About Us
Since 1994, Village & Life have launched innovative and exciting hospitality and tourism ventures, in the most desirable locations.
Village & Life Limited is a public company whose shareholders consist of directors and owners of the hotels and villages under management.
Village & Life consists of a group of independent hospitality establishments and tourism related commercial ventures. The Executive Directors and our specialised departments provide support to the business units regarding new ventures, strategic matters, marketing, sales, human resources, facilities management, finance and administration.
Registration Number : 1997/003642/06
Registered Address : 69 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005
Postal Address : P O Box 32021, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8040
Telephone Number : +27 21 430 4444
Fax Number : +27 21 438 4433
Email : info@vlife.co.za
Competitive Advantage
Village & Life’s competitive advantage is to creatively combine their expertise in tourism, property and finance, resulting in innovative and exciting tourism products.
Milestones
Value of the properties under management exceed R1 billion.
Sales revenue of accommodation, food and beverage exceeds R100 million per annum.
Employment of over 500 staff members.
Membership and Industry Associations
Maree Brink - Chairman
Maree was born in Quebec, Canada in 1963. He completed his schooling at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch. He attended Stellenbosch University where he obtained honours degrees in Commerce and Accountancy. Maree qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1992. After five years with Price Waterhouse Coopers, Maree founded the Village & Life Group of Companies in 1994. Being an active sportsman, Maree plays tennis, is an enduro off-road motorbiking enthusiast and he jet ski’s and surfs as often as he can. Maree and his daughter, Emily, live in Camps Bay.
Email : chairman@vlife.co.za
Tel : +27 (0)21 437 9777
Roelof Troskie - Managing Director
Roelof was born in Claremont, Cape Town in 1965. He completed his schooling at Groote Schuur High, Cape Town. He attended the University of Cape Town, earning his B-Com degree. Roelof qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1992 after completing his articles at Price Waterhouse Coopers. He obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Tax Law at the University of Cape Town. Roelof is a sports enthusiast! He also loves a round of golf (handicap of 11) and attends most rugby games at Newlands Stadium. Roelof has been involved in the tourism and hospitality industry since 1995.
Email : md@vlife.co.za
Tel : +27 (0)21 421 5040
Johannes Lategan - Director of Investments
Johannes was born in Oudtshoorn, South Africa in 1967. He completed his schooling at Oudtshoorn High. He attended Stellenbosch University where he obtained a degree in Accountancy. At the University of South Africa he obtained an honours degree in Commerce. He joined Village & Life in 1994 after completing three years with Price Waterhouse Coopers and lives in Camps Bay with his wife Ilsebe and his three daughters, Mila, Kristi and Isabelle.
Email : investments@vlife.co.za
Tel : +27 (0)21 430 4477
Riaan Veldtmann - Financial Director
Riaan grew up in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, and completed his schooling at Stellenberg High School in Durbanville. After completing his Bachelors degree in Accounting at the University of Stellenbosch, Riaan proceeded with his articles at LDP auditors in Durbanville, and at the same time managed to study part time and obtain his Honours degree through UNISA. He enjoys all forms of sport, especially rugby, cricket and golf and loves travelling abroad. Riaan has been with Village & Life since 2006.
Email : fd@vlife.co.za
Tel : +27 (0)21 430 4499
Asian Sales
The department is dedicated to promoting the Village & Life accommodation portfolio to an extensive Asian network, including Eastern Oriental and South Asia. Both local and international tour operators and travel agents are serviced and the department attends relevant Asian workshops, trade shows and conducts regular local sales trips.
The department is headed by Marco Yan (严池桦)
Mobile : +27 (0) 72 643 2684
Email : asia@vlife.co.za
Marketing, Media, Production, Branding and Design
Our creative department is the custodian of the Village & Life brand. The team focuses on positive brand awareness and growth using a combination of marketing, media planning, production and design.
The marketing side of the department provides the tools necessary to foster the growing presence of a company as unique and diverse as Village & Life. Marketing Plans, Media Campaigns, Promotions and Public Relations are crucial to the growth of our accommodation products, as well as innovative concepts and commercial ventures.
The production department is responsible for the creative process, ensuring the smooth and efficient progression from idea to fruition. Our team is highly qualified, combining specialized design, layout, copywriting, photography and invaluable experience to produce a superbly crafted finished product, whether it be print media, signage, advertising, brochures or sales collateral.
The department is headed by our Chairman, Maree Brink
Tel : +27 (0)21 437 9777
Branding, Production & Design
Mia Richards
Mobile : +27 (0) 83 601 5673
Email : design@vlife.co.za
Media and Advertising
Emily Brink
Mobile : +27 (0) 82 554 1111
Email : media@vlife.co.za
Executive Assistant
Wardah van der Schyff
Email : chairmansoffice@vlife.co.za
Online Marketing
The online marketing department enhances sales revenue through optimisation, search engine marketing, optimal web navigational structures, e-commerce, social media, key word searches and content development. We can now analyze and understand consumer intelligence and behaviour by interpreting the data provided by online analyzing tools and social media channels. We believe our websites should be current, credible, well-structured and user-friendly, due to the tremendous growth of online bookings through search engine results. The team is also responsible for the design and development of websites and the implementation of new technology.
