KWAZULU-NATAL

Premier Hotels & Resorts continues its expansion

Premier Hotels & Resorts continued its national expansion with two new additions to its impressive and ever-growing portfolio.

Last year’s challenging circumstances have driven its appetite to breathe life back into the South African hospitality and tourism industries and these major investments reaffirm its commitment to the sector.

Located on the same sprawling property, but each boasting complete privacy and its own unique charm, is the four-star Premier Hotel Umhlanga boasting unrivalled views of the Indian Ocean and the three-star Premier Splendid Inn Umhlanga. Along with an impressive all-in-one conference centre complex, it’s situated in the affluent Umhlanga Ridge, a flourishing commercial and business district just north of Durban.

Its decision to invest in Umhlanga, even during difficult times, is a testament to its confidence in South Africa’s ability to recover economically.

The Umhlanga project will position the Premier Group as a firm favourite amongst holidaymakers as well as corporate, government and international clientele — as they strive to secure a hotel presence in every major city.

A hospitality haven for discerning travellers, the Premier Hotel Umhlanga boasts 127 beautifully-appointed hotel rooms, a 120-seater restaurant and bar, swimming pool and secure underground parking. Conference delegates will have access to a flexible, fully subdivisible centre with three conference rooms configurable to one large 300-capacity venue and a magnificent open-air timber viewing deck for breakaways or smaller get-togethers. For those looking for more budget-friendly comforts, the urban-styled, modern and contemporary three-star Premier Splendid Inn Umhlanga offers guests 62 deluxe king, queen or twin rooms all with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs and tea/ coffee stations and a 50-seater restaurant. Guests in this 7-floor hotel also have access to the outside elevated pool and deck and the state-of-the-art conference facilities afforded to Premier Hotel Umhlanga guests.

Travellers are invited to use the two hotels as a comfortable and convenient base to attend or host meetings and conferences, conduct business and even explore the area. The Gateway Theatre of Shopping, several top golf courses and the King Shaka International Airport are all easily accessible from both hotels.

It also made significant renovations to two resort offerings, returning Premier Resort Cutty Sark in Scottburgh on the KwaZuluNatal coast to its former glory, that’s situated on the beachfront, set amid 14 acres of beautifully manicured grounds, unspoiled indigenous vegetation, and 180-degree sea views, with the grassy embankments leading to golden, sandy beaches.

It encompassed a complete refurbishment of all 59 sea-facing rooms, adding a further 39 rooms and upgrading furnishings and decor. The resort is a completely reimagined mecca for holiday makers, leisure seekers, conference groups and diving enthusiasts, with a dive school that specialises in the world-renowned Aliwal Shoal diving experience nearby, along with Scuba Xcursion Dive Centre onsite offering various ocean activities for adventure-seekers.

It now boasts a new swimming pool, outdoor terrace with spectacular views, cocktail pool deck experience, with direct access to the swimming beach — as well as upgraded bars, restaurants and pizza oven, new facades, extensive upgrades to the dining room, foyer and reception areas.

The Premier Hotel The Richards, situated in Richard Bay, is uniquely positioned in the exclusive suburb of Meerensee. This property is undergoing a renovation this year.

It’s perfect for breaks where you want to get out of the city, yet still enjoy easy access to it when needed. The hotel boasts 135 comfortable rooms as well as stateof-the-art conference amenities.