I was shocked at the timeframe since I last did a blog, please accept my apologies for the fact it has been so long since I dropped you a line or let you know what is going on!
So, into the news from me and my family, all the kids are doing amazing, with Jamie being awarded with the Head of Culture at today’s Prefect Awards Ceremony – what an achievement. Ronan once again represented UGU district in Hockey, Southern KZN in Rugby and was accepted into Maritzburg College for his high school journey beginning next year, where he will be a boarder. It is confirmed, that he is 5th Generation, and with the potential of 6th, but they are battling to find the handwritten documents from before the 1900’s. Braedyn managed to obtain his KZN colours for Karate in the Under 9 Orange Belt division at the KZN champs and then represented KZN at the SA nationals in JHB this year – not managing to progress, but confident he will be able to next year – also achieving his Full Green Belt recently. My Wife, Diana continues to amaze me with the compassion and love she shares with all around her, and not to mention her artistic flair!
Back to the hotel, well, as some of you might have seen, we ventured into the long-awaited development of additional rooms, converting 10 of our interleading lounges into rooms, increasing our capacity from 50 to 60. This process meant we lost availability in the conversion, but with all 60 available now, we are definitely seeing the benefits! We also looked at how to add additional value to the Executive rooms, so we increased the size of the new Smart TV’s, added a beverage cooler and looking at the possibility of a better coffee offering. Watch this space for the other offerings coming up soon!
We have managed to host close on 20 weddings this year, with 5 in December to finish the year off with a bang – which is a great achievement and lots of functions to finish this year! Our Yearly Craft Event was a hit again, as well as our first ever Cultural Event, also a great evening out.
Looking into this new year calling us and we have some exciting specials for those needing a break before the hustle starts in 2024 as well as some awesome planned events – so make sure to like, follow and subscribe to the pages on social media and our website, as to not miss out!
I leave you with one final thought, Christmas has many meanings to all those who celebrate it, from the Birth of Christ to the act of giving – make sure you take the time to follow your heart throughout this festive season, enjoy the small moments as they are fleeting and pass way too quickly, be safe and make sure that as you finish this year, be satisfied with what you have achieved, it might be less than you wished, but you are 365 days further in your journey to where you were, and have a full year to continue to move forward into 2024.
Take Care – and hopefully see you soon with you visiting us here at Umthunzi.
Until then, stay safe, and see you soon!
Ryan Ringo
General Manager
