Imagine Introduction
ENTER OUR
A warm Gondwana welcome to this first edition of IMAGINE, brought to you by The Delight Hotel Swakopmund. Opening November 2015. IMAGINE is our invitation to you, to be inspired by the many and tantalizing delights on offer in Swakopmund, brought to you as only The Delight can.
COMPETITION Bounce your way to 101 nights!
You may say I’m a dreamer But I’m not the only one I hope some day you’ll join us And the world will be as one John Lennon
EDITION 1
the delight swakopmund
Sven-Erik Staby
Architect behind the hotel design The Delight is this Namibian born architect’s first Swakopmund building. Sven’s many fond boyhood holidays spent in this charming coastal town, together with his many years professional experience abroad, has created an original but still well suited approach to Swakopmund hotel design. “I wanted to reflect today’s day and age, the world we live in, but this had to be done in a way that respects the heritage area in which the hotel is situated, and needed to compliment the existing urban landscape.” The hotel’s architectural expression is a spacious, light and modern structure incorporating ten different room types; loft spaces, high ceilings, natural ventilation and eco-friendly design. “Building this hotel was fun. And so I hope guests will have the same experience. The hotel is quirky and modern but still very relaxed, practical and comfortable. Coupled with the characteristic warmth of Gondwana and its passion for expressing local flavour, The Delight is guaranteed as its name promises, to deliver a unique stay in Swakopmund of sheer delight”.
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the_delight_swakopmund
Andre & Ockie Oosthuizen
The contractors who brought the design to life “We come in peace”, was the message displayed by OJ Construction as The Delight began to take shape. Making sure that between the dust and noise – passersby couldn’t help but smile. What prompted this team of personable builders to submit their bid? “Gondwana! We were drawn to this project because of how Gondwana has become a symbol for growth. How they offer access to Namibia for locals in addition to internationals, and with a personal touch, and in an affordable way. Their desire to work on the project was also inspired by its orginality. “It’s a hotel, but it’s multidimensional, not a rectangular block. That’s what interested us when we saw it for the first time. It’s going to be a mixture between homely and modern, the whole setup is not like a standard hotel where you walk down a corridor to get to your room. The rooms are accessible from the outside which is quite nice. It’s going to be a completely different feel while staying there.”
We come in peace.
Debra Fox and Chris Browne Interior experience creators
With their distinctive expertise in developing complete lodge experiences across the African continent, “From toothpicks and tractors to service delivery”, this dynamic RSA based design consultancy has helped Gondwana bring the heart and soul of The Delight to brilliant life. Guests are guaranteed to be surprised and delighted at regular intervals as they experience the many and varied creative, uplifting and relaxing spaces thoughout the hotel. “For us, Swakopmund is a quirky place. It’s very unusual. And that was a good starting point to create a fresh look for this hotel. Because it’s traditionally quite conservative, or it’s very practical, we have tried to capture and introduce the real warmth of Namibian hospitality in the design. The lighthouse is also a real beacon in Swakopmund, and provided the heart of the inspiration. That classic red of the lighthouse and the aqua of the Atlantic were the sparks”. The concierge desk and bar are favourite design areas. “Both give guests a real sense of place and connection to Swakopmund. But the breakfast offering is also special. As the dining room only serves breakfast – it needed to be the best in town. A real celebration of Namibia’s great produce, bakeries and cured meats. For the more adventurous, a Bloody Mary, glass of champagne and fresh oysters could be a fitting start to the day”.
Continued over leaf...
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Meet the Delight Makers Manni Goldbeck
Managing Director of Gondwana and brand custodian “Gondwana’s essence is ‘Have a story to tell”. We tell our guests the story of Gondwana and Namibia through our 14 different lodges – each with a different theme and name - and by doing so, give guests the opportunity to create their own special stories to take home with them. Until now though, our story telling was incomplete. With the introduction of our first city hotel, guests will now be able to access our special brand of Namibian experience at every major stop over. Building The Delight in Swakopmund has been another opportunity to bring Gondwana’s fresh out of the box thinking to the fascinating town of Swakopmund.”
