About

I traveled the world extensively for 3 years after graduating from University in both Montreal and Amsterdam. Travelling has been a passion for me, ever since I was able to move! Born in Holland, I traveled during my studies a lot throughout most of Europe and North America. In 2000, on my way back from Australia to Europe, I visited South Africa for the first time and was immediately stunned by the beauty of the country and its people. I nevertheless decided to settle in Amsterdam for a whole 3 years before I moved to Cape Town with my very good friend Leen Filius to start a restaurant. In October 2003 Manolo restaurant opened its doors in buzzling Kloof Street in the centre of Cape Town. The 120 seating restaurants was immediately a big success and did set new standards in South Africa. In 2006 Leen and I decided to buy a house and start a guesthouse. This was the beginning of 2 hectic years to build a guesthouse and run a large restaurant. Boutique Manolo, the name of our guesthouse, opened its doors at the end of 2007. A few months later we were able to sell the restaurant and we then focused on the guesthouse. The hip and very centrally located Boutique Manolo became a regular address for many returning guests. The exclusive 5 rooms-only luxury house was on the slopes of the mountain in the city bowl of Cape Town.