Page 81 - KZN Top Business Portfolio - EBOOK 2019

Chief Executive at the Coastlands Hotels When it comes to what inspires Naidu in this
and Resorts business, he says, “What inspires me the most is
employing people, we employ around 800 people
today and that helps put food on the table for about
AANTHA NAIDU says he got into the 5000 people - that inspires me a lot.”
hospitality industry by accident 25 years ago,
when in 1993, a number of entrepreneurs He says the hospitality industry is very challenging
Sincluding him, acquired a holiday apartment and getting into it was difficult. Coastlands Hotels
building on Durban’s Golden Mile, the Coastlands and Resorts was one of the first non-white groups
Durban Hotel and Self-Catering apartments. to get into 4-star hotels and build them to the
scale that they are today, and the group enjoys this
During 2007, the SNG group identified a site process a lot.
on the popular Ridge Road (now Peter Mokaba
Road) in Musgrave to develop upmarket residential Naidu says he has been successful because of the
apartments. However, during the construction phase people he has around him, “Firstly, I have a lovely
it was decided to adapt this building according to family who support me, and secondly, I have staff that
the requirements of a hotel, which then opened as a been with us over 25 years. My success is basically
four-star graded hotel in November 2009. because of the people around me.” He says that his
staff are part of the family and that there is nothing
One year later, November 2010, saw the launch that they do without first discussing decisions with
of another four-star Coastlands Hotel situated on senior management. “I do not do anything without
the Umhlanga Ridge, a booming corporate and other people’s advice. We are there to learn from
leisure node. others and I believe that others can teach us.”
In 2015, Coastlands Hotels and Resorts added For him service is the most important thing in
the iconic Royal Hotel to its portfolio. In respect of the hospitality industry. “Details, making sure
the Royal Hotel, Naidu said, “Owning the property the customers come first, treating them with the
is something we are excited about, It is a place of utmost respect, giving them what they deserve.” He
historical value that everyone can relate to.” says they try to give the ‘home away from home’
experience for their customers.
Coastlands Hotels and Resorts has also acquired
apartments in Umdloti and on KwaZulu-Natal’s Naidu has a wife and four children; all his
most prestigious Zimbali golf and lifestyle estate. children are involved in the business and he says
The SNG Group is currently developing a billion- they have a fantastic relationship where they are
rand-plus luxurious development, The Skye. very open, and they have discussions on every
Located at Ridgeside, Umhlanga, this will be a aspect regarding the business.
mixed-use space comprising residential, retail and When it comes to after hours, he says that exercise
a hotel. Naidu says his vision for The Skye is to have is very important to him and he really enjoys walks
multiple generations living upstairs and working on the beach in his spare time. Naidoo gets up at
downstairs, with shopping facilities and restaurants 5.30 every morning and walks on the beach and
closing the experiential loop. back home by 7am and he works a good 10 to
11 hours a day.
“It is all about creating the perfect lifestyle living
environment into which people can retire. And He also enjoys listening to good music and spending
even though our demographic includes retirees time with his grandchildren.
and those approaching retirement age, The His advice to people, “Work hard, be honest and
Skye is not an oldage home. Instead, it provides sincere, put others first before yourself.” He says,
families of all ages with a welcoming child- “Serve the people around you, do what is best for
friendly environment underpinned by world-class everybody, you must be able to sleep at night with
security measures.” no regrets.”

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