Donna Patricios
Brand identity developer Our brand strategist and identity developer calls Johannesburg home, where she has spent 17 years helping many well recognized brands to stay relevant and compelling in today’s times. “But it’s not everyday that I get to be involved in building a brand from a clean slate. From an idea, to a completed product. Nor with such a passionate, imaginative and sincere team. The Delight Swakopmund has been such a project. Inspired by Gondwana’s intention to really capture some unique perspectives and expressions of Swakopmund, and to deliver these to guests as memorable product and service moments, we are confident that The Delight will be something really special in Swakopmund. In both its name and logo – our hotel is a clear promise to guests. We intend to be a breath of fresh air, an uplifting and inspiring space, a hotel guaranteed to relax and to tickle you pink, to make you smile. Our ultimate aim is that our guests are simply delighted at every opportunity, and that more than just a place to stay, that The Delight is a memorable experience of Swakopmund in itself”.
Alain Noirfalise
Director operations Gondwana “The Gondwana philosophy is again what will make us stand out from others in Swakopmund. We have been planning this hotel for 5 years now, and so are confident that what we have built is the right product, at the right time, for a new generation of Swakopmund holidaymakers. The Delight has been developed from the outside in. The needs of our guests, have guided the different areas of emphasis in our product development. This has resulted in a hotel where certain traditions have been challenged, while other services have been given greater importance. For example, visitors want to experience dining in Swakopmund, so why constrain them to our restaurant? Instead we offer an exceptional breakfast experience and will happily suggest and arrange bookings’ for dinner reservations. We also aim to quickly familiarize guests with Swakopmund, to inform and inspire them with everything on offer. There will always be someone on hand at The Delight to give information or make arrangements. Whether it’s a suggestion for an exciting activity, or where to go for a quality haircut. People were also asking for a less traditional hotel experience, for a more modern approach. So, our hotel has been conceptualized to be a ‘lighter’ experience in many respects. By ‘light’ we mean fresh and contemporary, easy going and effortless, with many reasons provided to smile.
COMPETITION
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The Delight
Between the golden dunes of the Namib Desert and swells of the icy Atlantic Ocean, the seaside resort town of Swakopmund goes about its business – in a rhythm all of its own. With its eclectic mix of German-Namibian residents, bustle of tourists, historical buildings, nature based adventures and city pleasures, Swakopmund is an experience like no other – with something for everyone to enjoy.
N a t ure ’ s P l a y g r ou n d Few destinations can compete with the natural diversity of Swakopmund. Take a trip into the Living Desert, skydive over the Namib or sandboard down impressive dunes in the morning. Join a dolphin cruise, kayak amongst seals, give deep sea fishing a try, or simply take a leisurely walk along the beach in the afternoon. A myriad of experiences await you.
C ity P le a sur e s For all its outdoor appeal Swakopmund also offers the city-lover plenty to enjoy. Dine in picturesque restaurants along the seaside promenade where eisbein and sushi can be equally savoured. Amble through old-fashioned streets as you browse vibrant curio-shops and take in the colonial history around you. Stroll through time in the museum, enter an ocean wonderland at the National Marine Acquarium, or climb to the top of Woermann Haus for a prime view of the town.
The Delight
Where to stay The Delight Swakopmund Amongst the town’s captivating contrasts and old traditions, Gondwana’s Delight is a fresh breeze in the desert. Conveniently located within short walking distance of the ‘Mole’, our modern, uplifting and inviting hotel is the ideal base for your stay. Every effort is made to surprise and delight guests with thoughtful touches and locally inspired reasons to smile. From the easy comfort of our hotel, the warm and welcoming service Gondwana is known for, to the assistance provided by our knowledgable Delight Host for anything from activity bookings to dinner reservations – your stay is always an effortless and memorable experience.
