I love how travel makes people feel more in love. How the middle-aged couple making late afternoon coffee to counter the chilly air, look at each other so warmly. The way the woman leans over to brush some small irregularity from her partner’s face. Something so unnoticeable in normal life, but in this setting, in this moment, she notices.

I love places with history and with people who have grown in it. I found such delights during a recent stay at Brigadoon Boutique Guesthouse in the heart of Swakopmund, Namibia’s coastal holiday metropolis. This well-known boutique guesthouse is now part of Ondili Lodges and Activities, a proudly Namibian company which implements its vision of sustainability and low carbon footprints through its range of low-impact, environmentally friendly establishments. Under the new ownership, Brigadoon has just undergone major renovations.

On your arrival you will be met with warm smiles and the kind eyes of the staff, before being handed a pamphlet with all the important information you will need during your stay. In this pamphlet, Ondili Lodges promise to make your stay unforgettable. But truth be told, in this special space it is easy to forget everything other than this present and vibrant moment. Here at Brigadoon, visitors have forgotten everything but each other. It is quiet. It is tranquil. There is the scent of romance in the air.

The recent renovations have given Brigadoon a romantic and yet authentically grounded feeling. The style is Provence meets African shabby chic. Royal undertones, rich and beautiful, mixed with wood, stone and neutral colours, finished off with chandeliers everywhere and wicker textures. Heavy white lacquered wooden doors. Enormous clear glass windows to let in the light and the sea breeze. It is beauty and comfort. Above all, it is absolute tranquillity.

Everything is quiet and peaceful here, except for the chirping of birds and the gentle whisper of the wind in the perfectly manicured garden. It is a topic of conversation, this garden. All of us, the guests, reckon that it must take an expert team of landscapers to keep it looking the way it does. David is that “team”.

David Fillemon is the manager at Brigadoon Boutique Guesthouse. He started 20 years ago as a housekeeper. His knowledge of Brigadoon’s history, the exquisite garden and the visitors who come and go, is impeccable. So, too, is his charming smile.

After starting as a housekeeper, David soon added gardening to his responsibilities and then went on to conquer the art of hotel maintenance. As time passed, he grew into his role as manager. He attributes his success to his amazing team and the passionate owners he worked with over the years. David and the rest of the staff are often cited by guests as one of the most memorable aspects about staying at the Brigadoon. According to David, “It’s a small place, but the team is so amazing that it makes the guests feel comfortable and that adds to the beautiful Brigadoon story.” From the heart-warming smile of Frieda Kapolo, the housekeeper, to the reassuring and helpful manner of assistant manager Linus Nambuli. You will find that the service feels responsive and available, but never intrusive. I am sure that, like us, all visitors to Brigadoon will leave as friends.

David says that most of the guests come for leisure, although many come for business, too. All of them love the renovations. According to David, they particularly like the new look but also the private terraces.

Personally, his favourite part of the renovations is the impressive woodwork. “The new wooden floors, doors and windows. Everything is new. Everything is done well and it looks so beautiful. It is an old house but when you walk in it looks new. It’s fantastic. Mr Hermann Rohlfs, the owner of Ondili, knows exactly what he wants. When guests arrive, they ask who did the renovations. They just love the place”, David says.

He beams when he talks about the garden, his personal passion project. “This is my job. During the renovations, the builders had to walk through the garden with the cement, but I did everything I could to keep it green and alive”, he smiles. “I love seeing it grow. It is beautiful.”

The garden exudes an air of tranquillity. Each room has its own personal piece of it through a private patio. That is one of the special features of Brigadoon. Along with comfortable, spacious and well-appointed rooms. Large beds draped in crisp white linen and soft fluffy blankets for chilly coastal nights.

Breakfast is scrumptious and extensive. Everything from made-to-order eggs and bacon to fresh fruit salad or hot pancakes. You can choose to sip on endless cappuccinos on cold, misty mornings, or enjoy chats with fellow visitors from all over the globe.

David says that the feedback he gets from the guests is that they love being within walking distance to town. “Even late in the evening, people feel comfortable walking to the restaurants, and it only takes three minutes to get to the sea.”

Brigadoon Boutique Guesthouse is a gem, ideally located in the heart of Swakopmund with good security. But what makes it most memorable is not the supreme comfort, the garden or the interior design. It is the love that radiates from the people working there. As David puts it, “I get to meet such great people who come to stay here. It’s really great to be in tourism, it is something that I love.” TNN