Management

Gideon went to school at DF Malan High in Bellville and went on to study for a National Certificate in Hotel Management from Granger Bay Hotel School in 1999. He worked at various 5 Star boutique hotels and wine estates in South Africa but then spread his wings and spent time in Dublin, working at 4 Star historic hotels and in Galway at a 5 Star historic hotel for another two years, in various roles. Gideon has been with Village & Life since March 2006, starting as Assistant Front Office Manager and spends much of his off time enjoying the outdoors by camping and as a co-driver on 4x4 routes. He also appreciates his friends and family and has recently started to enjoy gardening and renovating his house in the Boland.

Charmaine grew up in Port Elizabeth and matriculated at DF Malherbe High School thereafter she completed a diploma in Public Relations Management at the Port Elizabeth Technikon. She then travelled to America and worked as an Aupair for a year. After America, Charmaine moved to the UK where she worked in London hotels for 6 years in various positions. She then decided to travel more and took a position as Cabin Crew for a Middle Eastern airline for another 4 years. Charmaine returned to South Africa recently and joined Village & Life as Duty Manager at the beginning of May 2010. She enjoys movies, travel, socialising and long walks on the beach.

Robyn grew up in Langebaan and attended Paarl Girls High School in the Boland as a boarder. After matric, she completed her diploma in professional cookery. She then worked at overture as head of pastry. After working there she opened a coffee shop in Langebaan before moving to Cape Town.  Robyn joined Village & Life at the beginning of February 2010 as the manager of The Charles before moving to the retreat as the Chef. She lives in Green point with her cat (Mawu) and enjoys water sports, art and all things cultural.

+27 (0) 79 881 5140

Carla was born in Cape Town and matriculated at Ned Doman Senior Secondary School. She worked from 1998 – 2004 in Time Share sales at Club Resorts International, joining Village & Life in March 2004. Carla started off as a receptionist for one and a half years and she is now settled in the reservations department. Carla likes to unwind by socializing after a hard day’s work.

Shiella is originally from the Village of Willowvale in the Eastern Cape. Upon completing her tertiary studies at Mposolo High School, she went to work in Butterworth in the Transkei at a knitting factory as a machinist, and later joined Val-Hau Clothing in Cape Town, in the same capacity. In 1999, Sheila met the owner of Village & Life and became a registered employee in 2000.  Mother and grandmother of two, respectively, Sheila is passionate about rugby and Gospel.

Tauriq is a resident of Micheals Plain in Cape Town. After matriculating at Aloe High School where he excelled in club rugby, Tauriq joined the navy in Simons Town. His navy career was shortened due to a hip injury and upon returning, he studied furniture restoration. In 2008, he joined Village & Life in the maintenance department, where his love for antiques and woodwork is observed in his everyday activities.

Dayyaan grew up in Westridge; Mitchell’s Plain and attended Westridge High School. After matric, he enrolled at Cape Peninsula University of Technology and studied towards a qualification in Internal Auditing. He pursued a career in accounting and worked at MWEB for over 3 years while studying part-time towards a qualification in Forensic Examinations at the University Of Western Cape. After working in accounting, he decided to work from home in the sales industry and submerged himself in personal development training and literature. Dayyaan joined Village & Life in May 2010 as the Hotel Accountant. He lives in Eerste River with his wife and coaches a senior cricket team; he is also a soccer fanatic whom supports Manchester United. Dayyaan plays baseball and was the Junior Western Province and South African Schools coach from 2001 – 2005.

Alastair is originally from Natal and after matriculating at Tygerberg he went on to complete his three year Higher Diploma in Hospitality Management in Cape Town.  His work experience includes a hotel group in Natal, his own catering-related business, his family's boutique hotel and also running Theo's in Mouille Point for a number of months. Alastair originates from a family of hoteliers, with his parents, grand parents and great-grand parents all being involved in the hospitality industry. Alastair has been with Village & Life for 2 years. His personal motto is “Carpe Diem,” meaning “Seize the day,” as that is how he feels everyday, and believes that such a motto will go far to inspire success in the dynamic team of spirited individuals he works with at Village & Life.