The Delight Hotel Facts LOCATION: Corner Theo Ben Gurirab Avenue / Nathaniel Maxuilili Street (City Centre, 5 minutes walk to the “Mole”)
ROOMS: Total rooms 54. 44 Twins. 10 Family Rooms (loft style)
GENERAL AMENITIES: Breakfast Dining Room (serving our signature simply delightful breakfasts). Lunch / Dinner can be arranged by host outside of holtel if required. Swakopmund Society Bar. Garden (all rooms look onto the tranquil atrium). Wifi
IN ROOM AMENITIES: Aircon, Coffee / Tea Station, Fridge, Hairdryer, Safe.
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VILLAGE CAFÉ Relax at this family-run coffee shop, a place where ‘locals can feel famous and famous people can feel local’. The Village Café is ‘a local gathering place which tends to attract a bunch of darn interesting people’. Enjoy all-day breakfast, hearty food, ‘Ma se brood’, great coffee and a homely, quirky atmosphere. Lighten up with a good cappuccino. Open to everyone with an open mind and a good sense of humour. ps. The Café is even a popular hang-out for the local canine community. See the special doggie menu. 23 Sam Nujoma Ave, Swakopmund
KAYAK WITH SEALS Age group 3-300. No experience needed. Enjoy a gentle water journey on the Walvis Bay lagoon, surrounded by friendly, leaping seals. Join Jeanne Meintjes from Eco Marine Kayak Tours for a drive to Pelican Point, watching flamingos along the way. Waterproof gear is supplied and a short briefing given before the kayaks are pushed into the watery realm. Immediately, inquisitive seal pups appear, wide-eyed and whiskered. Experience the exuberance of the Cape fur seals in their own element. A fun-filled and heart-warming adventure for the whole family.
(WARNING: you might not be able to stop smiling!) www.emkayak.iway.na +264 (0)64 203144/+264 (0)81 129 3144
Life is much too important to be taken seriously! Oscar Wilde
Did You Know? There are 33 species of seal world-wide
IT’S FRESH
IT’S COMFORTABLE
IT’S DELIGHTFUL
Presenting the Delight Hotel. A delightfully fresh new addition to Swakopmund. Where every guest’s need is met with Gondwana’s special brand of warmth and friendliness. Where every modern detail has been designed with your absolute comfort in mind. Where every guest is instantly connected to the very best that Swakopmund offers.. Surprised?
We’re delighted. Opening November 2015. www.gondwana-collection.com | +264 61 427 200
A Hotel in the Gondwana Collection
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VACANCY
Meet the Delight Family Hostess, Susan Ueja Mbaeva
THE DELIGHT SWAKOPMUND HOTEL OPENS 1 NOVEMBER 2015 Gondwana Collection Namibia is bringing a fresh breeze to Swakopmund -The Delight Hotel. Our modern, uplifting and inviting hotel hs 55 rooms, a breakfast room for house guests; Swakopmund Society Bar and a hospitality desk. Our hotel aims to be something different and special. We aim to surprise and delight our guests with a warm, thoughtful service and provide them with a pleasing experience; with special stories to take home. We are looking for Namibians with a warm welcoming personality, love for hospitality and a positive attitude. You look forward to the opportunity of working with a delightful, inspired and highly motivated team.
We are looking for people with the following specific qualities:
Vacancies available:
Please forward CV and a letter of application to: THE HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT Gerhard Swart: hradmin@gondwana-collection.com Wilka Ashipala: hrassistant@gondwana-collection.com Gondwana Travel Centre 42 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Klein Windhoek Tel: 061 427 238 | Fax: 061 251 863
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Susan studied Travel and Tourism Management at the Polytechnic of Namibia. She had her first taste of the Gondwana Collection at Etosha Safari Camp where she worked as a receptionist during her internship. After completing her degree she was a Trainee Assistant Manager at Etosha Safari Lodge, having ‘the time of her life, gaining more experience daily’. The next step was a brief stint at Namib Desert Lodge before she left the Collection to gain some experience in a different field. When she was recently approached by Gondwana to take up a position at The Delight, she quickly accepted ‘another wonderful opportunity to be part of the Gondwana Family’. Susan says: “A lesson I have learnt is that you need to be determined and believe in what you are doing to be successful in life.”