Ready to make an
impact Down Under
Say Hello to Maurits & Anneloes, Now Representing Us in Australia
From Hotelschool Maastricht to Costa Rica, Ghana, Belgium and ultimately Australia. Maurits de Graeff and Anneloes van de Velde combine international hospitality experience with a passion for nature and luxury. From Australia, they are building the future of glamping.
Tell us, who are you and what is your background?
“We met at Hotelschool Maastricht. One of the main reasons for choosing this education was the opportunity to live and work abroad – and we did exactly that.
We started in Costa Rica at a five-star resort, followed by several years in Ghana and Belgium. In 2010, we moved to Australia with our two children. Maurits worked for Accor Hotels in Canberra. We later settled in Adelaide because of the opportunities, climate and lifestyle.”
How did you guys become involved in glamping?
“In 2024, we became aware of the global growth of glamping. While exploring regions such as the South Coast, the South Australia Peninsulas and the Flinders Ranges, we began to envision combining our love for nature with luxury outdoor stays. We discovered that the Netherlands has strong glamping producers and decided to reach out to explore this market in Australia.”
What will you be doing for De Waard?
“Soon, we will spend our weekends visiting parks, wineries and farms to promote De Waard and its offerings. We also plan to attend several trade shows near Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide.”
Why do you see opportunities for glamping in Australia?
“Australia is increasingly embracing glamping. Many beautiful destinations, such as the outback and wine regions, lack high-quality accommodation.
Given the high construction costs and shortage of tradespeople, glamping represents a promising and future-proof alternative, offering guests an unforgettable outdoor experience with the comfort of a luxury hotel room.”
