The inception of the TRD group was realised on a trip to Madagascar in 2001, where the founding partners gained a passion for the unspoilt natural beauty of the country. It’s potential as a tourist attraction was immediately recognised. It was here that the idea of building a holiday resort was first cultivated. Corail Noir Lodge thus opened its doors for business in 2003 - an enchanting establish
ment on the island of Nosy Bé. Ambaro Beach Resort is a tropical paradise on the North-Western coast of Madagascar, currently managed by the Pianeta Terra Group. The successful outcome of the first resort resulted in the opening of Orangea in 2004, which is currently managed by Veratour under the name of Veraclub Orangea - a place with a reputation of being one of the most exciting social hotspots in the Southern Hemisphere. The following year, TRD group, reinforced by the success of its first two ventures, acquired part of the Anakao bay. This perfect half-moon shaped bay includes a stretch of coast line over one kilometre long, and is situated on the southernmost tip of Madagascar. In 2007, Isalo Rock Lodge was established on this untouched corner of the island, becoming the flagship undertaking in the TRD portfolio. In 2008, inundated by reservations, Corail Noir expanded and acquired the adjacent property, Corail Noir Jardin. TRD’s goal for the island was to be a frontrunner to various other companies. Isalo Rock Lodge, a luxury development, thus opened in 2010. In 2007, TRD directed it’s scope towards continental Africa, and more specifically South Africa. The rainbow nation offered a variety of opportunities that allowed TRD to cross borders, and not just geographically. With the merger between TRD and Cape Town based Pasta Freddi Ltd, a pasta production company founded in 1993, TRD diversified and accessed a distribution network that includes the most popular supply chain business in South Africa. Remaining in alignment with TRD’s specialty, the group returned to the hospitality sector in 2009 with a new hotel. The Seafive Boutique hotel was erected in the exclusive Camps Bay area, five minutes from South Africa’s ‘Mother City’. In 2010, TRD welcomed the opening of an ultra modern factory for That’s Gelato. TRD’s travel diary is a fascinating story written by a group of friends who remain unwilling to see it end.
