Red Carnation Hotels

One of South Africa’s most well-respected hoteliers, Horst has more than 30 years of experience in the industry and has led many of the country’s most successful hospitality establishments. He joined the Red Carnation Hotel Collection in December 2010.

Born to German parents, Horst’s flair for languages - he is fluent in English, Afrikaans, German and French - have benefited his international career path. After completing his schooling, Horst studied hotel management in Germany and achieved two diploma qualifications.

Horst’s career has seen him working in Munich, Geneva, Namibia and South Africa. He was engaged as General Manager to open the five star Grand Roche Hotel in Paarl, a Relais& Châteaux member, and during his tenure the hotel received many notable industry awards, including the Five Star Silver Award for Exceptional Service Standards. 

With a keen love for nature, wildlife and the great outdoors, Horst has held managerial positions at the Singita Private Game Reserve in the Kruger National Park and the Singita Grumeti Reserves, Serengeti, Tanzania. Under his management, the Sasakwa Lodge was established as a Relais& Châteaux member.

Before accepting his current managerial role at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Horst managed, since its establishment, the 36 room Asara Wine Estate & Hotel in Stellenbosch.

hfrehse@12apostles.co.za     T: +27 21 437 9061

My early career culminated at the Royal Hotel, Durban where I worked in both Food & Beverage as Royal Coffee Shop Manager and later in the Rooms Division team.

Fortune then took me overseas to The Dorchester in London where I spent 8 incredible years in a variety of positions. I left The Dorchester as the Assistant Front Office Manager with a wealth of irreplaceable operational and management experience.

The industry then took my family to Gleneagles Hotel and Golf Resort, Scotland. I joined as their Front of House Manager and then as Operations Manager, Special Projects. During this time I was able to broaden my experience in all aspects of a multifaceted resort operation.

The draw of South Africa and our heritage brought us home to The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. In the Twelve Apostles, I believe exists the unique character that I have experienced in other top Hotels around the world. The Hotel, the setting but most importantly the staff, is something I am proud to be associated with. I encourage you to join us and become part of our family.

bdavidge@12apostles.co.za  T: +27 21 437 9014 

At the age of 23 during his education in Engineering, Grobbelaar realised his real passion was with the science of seasoning rather than combining synthetic polymers. He swiftly changed his career path and started peeling vegetables for three years at the Erinvale Golf Estate in Somerset West under the leadership of Australian Chef Michael Bridgeman. There he soaked up the expertise bestowed by his mentor, leading him to win first place in the National Salon Culinaire Competition in 2004.

After a short stint catering for millionaire clients on their luxury yachts in the US, he returned to South Africa to train with legendary Garth Stroebel and Paul Hartmann at their Chef's Academy. As his love affair with food went into high gear, his skills became noticed with numerous awards and enviable posts including Sunday Times South Africa Chef of the Year 2009 - San Pellegrino International Young Chef of the Year 2009, and nominated as one of the 35 Men of Influence by GQ Magazine South Africa 2009.

During The 2010 FIFA World Cup he held the position as Executive Chef overseeing ten stadiums, where over 660 VIPs at each game enjoyed one of his seven rotational menus. If serving soccer lovers and legends wasn't enough, he was then awarded another sporting position in 2010 as Team Captain of the South African Culinary Olympic Team.

hgrobbelaar@12apostles.co.za    T: +27 21 437 9000

Nicole, who has been with The Red Carnation Group for the past nine years, brings both operational and sales experience to her new role as Sales Manager.  In May 2008 she was promoted to Guest Relation Manager of The Twelve Apostles Hotel, specifically looking after in a sales capacity the Key Consortia Relationships with large corporates such as Virtuoso and American Express, before becoming Assistant Sales and Marketing manager in 2009.

nsmith@12apostles.co.za  T: +27 21 437 9092 

It all started 5 years ago in London, where I gained most of my experience. Having worked in both front of house, with our guests directly and behind the scenes as reservations manager, I know exactly how important first impressions are. As the first port of call, my team and I will endeavour to make your stay at the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa an effortless and unforgettable experience.

mnel@12apostles.co.za   T: +27 21 437 9090      

Gregory is a diploma graduate from the Cape Wine Academy, Mutambe was named by the academy’s principal as one of the most talented students in his class. Mutambe started his career working as a cellar-hand in a Zimbabwean winery, after which he trained and worked in a Johannesburg restaurant and, most recently, as the Sommelier at the Vineyard Hotel and Spa in Cape Town. He will be advising diners in the Twelve Apostles Hotel’s Azure Restaurant on the ideal wine pairing during meals, working closely with Executive Chef, Henrico Grobbelaar.

sommelier@12apostles.co.za

I started my career in the hospitality industry in 1998 when I was privileged enough to be part of the opening team of Walt Disney World’s 4th Theme Park in Orlando, Florida – Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  After returning from the US in 2000, I took up a position as Front Office Agent at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town.  After 5 and a half years, during which I held a variety of different positions – including Front Office Manager – in October 2005 I embarked on an 18-month sabbatical in the UK.  I joined the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in June 2007 in the position of Duty Manager.  Hard work always pays off and I was promoted to the position of Front Office Manager in May 2008.  My team and I look forward to welcoming you to The Twelve Apostles Hotel in the near future where no request is too large and no detail too small.

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Ami joined The Red Carnation Hotel Collection South Africa in May 2010, bringing a wealth of sales experience to her role as International Sales Manager for UK, Ireland and Benelux.  Prior to joining, she worked within leading international luxury hotel brands such as Raffles and Mandarin Oriental, and also brings with her a number of years in hi-end tour operating. Her experience in trade and front line consumer sales give her a well rounded knowledge in the luxury sector.

aneve@rchmail.com

I was born and raised in Durban, South Africa and completed my university education in Johannesburg. Since my Father was from Cape Town, I spent many wonderful days in awe of the scenery in this magic city. I immigrated to the United States in 1978 with my husband and son and my passion for my homeland was channeled into the Travel Industry. I worked as a travel agent for 19 years, promoting tourism to Southern Africa. In January 2000, South African Airways began service from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Atlanta and I was appointed the Station Manager of the Atlanta operation. When SAA ceased this service 7 years later, I was honored to be appointed as the US Sales and Marketing representative for The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. The Twelve Apostles encompasses the beauty and views of Cape Town – and what a privilege it is to sell such a magnificent property in such a spectacular location. This sophisticated, boutique property offers mountains and ocean in the same vista and easy proximity to all the attractions of Cape Town and its environs.

TwelveApostles@mac.com