Bouchard Finlayson
Hermanus, Western Cape
A vineyard between heaven & earth
Cradled amid the hills of the Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) valley,
Bouchard Finlayson is widely acclaimed as one of South Africa’s leading boutique wine cellars.
With a terroir defined by both ancient soils and a cool maritime climate, the vineyards of Bouchard Finlayson are famous for producing award-winning
Pinot Noir, elegant Chardonnay and terroir-driven Sauvignon Blanc, while inspired blends showcase the depth of skill and innovation in our winemaking team.
The Bouchard Finlayson cellar is conveniently located a scenic 90 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, close to the world-famous whale-watching centre of Hermanus.
Alex & Jack Mackenzie
General Managers
amackenzie@rchmail.com, jmackenzie@rchmail.comAs the General Managers at Summer Lodge, we are privileged to lead an exceptional team in such a beautiful part of the world. The wellbeing of our guests and teams is our highest priority and our guests tell us that Summer Lodge is a haven of relaxation and the ultimate place to escape to. We look forward to welcoming you to Dorset very soon.
Tristan Bellinger
Deputy General Manager
tbellinger@rchmail.comWith dual French and British nationality, I have always enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life. After my MBA, I worked in a 3 Michelin Star restaurant in France before joining Red Carnation Hotels in 2017 at Ashford Castle in Ireland. I am ecstatic to become Deputy General Manager at Summer Lodge in the beautiful region of Dorset. Myself and my dedicated team will look after your every wish and I look forward to personally welcoming you to your “home away from home”.
Steven Titman
Executive Head Chef
stitman@rchmail.comI am delighted to work in the heart of the Dorset countryside and to have the freshest, sustainable, locally-sourced produce at my fingertips, as well as incredible ingredients from our kitchen gardens, to create delicious menus for our guests. Whether a nutritious and light salad at the spa or a special celebratory meal in our restaurant, we hope you will have an exceptional experience with us.
Nathan Jacobs
Head Pastry Chef
njacobs@rchmail.comMy career began in Cape Town and I worked in the USA for 5 years before I returned to Cape Town where I later worked at The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa as a Head Pastry Chef. I am now the Head Pastry Chef at Summer Lodge and look forward to expanding my horizons and embarking on a new adventure. Furthermore, I'm motivated about sharing my skills and in-depth knowledge with everyone who wants to learn all things pastry!
Eric Zwiebel
Cellar Master
ezwiebel@rchmail.comOur cellar is recognised as one of the best in the world by the Wine Spectator Magazine and I look forward to taking you on the most incredible tour. I am always getting to know amazing wines and learning many interesting things that I hope will enhance your food and beverage experience. I am proud to have recently achieved the 'Wine and Spirit Ambassador Award' at The Cateys 2021.
Maxime Tribot
Restaurant Manager
mtribot@rchmail.comI have been Restaurant Manager since 2010. I come from just outside Paris where I worked in Michelin starred restaurants and I also enjoyed work experience in Berkshire at the Vineyard at Stockcross. My passion for quality of service and entertainment, combined with the friendliness of my wonderful and vibrantly young team, are important parts of making Summer Lodge seem like your second home. I hope to make your dining experience exceptional, taking care of special requests before your visit.
Sarah Bristow
Head of UK Reservations
sbristow@rchmail.comI am delighted to lead a wonderful team in the UK, taking care of our guests' reservations. Let us know whether you will be celebrating your honeymoon, birthday, or wedding. It would be our pleasure to oversee your bedroom allocation and put in a special request prior to your arrival. We can also organise any additional extras you may like such as chocolates, champagne and strawberries, which would be waiting for you upon arrival. We will ensure that your stay will be one you fondly remember.
Bea Kaczynska
Front Office Manager
bkaczynska@rchmail.comI feel really lucky to live in Dorset and to have had so many amazing experiences meeting people from all over the world at Summer Lodge. I would be delighted to arrange all aspects of your reservation in advance and during your stay, and to add thoughtful touches such as homemade chocolates, a bouquet of flowers from our in-house florist, a falconry experience or tickets to a local attraction.
Robin Andrews
Head Gardener
randrews@rchmail.comIn 1996, I started my Horticultural and Arboricultural qualification, which led me to a career with the National Trust until 2018. I started as the Head Gardener at Summer Lodge in October 2020. The garden is brilliant and the kitchen garden produces fruit and vegetables. Summer Lodge is also privileged to offer a few individual gardens attached to our bedrooms. I would love to take you on a tour of our garden and show you the best that Dorset can offer!
Joe Layden
Regional Maintenance Manager, Dorset & Guernsey
I am passionate about our beautiful hotel and enjoy the challenges of looking after many varied historic and listed buildings, coupled with luxurious internal décor and modern technology. I enjoy leading my team to ensure our rooms are maintained to the highest level and will be happy to assist with any queries about your bedroom or facilities.
Jonathann Cocogne
Head Barman
My passion for our bar has helped me to create an extensive beverages list. I hope I will have the opportunity to share with you my love for whiskies and perhaps even entice you to try one of the best in the world from Japan. I can also help you to design your favourite cocktail, book a whisky masterclass or offer you drinks for a 'healthy gut'. I look forward to welcoming you and showing you our Red Carnation passion for excellence.
Rosemary Sumner Pike
Spa Director
spa@summerlodgehotel.co.ukI have been Spa Director at Summer Lodge since 2004. Alongside my team, I am dedicated to providing a holistic wellness experience. As a Holistic Therapist and Reiki Master, I look forward to creating a truly restorative experience for you at Summer Lodge.
Nicky Smith
Spa Manager
spa@rchmail.comI am a Holistic Therapist and have been trained in all aspects of beauty therapy for many years. I am passionate about the well-being of our guests and I particularly enjoy massage therapies and facial treatments. Relaxation and allowing yourself to 'let go' is essential for our physical and mental health. I look forward to treating you at Summer Lodge Spa.
Maureen Hughes
Executive Housekeeper
Total comfort and cleanliness are the aims of my cheerful and hardworking team. No two rooms are the same and furnished as they are in the style of a large private home, they create a homely feel that is as pleasurable for us as we hope it will be for you. The aspect of my job that I enjoy the most is the attention that I pay to detail as well as the comfort and care I relish in providing to our guests.
