The founders of Mosaic Private Sanctuary on the Hermanus Lagoon – Breese and Kathryn Johnson – are very pleased to announce the ownership transfer of the five-star private getaway, Mosaic Lagoon Lodge, to long-time associate, Maryke De Villiers. Maryke will continue their vision for providing an exceptional retreat and ecological experience for guests in this beautiful Conservation Area outside of Stanford, South Africa.

A quote from Kathryn Johnson:

“Maryke De Villiers has been an important part of our Mosaic Team for over six years, and has the skills, energy and vision to maintain the excellent reputation Mosaic Lagoon Lodge has in the eco-tourism arena. Maryke will retain the highly regarded team already in place, while working to enhance guest services and facilities. It has been Maryke’s professional dream to own and run a guest lodge in the country of her birth and we are delighted with this transition, as we (Breese & I) ease into our respective business and professional retirements. She has as much passion for Mosaic and our guests as we do.”

After finishing her Bachelor of Accounting Science Degree and articles with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Maryke spent time in the United Kingdom. It was there that her love for travel, hospitality and different cultures began. After 4 years of extensive travel, she returned to South Africa to complete a curriculum in Guest House Management at the University of Cape Town. The next 10 years of Maryke’s professional career as an accountant was spent with clients mostly within the hospitality industry, including Mosaic. When the ownership opportunity of Mosaic Lagoon Lodge became an option, Maryke was ready to make her dream become a reality.

FROM THE BEGINNING: 

The Johnsons, from Tennessee, USA, bought the 1,000-hectare property in 2002, when the botanically and aesthetically unique property was being overrun by ecologically destructive invasive vegetation. Their vision from the beginning was to restore the biodiversity of the fragile ecosystem and develop guest accommodations, so that others from around the world could experience and appreciate this fascinating and gorgeous part of South Africa.

The Johnson’s mission for almost two decades has been one of renewal and restoration and are thrilled their ethos will be continued with Maryke at the helm:

• renewal for those who stay at Mosaic,
• restoration of hope and livelihoods in the local community through
• job creations and education,
• and the restoration of the eco-system of that corner of the Cape Floral Kingdom…each of which is dependent on the others.

The ownership transition commenced in October 2019 and has been gratifyingly smooth. Breese and Kathryn will continue to spend time at Mosaic but focus more time on their involvement in community upliftment projects in Stanford that Mosaic has supported and initiated.