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The Commodore Hotel
The Leonardo Hotel
partner Bruno Corte, who shared a passion for hospitality and a belief that Africa deserved homegrown brands capable of competing on the global stage.
The pair had already established formidable reputations within the sector before launching Legacy in 1999. Drawing on decades of experience in hospitality, tourism, and property, they set out to create a company that would not simply manage hotels, but develop destinations and build value for guests, investors, and communities alike.
South Africa was entering a new era of growth and international tourism following the country’ s democratic transition, and the market needed operators who understood both international standards and local realities. Legacy was established through a management buyout of the operations of Stocks Hotels & Resorts, a company with roots dating back to 1984. This gave the new company a platform while allowing it to create its own identity and direction.
MORE THAN HOTELS Legacy’ s philosophy centres on its belief that hospitality is fundamentally about creating memorable experiences. Legacy describes itself as a lifestyle brand where guests can live, sleep, dine, work, and play within a connected ecosystem. This thinking has shaped everything from the design of its properties to its service culture.
In Johannesburg, Legacy is responsible for some of Sandton’ s most recognisable luxury addresses, including The Leonardo, South Africa’ s tallest building, DAVINCI Hotel & Suites, and Michelangelo
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
Over the years, that entrepreneurial approach transformed Legacy from a management company into a diversified hospitality and lifestyle group with interests spanning hotels, resorts, property development, and residential projects.
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