diff --git a/src/components/sections/GracefulBeginningsSection.tsx b/src/components/sections/GracefulBeginningsSection.tsx
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+++ b/src/components/sections/GracefulBeginningsSection.tsx
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+'use client'
+
+import { Shield, TreePine, Users, Waves } from 'lucide-react'
+
+export default function GracefulBeginningsSection() {
+  return (
+    <section data-vula-section="gracefulbeginnings" id="graceful-beginnings" className="py-20 bg-[#f9fafb]">
+      <div className="max-w-7xl mx-auto px-4">
+        <div className="grid grid-cols-1 lg:grid-cols-2 gap-12 items-center">
+          {/* Image */}
+          <div className="relative h-80 lg:h-96 rounded-xl overflow-hidden shadow-card">
+            <img
+              src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/6354991/pexels-photo-6354991.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=350"
+              alt="KwaNtofoNtofo pool and braai area"
+              className="object-cover w-full h-full"
+            />
+            <div className="absolute inset-0 bg-gradient-to-t from-black/20 to-transparent" />
+          </div>
+
+          {/* Story */}
+          <div>
+            <p className="text-[#d4af37] uppercase tracking-widest text-sm font-semibold mb-2">
+              Since 2004
+            </p>
+            <h2 className="text-3xl md:text-4xl font-bold text-[#111827] mb-6">
+              Graceful Beginnings
+            </h2>
+            <div className="space-y-4 text-[#8b5a3c] text-base leading-relaxed">
+              <p>
+                KwaNtofoNtofo was born from a dream — to create a home-away-from-home in the heart of Pietermaritzburg. 
+                Rooted in the Zulu philosophy of <em>ubuntu</em> ("I am because we are"), we opened our doors in 2004 
+                with four thoughtfully designed rooms, each telling its own story through theme and decor.
+              </p>
+              <p>
+                Just across from a nature reserve, our guests wake to the sight of zebras grazing and monkeys swinging 
+                in the trees. We are 1 km from Pietermaritzburg Airport, 4 km from UKZN, and a short drive to major 
+                shopping centres — yet you feel a world away in our private, secure compound.
+              </p>
+              <p>
+                Behind the burglar alarm and the shaded parking lies a place where traditional South African 
+                hospitality meets modern luxury. Our staff, trained in professional service with a warm smile, 
+                ensure every stay is memorable. Whether it's a full English breakfast by the pool, a braai in the 
+                tranquil entertainment area, or a quiet evening in the lounge, you are treated like royalty.
+              </p>
+            </div>
+            {/* Feature highlights */}
+            <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-4 mt-8">
+              {[
+                { icon: Shield, label: "Secure Parking & Alarm" },
+                { icon: TreePine, label: "Across from Nature Reserve" },
+                { icon: Waves, label: "Pool & Braai Area" },
+                { icon: Users, label: "Attentive Professional Staff" },
+              ].map((item, i) => {
+                const Icon = item.icon
+                return (
+                  <div key={i} className="flex items-center gap-2 text-sm text-[#111827]">
+                    <Icon className="w-5 h-5 text-[#16a34a]" />
+                    <span>{item.label}</span>
+                  </div>
+                )
+              })}
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+    </section>
+  )
+}
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