Why Areena is the place, where families meet

This weekend, East London’s very own; Areena Riverside Resort was selected as one of the top five resorts in South Africa and just received four international awards from HAUTE GRANDEUR (Best Hideaway resort, Best family resort, Best Eco-Friendly resort, Best serviced apartments). This is an incredible achievement and prestigious honour for the Areena Family, head by Ed Rathbone who has grown a picturesque riverside farm into a sought after family escape for many.

Over 30 years ago, Ed saw incredible potential in the farm whilst courting his beloved Karen (wife and partner at Areena) and started off with a small caravan and camping resort with only 30 sites.

“The amazing location of our resort is what makes Areena unique. Our valley is a peaceful haven of wildlife and birds, set along the Kwelera River, and there is no place like it” expressed Ed.

The resort continued to grow from there and now features 110 sites for camping and caravanning, self catering accommodation and so much more. According to Ed, Areena became the best place to raise his family.

“Watching guests who were once children at the resort return with their families has proven to be the most rewarding and inspiring element of the business” Ed continued.

“Meeting all the guests that visit Areena, and being able to share or hear about their incredible experiences at our very own resort, has proven to be my favourite part about Areena” shared Ed.

According to Ed, continuous hard work and the family based culture of Areena is what contributes to its success.

“We have put in a lot of hard work, offering a consistency in service, and we follow a vision of maintaining what we have and improving where we can. We offer a family resort that is safe, clean, family focused, and featuring many products that will keep our guests active if that is what they are seeking, or indulge in a scrumptious meal at the Areena Quays restaurant, escape to our Areena Spa, or simply enjoy the resorts stunning setting… regardless, our staff will make it happen”

Ed loves working with his awesome team, taking in the beautiful setting of the resort, watching the animals roam about and hearing the call of the resident fish eagle all contribute to why Areena is home to so many.

“Areena is a safe environment for families to enjoy and play together in a beautiful holistic valley, with a river and a game reserve”, continues Ed, “we also try to keep up with what our guests are seeking from a holiday resort”.

Family is everything. The Areena brand has certainly grown over the past three decades into its new title as one of the top five resorts in South Africa, but what is important is that Ed did not do it on his own.

“Areena is very much a family business running a family resort, and I think of all my staff as my extended family, and I treat them like family, and I want each of them to think of Areena as their own” shared Ed.

All Areena Riverside Resort’s staff have bought into the Areena vision and continue to work towards a united goal of making the resort the best is possibly can be. There are many recipes for success, but according to Ed, their recipe is pretty plain and simple – hard work, passion, dedication and consistency of the brand that is. Areena.

Article & Pictures:  Hype PR