On the evening of Tuesday, 6 September 2016, the Sanlam Top Destination awards ceremony was held at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay and 28 accommodation establishments walked away with the title, ‘Sanlam Top Destination Awards Winner’. An incredible achievement and evening commemorating those in the hospitality industry, it shows recognition to those who truly deserve it.
With title sponsor, Sanlam, and powered by Discount Traveler South Africa, the awards ceremony pulled out all the stops to ensure a special African Elegance evening. An electric blue Jaguar was parked at the entrance of The Rotunda and as guests arrived they were served a glass of Pongracz bubbly as well as refreshing welcome canapés of overflowing sushi from Nuri Sushi and Fairview cheese platters. To kick off the glitz and glam was Ricky Botsis as he performed an incredible line up while guests waited with excitement for the proceedings to start.
Before the ceremony commenced, guests were also given the opportunity to experience face mapping from Dermalogica as an added extra glam feel for the ladies, together with Cape Town Beauty Bar offering their beauty services of express manicures. Tea Merchant speciality flavoured teas were also available for guests to enjoy as well as bites of delicious Wedgewood nougat.
The Rotunda was immersed in black table cloths and chair covers with black swag flowing from the centre of the banquet hall to the sides with fairy lights glistering. Each table incorporated a stunning centre piece with giant proteas, succulents, driftwood and rocks, all carefully put together by Fynbosch Flora, reiterating the African Elegance theme. Decorative instalments in-line with the theme were also strategically placed around the venue by To-Nett’s Décor Hire, creating an ambience of elegance integrating African inspired décor throughout.
The Master of Ceremonies was the gorgeous Jen Su, international TV and Radio Presenter, who was dressed to the nines by King of Couture, Jacques La Grange. She encapsulated the audience with her seductive charm and gracefully announced the winners. In between all the announcements, an impeccable three course meal was served to guests paired with Neethlingshof wine and AquaBella water to quench thirst, as well as performances from Tulu Entertainment and Jazz Between Friends, keeping the ceremony proceedings light and enjoyable. Technical crew, Kilowatt AV made sure the entire evening ran smoothly from start to finish with a high-end technical rig set-up of sound and lights, ensuring back of house production was on top form.
All guests received a gift bag on their seat as they arrived which included gifts from Romatex, Rialheim, Tea Merchant, Sanlam, Dermalogica and Cape Town Beauty Bar, to name a few. Two lucky guests also received exclusively created and handcrafted David Green sunglasses and a David Green watch, which has real leaves uniquely incorporated into each product. Lucky draws were also done for 10 absolutely beautiful ceramic gifts sponsored by Rialheim!
Discount Traveler South Africa awarded the finalists with R10 000’s worth of advertising and a finalist certificate and the 28 winners each walked away with the title of Top Destination in their category and star grading, receiving a winners certificate and trophy, as well as their share in R1 000 000’s worth of advertising!
The winners of the Sanlam Top Destination Awards 2016 are:
Caravan-Camping:
Strandskloof Caravan Park
Backpacker:
The B.I.G: Backpackers
Atlantic Point Backpackers
Self-Catering:
Majini Guest House
Step-Aside
Olive Grove Guest Farm
Orange Grove Farm
Guest House:
La Picasso Guesthouse
Sun Bell Lodge
Ikhutsa Mountain Manor Guest House & Day Spa
Xanadu Guest Villa
Country House:
Blue Gum Country Estate
Crawfords Beach Lodge
Jan Harmsgat Country House
Bed & Breakfast:
Somerset Stables
Morgenzicht Bed & Breakfast
Thanda Vista
Kosmos Manor
Lodge:
Santos Express Train Lodge
Bundu Lodge
Letsatsi Private Game Lodge
Wild Horses Exclusive Mountain Lodge
Game Lodge:
Ubumanzi Game Lodge
Gondwana Game Reserve
Hotel:
Umngazi River Bungalows and Spa
ArendsRus Country Lodge
NH The Lord Charles Hotel
Lakeside Lodge & Spa
For more information on the Sanlam Top Destination Awards please visit www.topdestinationawards.com.
