Thusie Pather and the Story of Golf Course Boutique Guest House

Introduction

Thusie Pather is the owner and founder of Golf Course Boutique Guest House, a role she embraces with both pride and gratitude. Located in the serene suburb of Mount Edgecombe, this guest house is just a short walk from the Mount Edgecombe Country Club and its driving range. With thirteen elegantly designed bedrooms, the guest house serves as a welcoming retreat for both business and leisure travellers. Thusie’s passion for hospitality is rooted in her love for people and travel, and she describes her journey as a natural extension of these interests. “I love travelling, and I love staying in hotels and guest houses,” she shares. “I decided to open my own guest house because I love being around people. It felt like a natural step for me.”

Family Roots and Inspiration

Thusie’s commitment to hospitality is deeply influenced by her upbringing in a close-knit Indian household. She recalls, “My parents were always very hospitable. We always had relatives staying over, sharing meals, laughter, and stories. That sense of warmth and togetherness inspired me to create a space where guests could feel the same kind of homeliness and happiness.” Today, that ethos is central to the atmosphere at Golf Course Boutique Guest House, where guests are welcomed not just into a property, but into a home.

Building a Brand

High standards of service are at the core of Thusie’s business philosophy. She is deeply involved in the day-to-day operations, ensuring that service levels are consistently maintained. “I am very hands-on in my business to ensure the service levels are maintained,” Thusie explains. She also encourages her staff to uphold these same standards, which has contributed to a loyal clientele of both corporate and leisure guests. “Our guests always compliment us on the cleanliness of the rooms and the friendliness of the staff,” she says with pride. “It is very rewarding when they come back not only a second time, but three or four times. That tells me we are doing something right.”

This dedication has earned Golf Course Boutique Guest House a four-star grading from the Tourism Grading Council and recognition as a benchmark property. The guest house has been invited to exhibit at the prestigious Travel Indaba for three consecutive years, an honour that Thusie values highly. “That was such an honour,” she reflects. “It really validated the hard work we have put in.”

Online, the guest house has maintained a strong reputation, holding a 9.2 out of 10 rating for service on Booking.com for the past three years—a reflection of consistent guest satisfaction. In 2024, they received the Durban Tourism Award for Service Excellence in the non-hotel category, which Thusie describes as one of their proudest achievements. “That was one of our proudest moments. It reminded us that dedication and passion do get recognised.”

Continuous improvement is a key part of Thusie’s approach. She pays close attention to every review, viewing feedback as an opportunity for growth. “We look at every review, good or bad,” she explains. “We take every comment seriously and see it as an opportunity to improve. Training our staff regularly ensures we stay consistent and grow as a team.” Looking ahead, Thusie’s vision is to build a strong brand known for exceptional service and to expand the guest house’s offerings. “My dream is to build a strong brand and a reputation for exceptional service. I want people to know they can always find a place that feels like home when they come to Golf Course Boutique Guest House. I also hope to expand and offer more services in the future.”

Overcoming Challenges

Thusie’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without obstacles. She opened the guest house during the Covid period, a time filled with uncertainty and rapid change. “I opened during the Covid period,” she recalls. “It was a very uncertain time, and I had to adapt quickly. There were so many changes, but I was determined to make it work.” She continues to face challenges such as rising operational costs and expensive marketing efforts. “Marketing is very costly for a small business,” she admits. However, Thusie has found that delivering exceptional service is the most effective form of marketing, as satisfied guests return and recommend the guest house to others.

Her resilience and adaptability have helped her navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. “You learn as you go,” she says with quiet confidence. “I did not have a background in hospitality when I started, but I believed in myself. You face challenges, overcome them, and you grow stronger through each experience.”

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Thusie offers heartfelt advice to those considering their own business ventures: “Start small, work hard, and never give up. You do not need to have everything figured out at the beginning. When I started, I did not think I could run a guest house, but with time and effort, I learned. The most rewarding part is seeing how far you have come.” She also highlights the demanding nature of the hospitality industry. “Running a guest house is not for the fainthearted. It is a 24/7 job. There is always something happening, and you have to be available,” she admits. Despite the challenges, she finds the experience incredibly fulfilling, enjoying the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and share in their stories.

Finding Balance and Looking Forward

Amid her busy schedule, Thusie prioritises balance in her life. She makes time for her child and her spiritual practices, using meditation and spiritual meetings to stay centred and approach her work with kindness and calm. Her story is a testament to determination, faith, and the enduring spirit of hospitality. From her family-inspired beginnings to her growing recognition in the tourism industry, Thusie leads with heart.

Looking to the future, Thusie’s ambitions remain rooted in service and sincerity. “This journey is still new,” she reflects. “The guest house is only four years old, but I have big dreams. I want to keep growing, keep improving, and keep welcoming guests who feel at home here. That is what true hospitality is all about.”