BLOEMFONTEIN: Nestled in the north-west of Bloemfontein, the Bloem Spa Hotel and Conference Centre celebrates its 20th anniversary under the visionary leadership of Manny and Teresa Viveiros − a milestone that reflects two decades of unparalleled hospitality and purpose-driven management.
This exquisite establishment will mark the milestone on 2 November − this being the date the current management took over in 2005.
The Bloem Spa Hotel and Conference Centre has evolved from a modest lodge into a cornerstone of luxury and community engagement, hosting countless guests from around the globe and weaving itself into the fabric of the city’s vibrant history.
When Manny and Teresa took over the establishment, it was a lodge with 42 bedrooms and a conference centre. It had a breakfast room, a large dining hall, a large conference hall, and three smaller conference rooms plus one lapa.
Since then, it has received a major facelift, transforming from a white and blue building to the colours we see now: burnt orange, beige, and caramel, along with sandstone, to bring in a natural and warm feel.
The lodge also expanded by adding 26 rooms for accommodation, which led to Bloem Spa Lodge’s name changing to Bloem Spa Hotel.
Much has been adapted and added to accommodate clients’ needs and offer value for money.
A boma area was added to the lapa to create a space guests could book for casual events, surrounded by the beauty of the landscape.
Additionally, over the years, a larger lapa was built for bigger events or conferences, accommodating up to 300 guests.
A third lapa was added to the front of the building and serves as a lounge for hotel guests.
A spacious lounge for hotel guests.
The spa has also evolved. Initially, when the business was taken over 20 years ago, the spa was closed, with only one therapist renting a space for massages. But after many requests for spa services, the spa area was renovated and reopened, offering services ranging from facials, manicures, and pedicures to massages and popular spa packages.
Just last year, the spa received another revamp to give the space a modern and serene feel.
Throughout its journey, Bloem Spa Hotel and Conference Centre has thrived amid challenges, including the economic recession and the devastating global Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The lockdown was a particularly tough time in the history of the establishment.
Post-pandemic, the hotel is still standing and offering its services to hotel guests, as well as for weddings, events and conferences.
Bloem Spa Hotel and Conference Centre is a place where lasting memories are made for guests from across the globe − reflecting its true patronage. The establishment hosted the Brazil soccer team for the 2009 Confederations Cup, and also provided accommodation for various international teams that competed in the 2010 Fifa World Cup games, hosted in Bloemfontein. These teams included the likes of the English, Nigeria, Honduras, Cameroon and Paraguay, as well as South Africa’s own Bafana Bafana.
Being able to host these diverse nations and to be recognised by Fifa – the global governing body for association football, remains a big highlight in the hotel’s years of excellent service.
Bloem Spa Hotel and Conference Centre employs over 30 capable staff members, some of whom have been with the hotel since the current management of Manny and Teresa took over.
The two decades have been crucial, and are as much of a milestone for these long-term staff as they are for the business.
To celebrate this anniversary, Bloem Spa Hotel and Conference Centre invites guests to visit the establishment: Make use of the facilities − whether for accommodation or conferences, or just dropping in for a coffee, lunch, or a spa treatment.
Bloem Spa is rewarding customers for their continued patronage as part of celebrating 20 years. The biggest prize available to win is a night’s stay in the suite, breakfast and dinner included, and the Spa Tropical Experience package.
The spa is also running a special for the month of November.
Visit Bloem Spa Hotel and Conference Centre and stand a chance to win some prizes on offer.
You must be logged in to post a comment.