As the global meetings and incentives landscape shifts toward meaningful experiences and natural inspiration, Premier Hotels & Resorts is positioning itself at the forefront of South Africa’s destination-driven MICE resurgence.
With a diverse portfolio spanning oceans, mountains, rivers and wildlife-rich reserves — balanced by a network of modern, accessible urban hotels — Premier is redefining the future of corporate gatherings. From Knysna’s shimmering lagoon to the dramatic peaks of Sani Pass and the wildlife encounters of Mpongo Private Game Reserve, Premier’s destinations offer delegates more than a meeting: they offer a story.
Destination Thinking for High-Impact MICE
Premier Hotels & Resorts has built its reputation on selecting properties where location enhances purpose. Rather than focusing solely on city-centre convenience, the group intentionally balances its portfolio with “destination gems” — resorts and lodges designed for strategy sessions, executive retreats, incentive groups and experiential gatherings. Across these signature properties, Premier has invested in flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, upgraded accommodation, and curated delegate experiences. The result is a national offering that meets the demands of modern corporate travel: technology meets tranquillity, productivity meets place, meetings meet meaning.
THE DESTINATION GEMS
Premier Resort Knysna – The Moorings
Waterfront inspiration on the Knysna Lagoon Nestled among tranquil waterways and woodland gardens, The Moorings offers natural serenity ideal for high-level strategy work. Delegates are surrounded by lagoon views, fresh air and outdoor spaces that spark creativity and alignment. The resort’s versatile venues accommodate intimate think-tanks and larger sessions, supported by premium catering and value-add experiences such as lagoon cruises, guided forest walks and wellness sessions.
Premier Resort Sani Pass
Mountain majesty with adventure at the doorstep
At the foot of the iconic Sani Pass in the Drakensberg mountains, this resort provides complete immersion in nature. Its deliberate remoteness encourages focus, clarity and team cohesion — a perfect setting for executive sessions, leadership development, and adventure-infused incentive programmes. Delegates can enjoy guided mountain hikes, cultural excursions and off-road Sani Pass adventures that elevate the group’s
shared experience.
Premier Resort Mpongo Private Game Reserve
Conferencing meets conservation
Located just outside East London, Mpongo blends lodge-style conferencing with wildlife immersion. Daytime meetings unfold in serene, nature-infused spaces, followed by safari drives, boma dinners and starlit evenings. For incentive and reward programmes, Mpongo delivers impact, exclusivity and authentic storytelling grounded in conservation — a key value driver for today’s purpose-led corporate travellers.
Premier Resort The Winkler
Lowveld tranquillity close to Kruger
Set in lush gardens near White River, this property is ideal for multi-day conferences, academies, training programmes and incentives. Delegates can pair sessions with iconic activities such as Kruger National Park safaris, Panorama Route explorations, cultural experiences and outdoor adventures — reinforcing content through shared, memorable activities.
Premier Resort Cutty Sark
Oceanfront conferencing on the KZN South Coast
This ocean-facing gem is a rarity in the MICE market: a full-service coastal venue where sunrises, fresh sea air, wellness activities and beach team-building complement corporate agendas. Its direct beach access and sweeping ocean views make it a powerful destination for incentives, wellness-driven retreats and strategy sessions needing a creative reset.
Premier Hotel Roodevalley
Urban accessibility meets riverside calm
Situated on the banks of the Pienaars River in Pretoria, Roodevalley balances natural tranquillity with urban convenience. With extensive indoor and outdoor conferencing capacity, landscaped gardens, and multiple event zones, it offers a retreat-style environment without sacrificing accessibility — ideal for teambuilding, multi-day strategy sessions and corporate wellness programmes.
MICE FOR THE FUTURE
Technology, Flexibility & Personalisation
Premier has invested heavily in modernising its MICE offering across the portfolio.
Venues feature:
Flexible room configurations
Breakaway pods & outdoor meeting zones
Dedicated conference and banqueting teams
Bespoke catering and custom branding solutions
High-speed connectivity and hybrid-meeting capability
In line with 2026 corporate expectations, the group is exploring:
Immersive AR/VR team-building
Interactive event apps
Real-time delegate analytics
AI-assisted planning and programme curation
Virtual venue walk-throughs for planners
Nature-based wellness add-ons
Cultural micro-experiences designed for engagement and retention
The aim is clear: future-proof the MICE experience without losing the authenticity, warmth and human touch that define the Premier brand.
PREMIER HOTELS & RESORTS: South Africa’s New Wave of MICE Destinations
As demand grows for meetings and incentives that inspire beyond the boardroom, Premier Hotels & Resorts is redefining what corporate gatherings can look like across South Africa. Known for their accessible urban hotels and scenic resort portfolio, Premier is one of the few hospitality groups offering both high-capacity conferencing and extraordinary destination experiences within a single national footprint.
Their MICE philosophy is simple and powerful:
Combine modern infrastructure with authentic South African settings to create gatherings that are productive, restorative and memorable.
Corporate favourites include:
Knysna – The Moorings: ideal for executive strategy and wellness retreats.
Sani Pass: perfect for leadership breakaways and adventure-led team experiences.
Mpongo Private Game Reserve: a showcase of lodge conferencing, wildlife immersion and conservation-driven incentives.
The Winkler: a gateway to Kruger and the Panorama Route for blended business-leisure programmes.
Cutty Sark: beachfront access and ocean-driven wellness for coastal incentives.
Roodevalley: a nature-rich yet accessible retreat for Gauteng corporates.
Across these venues, Premier continues to enhance flexibility, expand outdoor event capability, elevate catering customisation and strengthen on-site event support — ensuring planners can design meetings that go far beyond the conventional.
CASE STUDY HIGHLIGHT
A global financial services client recently hosted a three-day executive retreat at Premier Resort Knysna – The Moorings. The objective was strategic alignment and leadership recalibration. The lagoon setting, private breakaway spaces, and curated activities (including guided forest walks and lagoon cruises) resulted in a 98% satisfaction rating, with delegates reporting higher levels of focus, clarity and team connection.
ABOUT PREMIER HOTELS & RESORTS
Premier Hotels & Resorts boasts 24 hotels and resorts across South Africa. With locations spanning key urban centres, coastal towns and iconic leisure destinations, Premier provides both accessibility and experience-rich environments for business and leisure travellers alike.
The group specialises in:
Modern MICE facilities
Professional event teams
Advanced technology
Flexible conferencing spaces
Curated destination experiences
From city conferences and executive retreats to incentive travel and wellness-led gatherings, Premier embodies authentic South African hospitality with a strong commitment to sustainability and community upliftment.
FAST FACTS: PREMIER HOTELS & RESORTS
- 24 hotels & resorts across South Africa
- Portfolio spans urban hubs, coastal towns, mountain retreats & wildlife reserves
- Dedicated MICE specialists at key properties
- Flexible conferencing: indoor, outdoor, hybrid and breakout zones
- Largest venue capacity: up to 2100+ delegates (varies by property)
- Signature MICE destinations include Knysna, Sani Pass, Mpongo, Winkler, Cutty Sark & Roodevalley
- Growing focus on 2026 innovations: AR/VR teambuilding, AI-supported planning & digital engagement
- Integrated wellness & nature-based experiences across multiple resorts
- National footprint offers easy multi-city event planning