The department is headed by Gina Lesch
Mobile : +27 (0)79 217 2717
Email : websales@vlife.co.za
Francois van der Walt | Senior Web Developer
Email : web@vlife.co.za
Interior Projects and Research & Development
The interior projects department takes charge of all renovations and furnishings of our group owned properties. Furniture and smalls are continuously refreshed and recycled to look as good as new.
We are on a constant search to improve our products and always look for the perfect item which can preferably be used for more than one purpose, as well as make the stay of our guests as convenient as possible.
New products and ventures are researched and developed and some of our successful endeavours include the Overnight Packs and setting up of our Mint Wellness spas.
The department is headed by Bianca Steinmetz
Mobile : +27 (0) 74 1724 804
Email : projects@vlife.co.za
Facilities
Our facilities department is responsible for management of various disciplines needed to ensure the optimum functionality of the built environment. These include;
- - Planning maintenance schedules of buildings and equipment
- - Parks and grounds maintenance
- - Waste management
- - Energy efficiency planning and integration
- - Space management
- - Health and Safety
- - Procurement and management of contractors
- - Security
- - Project management
Our goal is to ensure that buildings and properties are 100% maintained and functional
The department is headed by Frans Tredoux
Mobile : +27 (0) 74 1818 880
Email : facilities@vlife.co.za
Laundry
Based at The Bay Hotel, the laundry is of service to the hotels and self catering establishments. Linen and towels are washed in industrial sized machines, supplied by Electrolux. All liquids and detergents used are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Guest laundry is carefully laundered and presented on return to guests.
The department is headed by Chantel Crowie
Tel : +27 (0) 21 430 4444
Mobile : + 27 (0) 84 700 7431
Email : laundry@vlife.co.za
Finance and Administration
Our finance department is centrally located at The Bay Hotel and controls and administers all the company’s financial matters. The department consists of 6 highly qualified professionals.
- - Administration of all payments and receipts.
- - Financial Reporting to business units and property owners.
- - Administration of statutory and taxation matters.
In addition to the above. Each property have their own Financial Manager on site to control all assets and expenses. They form an integral part of the of management, but are hands on with day to day operations as well.
The department is headed by Riaan Veldtmann
Tel : +27 (0) 21 430 4193
Mobile : + +27 (0) 82 411 3997
Email : fd@vlife.co.za
Financial Managers
Chris van Greunen (The Bay Hotel)
Mobile : +27 (0) 83 236 2814
Email : finance@thebay.co.za
Dayyaan Williams
(Camps Bay Retreat & The Farmhouse Hotel)
Mobile +27 (0) 82 539 8926
Email : finance4@vlife.co.za
Liezl Human (Waterfront Village, De Waterkant Village & Mouille Point Village)
Mobile : +27 (0) 79 529 4942
Email : finance@waterfrontvillage.com
Carl Hartzenberg (Camps Bay Resort, The Glen Apartments & The Crystal)
Mobile : +27 (0) 73 775 1265
Email : finance1@vlife.co.za
Human Resources
Village & Life is an adaptable and flexible company, striving to continuously improve and meet the industry demands. Human Resources strategically assists in achieving these goals by developing the organization through skills development and developing the structures, systems, and processes within the organization to improve organizational effectiveness. We strive to continuously renew ourselves, creating an environment of fun and freedom to grow.
Email : hr@vlife.co.za
Information Technology
The Information Technology Department serves other group departments through a series of services that includes integrating computer systems, co-ordinating, negotiating and managing information technology related contracts, technology assistance and support. The department creates the technological environment that enables employees to quickly access vital information using the most efficient and cost effective system hardware and software. The department assists group departments in responding to the company needs, by supplying a binding of different technologies which are vital for the day to day internal operations.
The department is headed by Johan Wessels
Mobile : +27 82 380 1997
Email : it@vlife.co.za
Rocco Hoon
Mobile : +27 73 663 5842
Email : it2@vlife.co.za
Investments
The investments department is responsible for the sourcing and evaluation of property and hospitality investments which will also include feasibility studies on the proposed investments. Advice and implementation of the optimal ownership structure taking into account the finance requirements and tax implications of every investment. The department is responsible for the raising of finances for individual investments.
The department is headed by Johannes Lategan
Mobile : +27 82 554 1741
Email : investments@vlife.co.za
Shaun Slabber
Mobile : +27 84 948 4649
Email : investments1@vlife.co.za
The hotel and tourism industry is recognised as potentially one of the fastest growing industries. For every eight tourists who visit South Africa, one job is created.
