Grant Raubenheimer Appointed GM Lilianfels Blue Mountains in Australia
MARCH 13, 2009 - After five years as Hotel Manager at Orient-Express Hotels' Sydney property, The Observatory Hotel, Grant Raubenheimer has taken over the helm of the group's regional New South Wales resort, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa.
With twenty-five years hospitality experience and worldwide positions spanning from his home continent of Africa with Zimbabwe Sun Hotels to the far corners of Europe with the Intercontinental Hotel Group, Grant brings with him a wealth of industry and international knowledge.
"They say a change is as good as a vacation and while the new mountain scenery certainly lends itself to the old clich'e, these are challenging times and the tourism industry environment is rapidly changing to adapt so the rest and relaxation element of a 'vacation' is certainly on hold for the moment." Grant said. "But of course, we hope the 'Staycationers' have time to plan their holidays."
Grant's GM appointment is a result of former manager, Robyn Pontynen's decision to leave the Blue Mountains after her six year stint, venturing across continents to manage Orient-Express's Khawi River Lodge in Botswana. And with Robyn heading to Grant's homeland, there was certain to be a few tips that the General Managers had for each other.
"I gave Robyn my tips for staring down certain members of the big five and she had her own wildlife tips for me such as avoiding koalas and kangaroos when driving home late at night." Grant mused. "On a serious note, during her time at the resort, Robyn and the team have been responsible for the positioning of Lilianfels as the most luxurious property in Australia and I am really excited to continue from where she left off."
This year, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa was welcomed into the Weekend Australian's Travel & Leisure Awards Winning Circle after scooping the Best Luxury Award twice consecutively and is current title holder of the AHA's award of the same title. Readers of the prestigious US Conde Nast Traveller also rated Lilianfels naming it Best for Food in the Asia Pacific region.
For more information on Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, visit www.lilianfels.com.au.
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