31 August 2024

Blue Marlin upgrade includes deeper investment in local community

The iconic Blue Marlin Hotel on KwaZulu Natal’s south coast is set to reopen its doors — this time, as the Blue Marlin All-Inclusive Seascape — just in time for spring. On 1 September, the newly refurbished hotel owned by Dream Hotels & Resorts, will begin a new era in its already established and impressive history. Local and international travellers can look forward to a totally transformed, all-inclusive property, following extensive renovations across its spa, pool, dining and entertainment areas. More activities have been added for the whole family, and there’s a brand new kids programme and revamped kids entertainment area.

In addition to enhancing the experience of their guests, the team has prioritised the hotel’s position within the broader Scottburgh community. For over 70 years, the Blue Marlin has been an integral part of Scottburgh’s tourism ecosystem — a haven for visitors who return time and again to experience the area’s natural beauty. While its community development work has been ongoing for years, the team has sought to engage with a broader range of organisations, in an effort to ensure that its work extends beyond its immediate boundary.

“We’re proud to partner with several critical organisations that help to care for Scottburgh’s people and natural environment,” says Blue Marlin Custodian Goodman Ncobeni. “We have established a close partnership with Keep Scottburgh Beautiful, a local non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and enhancing the area’s wilderness. Their work includes beach clean-ups, tree-planting initiatives, and public education and awareness campaigns. We assist by regularly organising and overseeing clean-ups of our local beaches.”

The Blue Marlin also helps maintain the T.C. Robertson Nature Reserve, an area of important beauty and biodiversity and a favoured picnic spot. And it has developed a relationship with the Jabulani Creche, a care centre and pre-primary school in Kelso, just south of Scottburgh. “We have donated stationery and gifts to the Jabulani Creche and built a jungle gym on site,” says Ncobeni.

In putting its community development work front and centre, the Blue Marlin, is not unlike others in the Dream Hotels portfolio. “Integrating into our communities in a sustainable and relevant manner is an essential part of how we work,” says Chris Snyman, Dream Hotels’ Chief Development Officer. “We believe that our work doesn’t exist in isolation, and that we have a responsibility to contribute positively and productively to the communities and environments in which we operate.”

“If you have an impactful business within a community, you have a responsibility to look out for everyone, not just your guests,” Ncobeni explains. “Scottburgh’s local residents and countryside directly affect the future of the Blue Marlin. And our success in turn affects the people we employ, the local NPOs we partner with and the guests we serve. Nurturing strong and healthy relationships with our communities ultimately leads to a sustainable tourism industry brimming with opportunities. ”

The revamped Blue Marlin will feature two new, large swimming pools, a pool area bar and outdoor firepit, an Adventure Golf course, a dive centre, a kids’ club for toddlers through to teenagers, and an adults-only spa and gym area. The restaurant and terrace will boast themed cuisine evenings and regular entertainment. As an all-inclusive property, packages will cover accommodation, dining, beverages, and various activities, making it an ideal choice for families, conferences, or anyone looking to manage their budget upfront.

“Our renovations are designed to offer our guests everything they need, whether they’re looking for on-site activities or off-site excursions,” Snyman adds. “We’ve also spent a considerable amount of time training and upskilling our team members to ensure they know exactly how to meet the needs of our guests.”

Together with its broader investment in Scottburgh, the Blue Marlin All-Inclusive Seascape is set to be an integral part of the area, from both a tourism and community development perspective. Learn more about the Blue Marlin All-Inclusive Seascape here.