Gain valuable experience and knowledge with a career at Village & Life.
Food and Beverage Manager
The position is based in Camps Bay. Knowledge of staff training, F & B cost control systems, guest relations/interactions and ability to handle pressure is essential. The suitable candidate needs to be dynamic, enthusiastic, have a strong initiative and be self motivated.
Night Auditor
The position is based at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay. The ideal candidate must have minimum one years experience in Night Auditing and have a valid drivers license. The Bay Hotel prides itself on exceptional service and this position requires a great deal on attention to detail and exceptional guest relations.
Junior Food and Beverage Assistant
The position is based at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay. The ideal candidate must have minimum one years experience in basic F&B duties and a good knowledge of Micros and Opera systems. This is a summer position.
Tides Restaurant Hostess
The position is based in Camps Bay. We are looking to employ an enthusiastic and self motivated individual with minimum 1 years experience. Responsibilities will include managing the flow between Traders and Tides Restaurant, assisting on the restaurant floor and interacting with guests. This is a summer position.
Sandy B Brand Ambassador
The position is based at our property in Camps Bay. Sandy B is the private beach club of The Bay Hotel and during summer operates on a membership basis. The successful candidate will assist with activations and concepts and welcome guests at Sandy B on activate days (Fri-Sun from 12-6pm). She will also assist during the week as needed. The ideal candidate must be well organized and focued on guest services. This is a summer position
Please submit your CV to careers@vlife.co.za
1994
The company’s founder, Maree Brink, conceptualized and initiated the Village Hospitality Concept with the launch of Harbour View Cottages, also known
as Cape Town’s First Guest Street, in an historical area which is now known as De Waterkant Village.
www.dewaterkant.com
1996
Village & Life Limited is incorporated.
Extended the Village & Life Hospitality Concept, allowing private property owners the opportunity to buy property and participate in the dynamics of the tourism
industry; to earn rental returns, have hassle-free ownership and private occupation when required.
2000
Launched De Waterkant House, a guesthouse situated in the popular area of De Waterkant, “The Pride of the Village.”
www.dewaterkanthouse.com
Conceptualised and launched Camps Bay Resort, a fun and vibrant seaside resort, located across from Camps Bay beach.
www.campsbayresort.com
2001
Conceptualised and launched Waterfront Village at the V&A Waterfront, consisting of 5 star graded luxury serviced apartments, situated on the water’s
edge of the V&A Waterfront Marina.
www.waterfrontvillage.com
2002
Launched Camps Bay Retreat, a boutique hotel set on 4.5 acres of private nature reserve.
www.campsbayretreat.com
2003
Launched Mouille Point Village, situated along the “Platinum Mile,” the coastline stretching towards the V&A Waterfront. It is also within
walking distance of the Green Point Stadium.
www.mouillepoint.com
2006
Conceptualised, developed and launched The Charles, in the vibey De Waterkant Village.
www.thecharles.co.za
2007
Launched The Glen Apartments, luxury serviced apartments in Camps Bay.
www.theglenapartments.co.za
Took over management of The Farmhouse Hotel, in Langebaan on the West Coast. The Farmhouse Hotel offers splendid lagoon views, delicious hearty meals and an
award winning winelist.
www.thefarmhousehotel.com
Launched an independent wellness company, Mint Wellness, offering world class treatments by internationally qualified therapists from individual wellness centres. www.mintwellness.com
2009
Launched holiday rentals in Paradise Beach, situated on a beautiful north-facing bay on the shores of Langebaan Lagoon.
www.paradisebeach.co.za
2010
Launched The Crystal, luxury serviced apartments in Camps Bay, with 41 sea-facing apartments.
www.thecrystal.co.za
Launched Camps Bay Tourism, a tourism information desk situated on the famous Camps Bay promenade.
www.campsbaytourism.com
Launched Traveller's Places as a unique concept to offer the discerning traveller an opportunity to stay in the best locations at affordable prices.
www.travellersplaces.co.za
Launched Sandy B, a private beach club in Camps Bay. Members enjoy exclusive discounts, entertainment and facilities.
www.sandybcampsbay.com
Launched Hermanus Village, a unique hospitality village in Hermanus.
www.hermanusvillage.com
The group investment company purchased Harbour House Hotel in Hermanus.
www.harbourhousehotel.co.za
2011
Launched The Mussel Bar, the restaurant on the Camps Bay strip boasts a truly unique and local single dish menu.
www.themusselbar.co.za
After purchasing Harbour House Hotel in 2010, restored the original seaside Manor House (built in 1920). This has brought the addition of 6 new rooms, a
magnificent infinity pool and deck with endless views over Walker Bay.
www.harbourhousehotel.co.za