With an increase in the demand for smaller conferences and the need to make events memorable, boutique venues are gaining in popularity. The Planner shares its top picks.
KWAZULU-NATAL, Beverly Hills conference facilities offer a small yet superb selection of venues in uMhlanga Rocks that are ideal for board meetings, intimate conferences, launches, cocktail evenings or banquets. Situated within easy reach of Durban and its international airport, your guests can enjoy a peaceful location outside of the hustle and bustle of a city that is known for its ocean views and scenic surroundings. Events can be planned with assistance from their experienced team, who will ensure that your function receives the attention to detail you require, from themed décor all the way through to menus. Adding even more to their event offering is their tailored Beverly Hills Conference Stay Over package which is exclusive to conference guests and organisers. +27(0)31 561 2211 | tsogosun.com
GAUTENG, Hyatt Regency Johannesburg is the place to have your Johannesburg convention, meeting or conference. Take advantage of the fully modernised conference rooms and the outstanding professional planning and catering expertise for which Hyatt is world-renowned. Hyatt Regency Johannesburg meetings feature an unmistakable air of professionalism and sophistication. Whether you are planning a small executive retreat or a company-wide conference, our experts will make sure you’re at your best from start to finish and Hyatt can assure you quick and convenient service. And now planning a successful meeting at Hyatt is easier than ever when you use our online meeting event solution. +27 (0)11 280 1234 | johannesburg.regency.hyatt.com
NATIONWIDE, As The Blue Train’s tracks roll inevitably into the distance, so life’s course brings with it joys that must be celebrated – graduations, engagements, weddings and honeymoons, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. All of these deserve a memorable venue, a special ambience, a reminder that you’re going places. The Blue Train can be chartered for such occasions. Just for you, it can meander along its standard routes, or on custom-made trips and cross-border excursions that last from a few hours to several nights. For those with more official agendas, The Blue Train has the facilities to service business-oriented journeys. The fully-equipped Conference Car can comfortably seat 22 delegates boardroom-style or accommodate smaller work areas combined with Observation Car amenities. +27 (0)12 334 8459 | bluetrain.co.za
GAUTENG, Monte de Dios can cater for anything from the small intimate conference for the board of directors – as little as 20 people – to a corporate conference for up to 400 delegates. With experienced coordinators and an event management team to support your every need, you will be ensured that your event plays out perfectly and achieves every one of your goals. Conference packages can be tailored to your specific requirements and include options such as a full day package. Monte de Dios also offers the latest conference equipment and experienced technicians on hand to assist with any difficulties. All technical requirements can be designed and supplied by the venue’s preferred supplier, EPH Productions. +27 (0)71 100 3305 | montededios.co.za
WESTERN CAPE Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Paarl Rock is a small, luxury hotel like no other. Grande Roche is a place where history intersects with modern comforts, where the atmosphere of a bygone era brings a sense of gracious, unhurried living. This celebrated five-star hotel is a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and boasts beautiful gardens and award-winning cuisine at its elegant Bosman’s Restaurant. The conference venue, with an open-air amphitheatre, sits on the upper slopes of the estates, in the midst of vineyards and plum orchards, with a backdrop of Paarl Rock. Whether it’s an international conference, a board meeting, a cutting-edge product launch or a high-profile company summit, Grande Roche will take care of your needs. They know it is the little details that matter. +27 (0)21 863 5100 | granderoche.com
6 Reasons to have your next event at a boutique venue
- PERSONALISED SERVICE: One of the distinguishing features of boutique venues is their attention to detail and personal service. Delegates can expect to get the royal treatment when attending a function at a boutique venue.
- SOMETHING EXTRA: Boutique venues can give your event that X-factor. These venues offer everything that big venues do such as space, catering, audio-visual equipment and Wi-Fi, as well as a little something extra. Forget the complimentary pen and pad, boutique venues can offer delegates personalised gifts and attention.
- PERFECT SPACES: If you’ve seen one conference or meeting room, you’ve seen them all. Perhaps not. Big box event venues are designed to do one thing – hold people. If you’re looking to inspire creativity, change your vantage point from a bland white room to a beautiful botanical garden, old manor house or even an ocean view.
- CREATIVE CATERING: Traditional event venues are likely to offer traditional event food. At boutique venues, your options are only as limited as your imagination. Simply coordinate with the catering staff ahead of time and most of your needs can be met.
- TAILOR-MADE PACKAGES: Boutique venues are better suited to offer tailor-made packages. They can create a unique experience for smaller groups.
- LUXURY ACCOMMODATION: Most boutique venues offer accommodations that fuse contemporary comfort with timeless glamour. Delegates can look forward to exceptional grace and comfort.
