The crème de la crème of coastal and outdoor venues
‘Under the boardwalk, down by the sea…’ and you know how the rest goes. Here in South Africa we’re blessed to have one of the most magnificent coastlines in the world, so why not make the most of it? The plethora of gorgeous coastal and outdoor venues is perfect for hosting conferences, weddings and corporate events.
Let’s start with a destination known for its tall peaks, lush flora and fauna and two oceans – the Western Cape.
Tintswalo Atlantic, located on the second bend after the Chapman’s Peak toll gate on the Hout Bay side, overlooks the whole of the Hout Bay village and Sentinel peak. One will have to search far and wide to find a more stunning location or a more exquisite lodge. Since November 2008, this tranquil haven has enchanted its guests with beautiful suites, great food, impeccable service and wonderful staff. Tintswalo has 10 individually themed and decorated suites, together with a presidential suite consisting of two en-suite rooms and a communal lounge. It can accommodate a maximum of 50 guests for a sit down dinner or up to 100 guests for an outside event or function; perfect for those spectacular cape sunsets.
With unrivalled views of Table Mountain, one of Cape Town’s largest conference venues, Lagoon Beach Hotel and Spa offers direct access to the scenic Lagoon Beach strand and quick access to Cape Town’s CBD. “Not only do you have the beach on your doorstep, but also the eclectic vibe of city life,” says marketing manager Teena Douglas.
Lagoon Beach Hotel and Spa is situated on the beautiful Lagoon Beach, 7 km from the V&A Waterfront, a hub of activity any time of the year. Located just 20 km from Cape Town International Airport, it means that you’ll be conveniently close to your destination when you arrive in the Mother City, giving you more time for your meeting or relaxation.
The four star luxurious hotel comprises 200 sophisticated en-suite rooms and suites, numerous holiday apartments, 10 conference venues, four world-class restaurants and a magnificent view of Table Mountain, “Where it all comes together, beautifully,” adds Douglas.
She concludes: “We now offer a free shuttle service to and from the V&A Waterfront, via the CTICC in one of our two new luxury buses.”
Further up the coast along the famed Garden Route, Hyatt Regency Oubaai opened in 2009 as part of the Oubaai Residential Golf Estate. Perched on the hill overlooking the Indian Ocean and surrounded by the Outeniqua Mountain range on the inland side, the Hyatt Regency Oubaai has much to offer. With 100 spacious, modern and comfortable bedrooms, an overflow can be accommodated in the village apartments or estate homes. Various dining options are available to groups and conference and function options can accommodate up 150 delegates. If the weather is good the whale watching and tree tops deck is highly recommended for small group sundowners, picnics or braais for up to 30 guests.
The Garden Route comes to an end in Port Elizabeth, the friendly city and the gateway to the Eastern Cape. The beautiful beach front suburb of Summerstrand is known for its great beaches, restaurants, sidewalk bars and cafes and now, of course, the all new Sun International Boardwalk Hotel, Convention Centre and Spa. The stunning complex opened in December 2012 and has already secured some big events, including this year’s SAACI Conference in July. The Boardwalk offers 140 beautiful sea-facing rooms and a convention centre for up to an impressive 1 680 delegates. With its prime location and the variety of restaurants, shopping options and entertainment on offer, this is a one-stop destination for corporates groups and their families, wanting to utilise the Eastern Cape.
KwaZulu-Natal has a vast coastline and the warm water of the Indian Ocean along with its rustic beauty, in many parts, is a huge drawcard for corporates and tourists alike. Fairmont Zimbali Resort offers great facilities, thanks to the Zimbali Golf Estate, and is a short drive from King Shaka International Airport. A popular corporate group destination, The Fairmont Zimbali Resort opened its doors just in time for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. It boasts 154 ocean facing rooms and conference and function facilities for up to 180 delegates, the beach club being one of the most popular of the venues. The best part? The sense of overall space, together with various areas suitable for group events especially if the group isn’t utilising the entire resort.
