Michael Lutzeyer

In 1991, Michael Lutzeyer went camping with his family near Gaansbai, South Africa.  A ‘Farm for Sale’ sign attracted his attention to the most incredible view of the fynbos slopes overlooking Walker Bay. In 1994 Michael sold his business interests in Cape Town and decided to develop a bed and breakfast on the site for local visitors, not knowing that soon he would be attracting visitors from across the globe. Since then, through a combination of hard work, enthusiasm, vision and strong family cooperation, the Lutzeyers have turned the reserve into a world leader in progressive luxury tourism, transforming the lives of community members and preserving 2500 hectares of botanical and wildlife treasures. In 2003 he founded The Grootbos Foundation, a non-profit organisation that would work to conserve the critically endangered fynbos, while also focusing on the training and skills development of the surrounding communities. Michael has been enthusiastic about Ecoluxury from the beginning, bringing useful suggestions both in the world of sustainability and in the disclosure of the business model.