Meet our bubbly hotel lodge manager

With an innate love for people, Sodwana Bay Lodge’s hotel manager Didi Kriek loves the guest interaction. ‘What I particularly enjoy is handling all aspects to ensure that guests have a memorable visit: from hotel reservations to booking their various activities – be it diving, fishing, whale watching or turtle tours. When guests leave happy, I’m happy. And any subsequent compliments are appreciated sincerely.’

Didi is on duty from 7h00 until 15h00 and enjoys every minute. ‘Sometimes it’s a bit taxing when multiple bookings happen all at once, but at the end of the day, it gives me great satisfaction when all the boxes have been ticked,’ she said.

What helps too, is that Didi is passionate about the sea. ‘Being a snorkeller and ardent angler, the sea is my happy place. I also have a daughter who’s doing a diving instructors' course, so I support her wholeheartedly in this endeavour.’

She’s already 13 months into the job and considers it the highlight of her career thus far. ‘We have a great team and our boss, Richard, is a pleasure to work with.’

After hours, Didi and her partner Shannon (who’s the branch manager of Build It in Mbazwana) love spending time with the five daughters they have between them and pet Yorkie Maya. ‘That is a full time job in itself!’ The couple is also involved with many community projects.

Didi’s favourite food is seafood and her signature drink is a dry martini.