Rooted in hospitality. Refined by experience.
Meet the heart and mind behind Platinum Encounters
With decades of luxury hospitality experience and a signature eye for detail, Lorna Gourlay is the creative force behind Platinum Encounters. Her approach is defined by trust, transparency, and storytelling — a rare combination that turns every event into a seamless, soul-filled experience.
Lorna's Philosophy
At Platinum Encounters, Lorna’s work goes far beyond logistics — it’s about translating a brand’s voice into a living, breathing experience. Her encounters are built on collaboration, curated with elegance, and remembered long after the last guest departs.
Lorna’s journey in hospitality marketing began with her pivotal role overseeing sales and marketing for the iconic Mount Nelson Hotel, part of the Orient Express Group. During her tenure, Lorna mastered the art of building strong, lasting relationships with guests and business partners, founded on the pillars of transparency, trust, and authenticity. These principles have since become the cornerstone of her business philosophy.
Following the birth of their first child, Lorna and her husband, Mike, embarked on a new venture by purchasing Granny Mouse Country House in the picturesque KZN Midlands. They transformed it into an idyllic conference and wedding destination, celebrated for its exceptional service and enchanting ambiance.
After the sale of Granny Mouse, Lorna brought her expertise to the esteemed Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, serving as a consultant. Under her guidance, the hotel elevated its brand and operational standards to new heights, further entrenching its legacy as the ‘Grande Dame’ of KZN.
Since 2019, Lorna has focused exclusively to crafting refined brand encounters – partnering with luxury properties and distinctive venues to shape and share compelling brand narratives.
Lorna’s relentless pursuit of boutique and innovative hospitality trends worldwide fuels her motivation and drives her constant evolution. She thrives on stepping out of her comfort zone to expand her horizons and unleash her creativity. Her passion for learning encompasses the intricate art of wine-making, loves travel, perpetually seeking out the latest innovations in bespoke, boutique hotels across the globe.
With profound insight into the world of luxury hospitality and a keen understanding of business dynamics, Lorna is dedicated to helping companies establish and solidify their brand philosophies. She excels in crafting compelling brand narratives and collaborating with luxury brands to curate exceptional experiences. Her unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations, combined with her meticulous attention to detail, ensures that every project she undertakes is executed to perfection.
“Lorna Gourlay is the consummate professional and a valued partner to the Estee Lauder Companies South Africa for over 10 years. She has delivered high touch, bespoke events both in person and virtually for many of our brands, as well as on our special campaigns like the annual Breast Cancer Campaign.”
LEEBASHNI REDDY – ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES, SA