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Through My Eyes

Through My Eyes

Author: Kasia Yoko
Date: 2014-04-25
What beautiful weather we had this Easter, its rare to have sunshine for Easter, normally Easter brings along a sombre atmosphere not only because of its historical sadness but I guess it has something to do with the changing season.

Having not fully recovered from my flu and feeling wretched, I had no choice but to put on my best face and carry on. Eric, my 91 year old father in law was visiting from Gauteng and he was chirpy and fine, so who am I to complain about a sore throat and aching bones.

We were debating where to go, with an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair who had his heart set on a traditional Durban mutton curry, we opted for the Beverly Hills Hotel. We could not ask for better service and for those brief hours that we sat on the terrace watching the waves crashing on the shore, I forgot all about the runny nose and sweaty brow and allowed the smiling staff to take care of our every need.

There was a celebration taking place everywhere we turned at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The Bev, as it is affectionately called by many, is celebrating its fiftieth birthday and there is an undeniable festive vibe flowing through its lounges, dinning rooms and hallways. The music is slightly louder and more upbeat, the staff jovial and attentive and it certainly rubs off on the guests.

The hotel was buzzing with activities. It's as if everyone was celebrating, Eric had a big smile on his face, and he remembers when the hotel first opened and the grandeur it brought to Umhlanga, being the first hotel of its kind to open on the east coast.

Most people I know have a special memory that revolves around the Beverly Hills Hotel. We have had some wild parties, honeymoons, engagements, celebrating our successes and milestones. With each passing year the hotel became a platinum member of my memory bank, adding more recollections to the library of my life.

It's true, the last thing I wanted to do on this Easter morning was to go out in public. However as soon as I sat down I was made to feel like a long lost relative and Eric, who just recently started to use the wheel chair due to his knees, was helped effortlessly into his new mode of transport right at the front door.

The GM John de Canna is the big influence behind the Beverly Hills recent success. He knows all about five star service and the expectation of his guests, John has been in the hospitality game for almost as long as the Beverly Hills Hotel and together with the debonair Frank Rubino, the F&B manager and veteran executive chef Tony Kocke, they have a winning formula that makes their visitors comfortable and happy and keeps them coming back for more.

While sitting on the terrace and watching the waves frothing onto the golden sands my father in law looked up and said something like, "Look how fast the time is flying by, it was like yesterday when this place opened. Any day now we will be getting ready for Christmas and preparing for 2015, how time flies?!"

Its true time waits for no man, but don't waste a moment on sentiments and regretslive today even if you don't feel like celebrating, make a conscious decision to create memories that will keep your grandchildren entertained in your old age. Hope you're having fun on this beautiful April day.