Following Blaauwberg Beach Hotel’s recognition as Best Luxury Sea View Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, this exclusive interview with General Manager Philippe Marechal brings deeper insight into the people behind the achievement. Led by Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, the conversation explores the philosophy, strategy, and direction guiding Blaauwberg Beach Hotel forward.

Alexander Chetchikov: As the General Manager guiding a hotel recognized as the Best Luxury Sea View Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, how do you personally define luxury in the context of today’s traveler?

Philippe Marechal: Today’s traveller values the gift of time, space, tranquillity, personalisation underpinned by tailored, intuitive and meaningful experiences.  True luxury is thoughtful, unobtrusive personalisation and a guest experience unique to our destination.

AC: What elements of your guest experience do you believe resonate most strongly with luxury-focused visitors?

PM: Our uninterrupted ocean views with the majestic Table Mountain in the horizon, beautifully, well equipped spacious rooms, and our refined culinary experiences.  Together with attentive, friendly service we create an exclusive yet deeply authentic connection to Cape Town.

AC: How does the hotel’s oceanfront location influence the level of luxury you aim to deliver?

PM: Nothing sooths the soul than the sound of the ocean. This coupled with the uninterrupted views of Cape Town, provides our guests a sense of relaxation, a sense of accomplishment and a sense of luxury.

AC: What role do wellness services, such as the in-house gym and Ohana Beauty & Wellness Spa, play in shaping the luxury offering at your property?

PM: Our in-house gym, is the perfect location for our guests to release a cocktail of feel-good chemicals that exercise provides the body, whilst taking in the panoramic views of Durbanville’s hills and Blouberg. Ohana Beauty & Wellness Spa, adds that extra touch of luxury and relaxations that one finds in a spa, completing a strong sense of peaceful tranquillity.

AC: From an industry perspective, how have you seen coastal hospitality evolve in recent years?

PM: : Coastal hospitality has shifted from offering simple beachside escapes to delivering immersive, wellness-focused, and sustainability-driven experiences. Guests now expect strong local authenticity, elevated privacy, thoughtful use of technology, and service that feels personalised yet relaxed.

AC: What operational strategies have proven most effective in maintaining guest satisfaction across both the leisure and business travel segments?

PM: Our  most effective strategies include consistent service standards, flexible and evolving flexible spaces that support both work and relaxation, meaningful personalisation, efficient Food and Beverage options and of course a strong service culture focused on guest intent.

AC: Looking ahead, what do you see as the most significant opportunities defining the future of beachfront hospitality in South Africa?

PM: The future lies in sustainable operations, authentic coastal experiences supporting the local culture and economy. Together with personalised, tech-enabled service – all anchored in the growing demand for privacy and nature-connected luxury that the beautiful, open spaces and ocean offers, is what will be the future and the growth of beachfront hospitality.

Thank you, Philippe, for sharing valuable insight into the vision and leadership behind Blaauwberg Beach Hotel’s continued success. Your perspectives offer a clearer understanding of how meaningful guest experiences are shaped along Cape Town’s iconic coastline.

Plan your stay today by visiting: https://www.blaauwbergbeachhotel.co.za/.