Dune Ridge Country House – St Francis Bay, South Africa

An interview with the owner, Sarah Jane Love of Dune Ridge Guest House Situated in St Francis Bay, South Africa

Welcome to Dune Ridge Country House

Rael Zieve: Hi, Sara, and welcome to the show.

Sara Jane Love: Thanks so much for having me.

Rael Zieve: You have such a beautiful guest house in St. Francis Bay, South Africa. What brings you to the UK?

Sara Jane Love: Well, my husband was presented with an opportunity to work here, so we decided to travel a bit while keeping Dune Ridge Country House in St Francis Bay running. I’m also using this time to promote the guest house abroad.

Introduction

Rael Zieve: For those who haven’t visited your website, can you tell us what guests can expect at Dune Ridge Country House?

Sara Jane Love: Dune Ridge is set on a 4,500-hectare nature reserve, offering a protected coastal bush experience. We strive to create a sustainable environment. We have our own chickens, and our gardens supply fresh produce for our kitchen. I’m passionate about cooking, so food and attention to detail are key elements of our offering. Guests enjoy a personalized experience that focuses on quality and sustainability.

Rael Zieve: Are you rated 4 or 5 stars?

Sara Jane Love: We’re a 4-star rated guest house, but we provide a 5-star experience. Our focus is on making every guest feel special.

Rael Zieve: For people unfamiliar with St. Francis Bay, how do they get there, considering there isn’t an international airport?

Sara Jane Love: Many of our guests are self-driving. Most fly into Cape Town and then drive along the Garden Route. They often spend two or three nights with us before heading to other attractions like the malaria-free game reserves or Addo National Park. St. Francis Bay is a great base for exploring the region.

Golfing from Dune Ridge Country House

Rael Zieve: Are golfers a significant part of your guest profile, given St. Francis Bay’s famous Links Golf Course?

Sara Jane Love: Absolutely. The Links is one of the top courses in South Africa and attracts PGA tours and golf enthusiasts. Many of our guests come for the golf and use Dune Ridge Country House as a base. They may spend several weeks traveling the Garden Route, playing at different courses, and returning to us between rounds. We also have many repeat guests who book with us annually for golf and relaxation.

Rael Zieve: Are you affiliated with the golf course for booking tee times?

Sara Jane Love: Yes, we offer preferential rates for our guests at the Links Golf Course. It’s one of the perks of staying with us, and they save by booking through Dune Ridge Country House.

Accommodation at Dune Ridge Country House

Rael Zieve: How many guests can Dune Ridge Country House accommodate? Could larger groups, like a golfing party, stay with you?

Sara Jane Love: We can accommodate up to 16 guests. For larger groups, we’ve had families and groups of friends, such as a recent booking from New Zealand, who reserved the entire guest house. We offer a range of rooms, including a spacious family cottage, as well as smaller cottages and suites. We also have garden suites that can accommodate children with extra beds.

Rael Zieve: You mentioned growing your own produce. Are you involved in any community initiatives?

Sara Jane Love: Yes, we aim to give back to the community. For instance, our staff can take surplus vegetables from our garden home for their families. We also train local people to develop skills, helping them secure better employment opportunities. Recently, a young man we trained landed a permanent job at a local farm, which is something we’re really proud of.

Rael Zieve: What are your peak and off-peak seasons in St. Francis Bay?

Sara Jane Love: Our high season runs from November to just after Easter, with peak months in December and January, when the weather is perfect. However, many people don’t realize that St. Francis Bay has beautiful winters. It’s a hidden gem during those months, with sunny days and minimal wind, making it perfect for beach walks. The quieter winter months offer a unique and peaceful experience.

Rael Zieve: How do you manage guest expectations, especially with people staying for shorter periods?

Sara Jane Love: We work with other local providers to offer guests a variety of activities, including whale watching, deep-sea fishing, and golf. Many people use Dune Ridge Country House as a base to explore the area. We also collaborate with the Links Golf Course and other businesses to offer tailored experiences for our guests, whether they’re visiting for a wedding, golf, or simply to relax.

Tourism

Rael Zieve: How do you see the tourism sector evolving in South Africa, particularly in St. Francis Bay?

Sara Jane Love: South Africa remains a highly desirable destination, but there are challenges, especially in terms of safety perceptions. The tourism industry is growing, but the UK market, for instance, remains cautious. However, St. Francis Bay is increasingly popular, with more visitors discovering its charm. We’re optimistic about the future of the area.

Rael Zieve: How do guests provide feedback about their experience at Dune Ridge Country House?

Sara Jane Love: After each stay, we send a guest review form where visitors can rate their experience and provide detailed feedback. We value this input as it helps us continually improve and maintain our high standards.

Rael Zieve: What motivates you personally in the hospitality industry?

Sara Jane Love: My passion is hospitality, especially working with international guests. South Africans often take our beautiful country for granted, but when internationals visit and express their love for South Africa, it’s incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy making great food for our guests and seeing them leave satisfied and eager to return. Having a wonderful team at Dune Ridge Country House also drives me. Their enthusiasm and passion for hospitality are what make our guest house truly special.

Rael Zieve: Do you have a favorite travel destination?

Sara Jane Love: Africa holds a special place in my heart. I traveled through Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique, where I camped under the stars in Botswana. It was a magical experience—peaceful, with no distractions except the sounds of nature. The warmth of the people and the raw beauty of the landscapes stay with me.

Giveaway and Prize at Dune Ridge Country House

Rael Zieve: Are there any special offers or promotions at Dune Ridge Country House you’d like to share?

Sara Jane Love: Yes, we offer bespoke wedding packages, including elopements in our beautiful garden. We also have a special promotion: a two-night stay, complete with dinner on arrival and a bottle of delicious South African wine, for those who’d like to experience Dune Ridge.

Rael Zieve: That’s a very generous offer, Sara. Thanks again for joining us, and best of luck with Dune Ridge Country House!

Sara Jane Love: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.

Rael Zieve: Today we were chatting with Sara Jane Love. Do not forget that awesome prize giveaway from Dune Ridge .

Interested in finding out more about great deals to South Africa, please feel free to email rael@wildsunsets.travel or check out some of our specials at www.wildsunsets.travel