside of Germany. Over the last 50 years, ITB Berlin has become the world's largest travel trade show, displaying a comprehensive overview of the market that includes travel products and services from around the world and growth-intensive niche markets. It also reflects trends in society as well as technical and economic developments.