Effective 1 August, Little Switzerland Resort in the Northern Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal will fall under the Dream Hotels and Resorts’ umbrella.
The Dream Hotels and Resorts mixed-use accommodation group has acquired ownership of the Little Switzerland property, which is set in the Northern Drakensberg with spectacular views of the Amphitheatre, and has been operating as a resort since 1989. This acquisition will enable Dream Hotels and Resorts to expand its growing footprint in the province and bring the number of hotels and resorts in its portfolio to 22, countrywide.
Says Brent Dickson, Director, Dream Hotels and Resorts: “We are proud to have this exquisite property join our dynamic portfolio and are excited to offer the Drakensberg as a new holiday destination for those longing to explore and rediscover this region of South Africa.
Our strategy is to maintain Little Switzerland’s welcoming atmosphere and implement our one-guest service approach, where each and every guest is offered a high level of personalised service. There is also some consideration for refurbishments in 2019 or 2020.”
Facing the majestic Drakensberg Amphitheatre, the property was named for its resemblance to a Swiss village near the Alps, especially when it snows. It has long been a family run-enterprise, started in 1907 first as a farm, then operating as a tea garden in the 1940s.
“Only three hours’ drive away from Durban and Johannesburg, it is the perfect half-way point for these two cities,” says Glen Hadden, Reservations Manager at Little Switzerland.
“Whether you are an intrepid explorer, an incurable romantic or an exhausted businessman, Little Switzerland offers exceptional accommodation, conferencing facilities and undeniably, a little bit of heaven in a very special land. I am delighted that, with the change of ownership, Dream Hotels & Resorts will support our growth strategy, while maintaining the resort’s charming appeal. Dream Hotels and Resorts have taken over the entire staff complement so returning guests can expect to see a familiar face on their next holiday to Little Switzerland.”
Apart from the 24 self-catering Chalets, All hotel rooms at Little Switzerland are en-suite. The 6 luxury Executive Suites boast mountain views and a shared deck. The 4 Honeymoon Suites feature jacuzzi baths and mountain views. There are 6 Standard Rooms, garden facing, and 6 Standard Family Rooms near the pool area.
The resort features several hiking trails, two swimming pools, a putt-putt course and bowling green, a croquet area, tennis court, volleyball court, private spa rooms and two nearby dams for fly fishing.
For the children, apart from the other facilities, Little Switzerland boasts a very special “Kids Club” with its own climbing wall, jumping castles, play room and entertainment area as well as complimentary pony rides for the kids”
Little Switzerland has long prided itself on serving outstanding cuisine either in the main dining room or on the patio overlooking the “Drakensberg Amphitheatre”.
With its own petrol station on site as well as a convenience store to provide essentials for self-catering guests, Little Switzerland is ideally equipped and situated to meet the needs of even the most exacting guests.