Anew Hotels adds new safari property to portfolio

In the 1980s, Patrick Eliot and his wife, Jill, joined forces with the Armour family to purchase an old, rundown roadside motel situated beneath the Ingeli Mountain. Together, they transformed the property into a warm, welcoming mountain forest lodge that complements its beautiful surroundings.

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With the partnership having proved successful, the Eliots and Armours procured the Hluhluwe Hotel in 1998. Over a six-year period, the hotel underwent extensive renovations before being sold to a JSE-listed hospitality group in 2007.

New hotel experience

In 2015, that group decided to divest itself of five properties, including Hluhluwe, prompting the Eliot and Armour families to reclaim ownership of the hotel under the newly formed Anew Hotels brand.

With Clinton Armour as CEO and the now semi-retired Eliot as director, the hotel has undergone upgrades to ensure that guests enjoy the true Anew experience – a blend of service, luxury and efficiency, with a family feel. “Under the Anew brand, we have breathed new life and energy into the hotel, its management and staff. Now, our mission is to provide guests with a home away from home that offers the ultimate leisure experience,” says Eliot.

The wonder of nature

Today, guests at Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris can immerse themselves in the wonders of nature with activities such as safaris, elephant interactions and visits to the Zulu Croc Reptile Park. When not busy getting acquainted with the Elephant Coast’s animals, guests can cool off by the pool, explore the hotel’s curio shop or dine in the Inkonkoni Restaurant.

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They are also spoiled for choice with a wide range of rooms, including six bedrooms within two new self-catering rondavels and the revamped five-star luxury lodge. In addition, an assortment of conferencing facilities and a variety of wedding ceremony and reception venues are available to add a wild side to events.

Following the successful procurement and launch of Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris, the group intends to continue growing through the acquisition of additional properties and management contracts in strategic locations around South Africa.