Brahman Hills has appointed Anja Bosken as its new General Manager.
Bosken, who brings more than four decades of experience with her, joins at a critical point in the Brahman Hills story, as the property continues to shape its vision as a Sanctuary of Serenity, Wellness and Excellence, with the 22-hectare Serenity Garden forming a defining part of its next chapter.
Her hospitality career began in 1984 as a cashier at a five-star hotel, before she worked her way through the industry with the guidance of mentors, whom she credits as central to her success. In 1997, she became Sun International’s first female General Manager, taking the helm of the Sun City Main Hotel.
Bosken’s career later took her abroad, first to the UK as Operations Manager for Providence Hospitality, then to Zanzibar, where she spent five years helping to complete, open and establish Ycona Luxury Resort, a five-star, 40-villa property with four restaurants and a spa. Her leadership during this broader period of her career was also recognised when she was named General Manager of the Year by Three Cities.
Her appointment marks a return to South Africa after a decade of working internationally, and to Brahman Hills, which resonated with her from the outset. “It is a beautiful property with extraordinary gardens, a wonderful ‘sense of place’ and enormous potential,” says Bosken. “But what really drew me were the values of the business. They align very closely with my own, particularly the importance of people, genuine hospitality and creating meaningful experiences for guests.”
She believes that luxury hospitality is not only about beautiful surroundings, but about how you make people feel. “I want our guests to feel genuinely welcomed, cared for and valued, and for our team to take enormous pride in creating those experiences. Over the next few years, I hope to assist Brahman Hills in realising its full potential while always retaining the warmth, character and authenticity that makes it so special.”
Beyond the guest experience, Bosken notes that developing young talent has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career, and something she intends to continue with her new team.
“Seeing someone discover their potential, grow in confidence and start believing that they can achieve more is incredibly special to me,” she adds. “If I can play even a small part in helping them build a career and a better future for themselves, then I feel I have achieved something truly worthwhile.”
She highlights that attracting and retaining skilled, passionate people is one of the biggest challenges facing the hospitality industry, and believes the sector needs to give young people more opportunities to build a career.
Looking ahead, her focus will be on elevating service, refining the property’s look and feel, and growing its midweek business. She sees this as a key opportunity, alongside expanding the property’s international market and introducing more overseas guests to the Midlands.
Born in Germany, Bosken grew up in Cape Town, which she considers home, and now, after a decade abroad, is settled back in South Africa. Outside of work, she is an avid cyclist who enjoys getting out on her e-bike, along with time at the gym and a good book when she can find the time. A self-confessed lover of good food and wine, something she calls “an occupational hazard” after so many years in the industry, she says it feels “wonderful to be home.”