After their success in the property and hospitality industries in South Africa, it made perfect sense for the Marvol Group to move into the tourism industry. ALL Tours not only makes use of South Africa’s popularity as a tourist destination, but also promotes travel to Russia. This exchange of tourists teaches each group about another world and with Marvol’s connections in each country makes each tour a unique experience.
With the beauty of South Africa quickly being discovered the world over, the Marvol Group recognised the opportunity of investing in the real estate and the hospitality industries. Past projects include the Marvol Villas, luxury private housing suites in Clifton and the Marvol Manor House, a guest house with 13 luxury suites situated in South Africa’s capital city of Pretoria. Current projects underway include two luxury apartments on the stunning Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town to be offered to Russian holidaymakers as well as an exclusive boutique hotel to take advantage of the beautiful scenery of the Hazendal Wine Estate.
Clifton in Cape Town is arguably one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the world and one of the trendiest. The Marvol Villas nestled between the mountain cliffs and the ocean offer guests incredible views of the ocean as well as their own private pool terrace. Featured many times in South Africa’s notable Garden and Home magazine, these apartments represent one of the Marvol Group’s best investments yet.
Since his first taste of the exquisite South African wines, Dr Mark Voloshin knew that the Marvol Group needed to invest in a wine farm. Hazendal was bought on the same day as South Africa’s first ever democratic elections, giving the Marvol Group the historic title of being the first foreign investors in the New South Africa. Hazendal has since been revitalised – the vineyards have been replanted and the wine cellar has been converted to a tasting centre. The establishment of the Marvol Museum uniquely combines a truly South African farm with Russian culture.
The Marvol Group’s work at Hazendal does not only extend to the estate itself, but also takes great effort to improve the living situation of the farm workers. In 1997, a small village was built for the Hazendal workers, consisting of 11 houses equipped with electricity, flowing water as well as bathrooms and toilets. At the moment there are six families living in the ‘Hazendal Village’ and other farmers’ children, who do not live permanently on the farm, are also welcome to use the after-work community facilities, where an educator comes in daily. Since 1998 Hazendal has also had a permanent social worker on staff to look after the well-being of the farm workers and their families.
Liselo was established in 1996 and handled installations of solar panel kits. Marvol Management simply supplied financial management and assistance to the company that has a majority equity shareholding. Thanks to the success of the company, the manufacturing division is now planning to expand and move to Jordan, while the marketing and exporting facilities will be handled from one of the other Marvol offices.
Dr Mark Voloshin fell in love with the country of South Africa on a visit there many years ago. From his own experience of Russia’s challenges in the years following the liberalistaion of the economy, Dr Voloshin recognised the difficulties South Africa was about to face in the aftermath of Apartheid. His desire to help went beyond camaraderie and obligation, but stemmed from a genuine love for the country and a keen eye for excellent business opportunities.
