Royal Portfolio | Owner, Liz Biden
Joining us today is Liz Biden, Owner of The Royal Portfolio in South Africa which includes some of the top properties in all of Africa – like The Silo in Cape Town and Royal Malewane in Sabi Sands.
Though renowned for the GORGEOUS interiors and world class guides, Liz’s hotels are really a family affair. Her husband, Phil and her son Matthew help to run the hotels – but what you may not know is that 3 of them were actually family homes before Liz got the itch to convert them!
Liz had a successful career running a fashion business in South Africa that she sold at the age of 50, and then started dabbling in hotels. Today, she’s arguably more famous for her work with these gorgeous lodges – and is well known to be one of the leading hoteliers in all of South Africa.
Liz and I discuss how she hand picks each item in all of the hotels, the family philosophy behind the brand, and some fantastic experiences you might not think of when you think about a visit to Africa.
Listen to hear:
- 03:44 – How Liz went from the fashion industry into the hospitality world
- 06:56 – About each of the properties and their location-specific ambiance
- 09:06 – Why you can discover a room full of antiques from all around the world
- 11:22 – About the unique design of Silo Hotel and the ingenious glass floor windows
- 14:53 – What the challenges of turning a business into family affair are
- 18:04 – How Liz successfully managed the business during Corona times
- 19:51 – About the fascinating story of Shane: From a waiter in Ireland to the GM of Birkenhead house
- 22:18 – What unique experiences Birkenhead House has to offer
- 26:02 – How wildlife can be fully enjoyed in the presence of professional guides and rangers
- 29:23 – About the next destination Liz is plotting to open in
- 30:50 – What will you learn about the world after visiting South Africa
Listener Exclusive Amenities
ROYAL MALEWANE | FARMSTEAD
- Complimentary upgrade (Subject to availability on check in)
- Early check in/late check out (Subject to availability)
- A gift from The Royal Portfolio to the value of $ 100
or - A $100 Donation per booking to the philanthropic, conservation and
sustainability projects of The Royal Portfolio Foundation.
LA RESIDENCE
- Complimentary upgrade (Subject to availability on check in)
- Early check in/late check out (Subject to availability)
- A $100 Resort Credit to be used against food & beverage or spa.
or - A $100 Donation per booking to the philanthropic, conservation and
sustainability projects of The Royal Portfolio Foundation.
BIRKENHEAD HOUSE
- Complimentary upgrade (Subject to availability on check in)
- Early check in/late check out (Subject to availability)
- A private Wine Tasting of the region’s wines in the Birkenhead House Cellar and
- 15% off all Spa massages
or - A $100 Donation per booking to the philanthropic, conservation and
sustainability projects of The Royal Portfolio Foundation.
THE SILO
- Complimentary upgrade (Subject to availability on check in)
- Early check in/late check out (Subject to availability)
- A $100 Resort Credit to be used against food & beverage or spa.
or - A $100 Donation per booking to the philanthropic, conservation and
sustainability projects of The Royal Portfolio Foundation.
