Lucinda van der Haer, Guest Experience Manager at Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate, infuses each visit with warmth and exceptional service.
Step into our estate, and you’ll immediately feel the warmth and meticulous care that define our guest experience. This magical touch is thanks to Lucinda van der Haer, our Guest Experience Manager with over 24 years in the hospitality industry.
Lucinda’s journey began at Liberty Life, where she was inspired by Sir Donald Gordon’s philosophy on exceptional service. Her path then led her to a pivotal role heading the hospitality division at Hotel & Operations. There, she managed student placements at top hotels and spearheaded training and consultancy projects at five-star boutique hotels, focusing on Service Excellence. This period was where Lucinda truly executed her passion for hospitality.
Her impressive career includes roles such as General Manager at Banhoek Lodge and Operations Manager at De Zeven Guest Lodge, before she brought her expertise to Vergenoegd Löw. Here, she crafts unforgettable guest experiences every day.
Her day starts with a spirited team huddle, setting a positive tone and aligning everyone with the day’s goals. From there, Lucinda dives into her diverse role, blending leadership, creativity, and exceptional service.
She’s a maestro in guest engagement, ensuring that every visitor feels valued and their needs are met. Lucinda is constantly introducing new ideas and refining services to enhance the guest experience. She leads, trains, and inspires the Tasting Room staff, setting high standards and fostering professionalism.
Lucinda’s talent for orchestrating events is second to none. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, she ensures every detail is perfect, leaving guests with unforgettable memories. She manages daily operations with precision, working closely with all departments to ensure seamless service.
Beyond operations, she plays a key role in promoting our estate, engaging with guests, and collaborating on marketing strategies. Her personal touch and ability to highlight our estate’s unique offerings are integral to our success.
A colleague sums it up perfectly: “Lucinda is the heart of our team. Her passion for hospitality is contagious, and she makes every guest feel like a VIP.”
Lucinda thrives on challenges, turning them into opportunities for excellence. “Seeing guests’ joy after a perfectly executed event makes every challenge worth it,” she says.
Her vision for Vergenoegd Löw includes elevating wine tourism, advancing sustainability, and expanding event offerings. Outside work, Lucinda enjoys exploring new places, practicing yoga, daily long walks, nature hikes, cycling, and dining with loved ones. Her positivity and attention to detail make every guest experience at our estate truly exceptional.
Lucinda isn’t just managing guest experiences – she’s creating magic and memories, one guest at a time.
