BACKGROUND & JOURNEY

Today marks a decade of learning, growth and inspiration…

1 September 2009 in our humbling beginnings we opened our first property named iLawu B and B in Scottsville. Little did we know that was to be the beginning of an exciting journey. In this ever-challenging hospitality industry, we now command a footprint in three out of the top 5 towns in KwaZulu Natal namely Newcastle, Vryheid and Pietermaritzburg – with three properties strategically located across the capital city Pietermaritzburg.

The DNA of iLawu Hospitality Group has, from the very beginning been about breaking boundaries. See, as a 100% Black Owned Hospitality Group we then set out to break barriers. We did this by opening a boutique hotel – iLawu Boutique Hotel in Prestbury which is a stone throw from the iconic The National Botanical Gardens – in the capital city of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.

We didn’t stop there we set out to expand our brand to the very heart of the capital city, bringing you iLawu Inn – situated in the central business district of Pietermaritzburg. Inspired by our customers and the industry ever revolutionary demands we progressed to the next level by providing a space for shared food, shared drinks and shared memories, called Botanic Restaurants in most of properties.

Even that didn’t make us comfortable, we took our vision and brand deeper in-land of the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The result was the inception of two premium establishments. One being iLawu Lodge in Newcastle and the second being iLawu Boutique Lodge in Vryheid. Many would say this is enough many would say we have reached success however, at iLawu Hospitality Group we understand one thing and that is growth inspires change. Which is why we have been inspired to introduce a new world of possibility.

OUR GROWTH HAS INSPIRED CHANGE

Our growth comes with our customers’ needs in mind. To start-off, as of October 2019 we are officially closing our iLawu Boutique Hotel in Prestbury as our lease has come to an end and our ever-loyal customers are now looking for something current, exciting and convenient.

We are instead launching a premium travelling experiences that are best suited for the modern traveler:

• With Botanic Apartments by iLawu: We offer modern fully furnished, self-catering living spaces and luxurious event hosting facilities.
• With an estimated cost of more than R6 million work is currently underway as we are re-designing and revamping iLawu Inn. Which is our property in the heart of the capital city of Pietermaritzburg to revolutionize the working environment by providing shared workspaces. With our exciting new lobby, fine dining restaurant, café which will be offering delicate confectionary and premium coffee, wellness centre, and accommodation suitable for the corporate traveler which will offer nothing less than luxury modern living spaces called The Inn by iLawu.
• Lastly but not least, we are excited in the anticipated completion of our President Boutique Lodge 200-seater conference and wedding venue in Vryheid with an estimated value more than R4 million.

You see, the higher you go, your perspective changes. Growth Inspires Change.