News

Melissa Theron (née Burns) has taken the reins as General Manager of The Plettenberg, the iconic 5-star property in Plettenberg Bay that is recognized as one of the most exclusive addresses on the Garden Route.

Theron has an impressive track record that spreads over a decade with The Liz McGrath Collection, including the last two years as General Manager of sister-hotel, The Marine in Hermanus. 

Theron first joined The Liz McGrath Collection in 2013 as Sales & Reservations Agent, from where her career blossomed, and she was promoted twice within a year to Guest Relations Manager and Front Office Manager at The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel in Cape Town. In 2017 she was promoted to Assistant General Manager at The Marine Hotel, followed by her successful appointment there in 2020 as General Manager. 

Her career in luxury hospitality first started as Functions Co-ordinator at the Peninsula All-Suite Hotel before she caught the travel bug and gained 18 months of international experience, working at country clubs in Palm Beach and Chicago (USA). Upon her return to Cape Town Melissa was appointed Reservations Agent for the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, quickly working her way up to Sales & Marketing Co-ordinator, before she took the career opportunity to join The Liz McGrath Collection. 

The Plettenberg, part of The Liz McGrath Collection, is situated on a rocky headland in one of South Africa's most spectacular beach towns. Tucked neatly into the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay boasts a year-round temperate climate, pristine beaches and dense green forests, making it the ultimate South African seaside escape. The 5-star Small Luxury Hotels of the World property has direct beach access and showcase some of the most breath-taking vistas in Southern Africa, with views of the ocean, mountains and endless stretches of golden sand. The hotel features 37 beautifully appointed guest rooms, including 12 Suites and two spectacular Villas.

Guests may enjoy world-class cuisine where deliciously fresh dishes are served in a mesmerizing seaside setting. The Sandbar is the perfect spot for pre- or post-dinner drinks, as well as tea, wine and meticulously crafted signature cocktails throughout the day. Guests may relax at one of two pools with stunning sea views, or in the Summer Lounge or Terrace, before getting pampered at the Fresh Wellness Spa, or indulging in a spot of shopping at The Collection Boutique. Whether visitors are looking for a romantic seaside escape or an action-packed family holiday, The Plettenberg is the ideal place to relax, unwind and recharge.