Traveler Magazine AHSpring2019 | Page 42

40 ROYAL PORTFOLIO R E T H I N K I N G T H E GU EST EXPERIENCE TRAVELERS ARE INCREASINGLY LOOKING FOR MEANINGFUL, PERSONAL EXPERIENCES. THE CLASSIC ELEMENTS OF LUXURY ARE A GIVEN; WHAT OUR GUESTS SEEK IS A CONNECTION WITH THE DESTINATION. THIS IS WHAT WE FOCUS ON AT OUR PROPERTIES: THE GUEST EXPERIENCE.” LIZ BIDEN, OWNER OF ROYAL PORTFOLIO Twenty years ago, when Liz Biden decided to turn her beloved vacation home in the African bush into a luxury safari lodge, she had no idea she was starting what would become a family empire. She did know, however, that she wanted her commitment to be based on genuine hospitality and a dedication to sharing the country she loved with others. Today, this tradition continues in the form of the Royal Portfolio, a collection of iconic hotels throughout South Africa that includes the Royal Malewane in Kruger National Park, Birkenhead House in Hermanus, La Residence in the wine country of Franschhoek, and The Silo in Cape Town. These diverse properties are renowned among luxury travelers for their warm hospitality, impeccable design and memorable destination-specific experiences. At the heart of the Royal Portfolio’s success is the Biden family’s commitment to a set of tightly held ideals: give guests a complete experience and a perfect stay. While this might sound simplistic, it embodies a long list of values that are woven into every interaction between guests and staff, setting a new standard of hospitality for hotels around the world. PHOTOS TOP: THE SILO IN CAPE TOWN B O T T O M : P R I VAT E P O O L W I T H B E A C H V I E W AT B I R K E N H E A D H O U S E SPRING | 2019 C O N TACT YO U R T R AV E L A DV I S O R TO DAY