In the early part of the 20th centurY, Morgan Bay became a popular holiday destination for farmers from throughout South Africa’s Eastern Cape region. Every year, after the harvest, they packed their families and possessions into wagons for a camping holiday by the sea.

It is here that Ivan Warren-Smith headed just after the Second World War, after hearing about a boarding house that was for sale from his commanding officer. Once he’d arrived in Morgan Bay, he knew that there would be no turning back, and in 1946 he set about modernizing the boarding house into what is now the Morgan Bay Hotel. In 1962 Ivan’s son Jeff began to help him with the business. Jeff soon married Sue and together they had three children – Richard, Andrew and Sarah Jane. Under Jeff and Sue’s guidance the hotel grew from strength to strength.

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Richard entered into the family business, and together with his wife Jackie, guided the hotel towards the three star status that it now enjoys. In early 2006, Jeff and Sue officially handed over the running and ownership of the hotel to the enthusiastic couple, who have continued to strengthen and grow the family business. Their loving natures and natural hospitality ensure that every visitor to Morgan Bay Hotel leaves a friend.

Richard and Jackie have two young boys, Michael and Dylan, to whom they will be able to hand down the privilege of one day hosting more amazing times to future generations, as well as continue in the tradition of creating peoples favourite holiday memories, at Morgan Bay Hotel.