Andrew Rosettenstein, Singita Kruger National Park

When did you know you wanted to be a hotelier and in particular, a General Manager?

We used to go on holidays as a Family, and stay in Hotels up and down the KZN North Coast. This is when the bug of living the Hotel life first bit.

 

Where have you served as GM thus far?

Royal Malewane, Singita Sabi Sand and Singita Kruger National Park

 

Have you had any mentor(s) along the way & how important were they to your development?

Yes, I certainly have and they were all extremely important along my journey so far. Guy Matthews, owner of The Coach House Hotel, Liz McGrath owner of The Collection by Liz McGrath, Liz Biden the owner of The Royal Portfolio and Luke Bailes, the owner of Singita.

 

Have you ever had to open a hotel or lodge and would you say that requires a unique skill set? If not, would you be interested in doing so or not?

If haven’t opened a Hotel or Lodge at this point and yes, I would enjoy the challenge of opening a new property.

 

From the first day you served as a GM, until today, you must have learnt so much. If you could share any one piece of sage guidance, to new GM’s, what would it be?

Stay true to yourself, live by your values, cherish your staff and look after your Guests like gold.

 

I imagine that being the GM of a property, in a small town, would come with different dynamics to being the GM of a property, in a big city. The same would go for managing a beach property on an island or a bush lodge in a remote corner of the world. Can you share how one adapts to managing in different locations (environments)?

Managing a Lodge is almost like being the Mayor of a small town. You need to keep your eye on the job at hand, you also need to keep an eye on the physical, emotional and mental well-being of your team. You need to understand the efficiencies of your water, electrical, solar and waste removal aspects. Being in conservation and living in a Big 5 environment, you also need to take care of wildlife in camp as well as how to promote conservation activities amongst the team. Such an exciting and challenging world to be in. No two days are the same.

 

Being the general manager of a hotel, during the Coronavirus Pandemic must have been very challenging. What was the key to survival and did you ‘gain (or learn)’ anything, from the adverse situation?

Yes, certainly learnt a huge amount. Key to survival was to think and react quickly.

 

Your favourite thing about serving, at your current post?

Seeing the delight on our Guests faces and assisting with the growth and development of the team.

How important is it, for general managers, such as yourself, to visit other properties?

Vitally important.

 

How is your establishment contributing to the greater good & making the world a better place?

We provide jobs to the communities outside of our Reserves. We have a Culinary School on property and we place at least 6-8 students into the workplace every year. We also promote conservation projects in and around our properties which include Early Childhood Development programs, Leopard Research Projects, Solar Efficiency as well as a K-9 Anti Poaching service to assist in combatting Rhino Poaching.

 

Interesting Insights about the General Manager:

 

What is your ideal or favourite vacation destination?

Umgazi River Bungalows in the Transkei. Complete switch off.

 

What is your favourite wine?

Blended Reds and chilled Rose

 

What is your favourite dish?

Crispy Lamb Chops, French Fries and a Fresh Garden Salad.

 

What favourite hidden gem, near your establishment, should we visit?

The Elephant Museum at Letaba in the Kruger is amazing. A drive up Mariepskop Mountain, near Hoedspruit. On a clear day you can see Maputo.