If your team has been jet-setting all year, racking up their frequent flyer miles and growing ever more creative with their jet lag cures, then it’s safe to assume that when it comes to planning your end-of-year business bash, there’s no place like home. As a proudly South African corporate travel brand, we’re not shy to share our love of Mzansi. But besides the obvious pros of hosting your function close to home (think: reliable weather, hassle-free logistics and the benefits to your bottom line), there’s also the wow-factor. If you want a venue that blends destination-specific highlights with world-class facilities and state-of-the-art tech, South Africa is home to some of the best.
With over 30 years of experience in corporate travel planning, meetings and incentives, we know how to wow your guests, and where. Plus, we understand why it’s important. “Year-end functions are an excellent way to reinforce ties with existing employees, highlight company culture and celebrate the accomplishments of your team,” says Chantal Kliche, Retail Manager of Thompsons Travel, Cape Region.
Whether you want a venue to give your colleagues a chance to let their hair down after a challenging year, or a space that inspires your leaders to anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities, check out these three local venues and contact us today about hassle-free corporate travel and event planning.
1) The Oyster Box
Set on the Umhlanga beachfront beneath the iconic lighthouse, The Oyster Box is considered something of a national treasure.
Timelessly elegant and within easy reach of King Shaka International Airport, The Oyster Box is a convenient choice for a destination event with the bragging rights to impress your guests. Besides being voted the No.1 Top Hotel in South Africa in 2017 and 2016 in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, The Oyster Box has racked up an imposing list of awards in recognition of its spa, wines and restaurants, among others. With this much-deserved reputation for service excellence, you’re in good hands at The Oyster Box.
Despite the brouhaha of its accolades, The Oyster Box still manages to retain an air of intimacy, even in the largest of its five breathtaking conference venues. Its world-class facilities go without saying: whether you want to hold a banquet for 150 people or host 15 colleagues in an inspirational brainstorm session, you will have access to everything you need, from sophisticated tech and WiFi to unbeatable catering services.
Beyond the business of the day, however, there’s plenty to delight your delegates in Durban. From stylish shopping and great golfing to cultural experiences, the world is your oyster at The Oyster Box.
2) The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Dramatically positioned above the Atlantic Ocean near Camps Bay and flanked by the majestic Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain, few places in the world rival the setting of The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa.
Voted No. 2 Top City Hotels in Africa by Travel + Leisure ‘World’s Best’ Awards in 2017 and No. 6 in the Top Hotels in Africa & the Middle East by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2016, The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa lives up to its reputation for excellence.
Boasting some of the most spectacular sunsets on the Atlantic coast, each of the four air-conditioned conference venues at The Twelve Apostles features modern facilities in elegantly appointed decor. You can host up to 90 delegates in the lavish Atlantic Terrace Marquee, or as few as eight in the award-winning Azure Restaurant. Plus, you’ll have a highly skilled team of event organisers at your service to handle every detail for you.
As for Cape Town, the Mother City’s famous showstopping attractions are only a 15-minute drive from The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa. If you want to treat your team to breathtaking views, exceptional service, world-class cuisine and fantastic wines, you’ve come to the right place.
3) Bushmans Kloof
Take your end-of-year business bash to the bush. Nestled in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, Bushmans Kloof offers corporate travellers an eco-escape in a magical wilderness.
If you want to host a year-end celebration that is filled with tranquility in a luxurious setting, you’ll find it within three hours from Cape Town among the plains, sandstone formations and ancient rock art of Bushmans Kloof. This multi-award winning retreat with its awe-inspiring activities, unique dining experiences, organic vegetable gardens and caring service deserves all the love it has received from its valued guests.
The surrounding rock art dates back some 10,000 years, but the facilities at the lodge are cutting edge. Bushmans Kloof boasts a fully-fitted conference room for up to 32 attendees. However, all venues at the lodge are multi-purpose and can be used for meetings, breakaway sessions, team building, brainstorming sessions, cocktail parties, launches and dining.
Its distance from Cape Town means Bushmans Kloof is definitely an overnight destination, but with its range of luxury rooms, suites and private villa surrounded by botanical gardens and pristine wilderness, your guests will undoubtedly appreciate a chance to savour the splendour of this unique destination.
“We love Bushmans Kloof because it is the ideal getaway to escape the corporate world, giving you and your group the focused time and energy to complete your agenda and enjoy your stay,” says Kliche. “Whether you want to effect change, build teams, create a new vision or reward hard work, the breathtaking beauty of Bushmans Kloof will revitalise and inspire your team.”
Need help planning your next conference, end-of-year function or workshop? We’re the specialists. Contact Thompsons Travel today.
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