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COVER STORY
Premier Resort Cutty Sark.
Business meets leisure — Why hosting events at resorts boosts productivity and enjoyment
In today’s fast-paced business world, finding the perfect balance between productivity and relaxation has become increasingly important. Hosting a conference, corporate retreat, or business meeting no longer needs to be confined to the traditional, uninspiring meeting room setup. Enter resorts — venues that offer the ideal blend of business functionality and leisure
Resorts provide a unique opportunity to foster creativity, collaboration, and motivation while allowing delegates to unwind and recharge in their spare time. The International Association of Conference Centres (IACC) reported that 71 per cent of meeting planners said that attendees show more creativity in meetings held in environments with natural light and outdoor views, typical of resort settings. This winning combination can make your next event successful and memorable.
Several South African resorts embody this business-meets-leisure ideal, offering the perfect venues for corporate events. From the serene beauty of the Premier Resort Knysna to the coastal charm of Premier Resort Cutty Sark, the mountain majesty of Premier Resort Sani Pass, and the wildlife wonders of Mpongo Private Game Reserve, these locations provide world-class conference facilities with a backdrop of nature, recreation, and relaxation. Let’s explore why hosting your business event at these resorts can boost both productivity and enjoyment.
The Premier Advantage: perfect settings for productive events
When planning a business event, one of the key considerations is choosing a venue that offers comprehensive meeting facilities while providing an environment conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation. Resorts such as Premier Resort Knysna, Cutty Sark, Sani Pass, and Mpongo Private Game Reserve are ideal for this because they take business events out of the ordinary by offering more than just functional meeting spaces. They provide a break from the hustle and bustle of urban life and give delegates an inspiring environment that encourages creative thinking and collaboration.
Premier Resort Knysna: a lagoon-side retreat for business and leisure
Nestled on the serene shores of the Knysna Lagoon along the famous Garden Route, Premier Resort Knysna - The Moorings offers an idyllic setting for business events. With its tranquil lagoon views, lush surroundings, and laid-back charm, this resort creates a peaceful atmosphere perfect for corporate retreats, workshops, and conferences.
The resort’s modern conference facilities can accommodate up to 200 delegates, making it suitable for both small and large gatherings. Equipped with the latest audiovisual technology and flexible seating arrangements, the meeting rooms ensure your event runs smoothly. But what sets Premier Resort Knysna apart is the variety of leisure activities available to delegates after the business sessions. From boat cruises on the lagoon, to exploring the Knysna Heads or taking a scenic drive through the nearby Knysna forests, there’s plenty to do during downtime.
The mix of excellent facilities, beautiful scenery, and recreational opportunities makes Premier Resort Knysna a premier choice for hosting productive and enjoyable business events. Delegates leave not only with a sense of accomplishment, but also with lasting memories of the natural beauty that surrounds them.
Premier Resort Cutty Sark: where coastal charm meets business efficiency
For businesses looking to combine their events with sun, sea, and sand, Premier Resort Cutty Sark in Scottburgh offers the perfect solution. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, this resort brings together the charm of a coastal getaway with the functionality of a business event venue.
The resort’s conference facilities include fully equipped meeting rooms with state-ofthe-art technology, capable of hosting up to 150 delegates. The ocean views and natural light in these rooms create an inspiring environment for productive discussions and presentations. However, it’s the leisure activities that truly make Premier Resort Cutty Sark stand out as a business venue. After a day of work, delegates can relax on the pristine beach, enjoy water sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, or surfing, or take a refreshing swim in the resort’s pool.
This unique combination of business and leisure makes Premier Resort Cutty Sark the ideal choice for businesses seeking a coastal setting to provide delegates with relaxation and stimulation, while the professional meeting spaces ensure the work gets done efficiently.
Premier Resort Sani Pass: a mountain escape for inspiration and innovation
If you’re searching for a venue that inspires creativity and fosters team bonding, look no further than Premier Resort Sani Pass. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, this resort provides a dramatic
backdrop for business events that require both focus and relaxation. Its secluded location, fresh mountain air, and natural beauty create the perfect environment for brainstorming, problem-solving, and strategic planning.
Premier Resort Sani Pass boasts conference facilities that cater to various group sizes, with a main conference room accommodating up to 200 delegates. Equipped with modern technology and professional services, the resort ensures that every aspect of your event is handled with care. Leisure activities are in abundance, with delegates able to unwind after their sessions with mountain hikes, birdwatching, horse riding, or even venturing up the iconic Sani Pass, into Lesotho.
The combination of challenging outdoor activities and the serene mountain environment fosters team building and encourages creative thinking, making Premier Resort Sani Pass a great choice for companies looking to motivate and inspire their teams.
Mpongo Private Game Reserve: a safari adventure for business with a wild twist
For those looking to add a wild twist to their business event, Mpongo Private Game Reserve near East London offers an unforgettable experience. Combining luxury accommodation, excellent conference facilities, and the thrill of a safari, Mpongo allows businesses to host events in the heart of the Eastern Cape’s stunning wilderness.
Mpongo’s conference centre can accommodate up to 100 delegates, with audio-visual equipment and high-speed internet ensuring that your business needs are met. But what truly makes this venue unique is the opportunity for delegates to experience the Big Five and other wildlife up close during game drives and safari walks. After a day of meetings, your team can embark on an adventure through the reserve, spotting lions, elephants, and rhinos in their natural habitat.
This combination of business and adventure makes Mpongo Private Game Reserve a great venue for businesses looking to energise their teams and foster a sense of connection with nature. It’s a venue where the workday ends with the excitement of a safari, leaving delegates both refreshed and inspired.
Why combining business and leisure works
Choosing a resort venue for your business event offers more than just a change of scenery. It creates an environment that fosters productivity while providing much-needed relaxation and enjoyment for delegates. Here’s why this combination works so well:
Improved focus and creativity: Being surrounded by natural beauty and having access to leisure activities can help clear the mind and spark creativity. Whether it’s walking along the lagoon in Knysna, hiking in the Drakensberg, or scuba diving in the ocean, these environments promote fresh thinking and new ideas.
Team bonding and networking: Resorts provide informal settings for delegates to connect outside the formal business environment. Whether it’s over dinner, during a game drive, or lounging by the pool, these moments help build stronger relationships and encourage networking.
Stress reduction: Business events can be intense and tiring. By hosting them at a resort, delegates have the opportunity to relax and unwind during their spare time, reducing stress and improving overall satisfaction. A relaxed delegate is more likely to be engaged and productive during meetings.
Memorable experiences: According to Eventbrite, 77 per cent of business delegates said that they are more likely to remember an event held at a destination offering leisure opportunities, and they are more likely to recommend the experience to colleagues, enhancing the event’s longterm impact. Hosting an event at a resort creates a unique experience that delegates will remember. Instead of just attending another conference, they get to enjoy activities like safaris, hiking, or coastal adventures, making the event stand out in their minds.
Increased engagement: When delegates have access to leisure activities, they are more likely to be excited about attending the event. The prospect of mixing work with enjoyable experiences makes them more engaged and willing to participate fully in both business sessions and teambuilding activities.
Conclusion: elevate your business event with Premier Resorts
When planning your next corporate event, consider stepping outside the typical boardroom setting and choosing a resort that offers a mix of business and leisure. Resorts like those in the Premier Hotels & Resorts portfolio provide the perfect balance of professional facilities and enjoyable experiences, ensuring that your event is productive and memorable. Whether it’s the tranquil lagoon views at Knysna, the coastal charm of Scottburgh, the mountain majesty of Sani Pass, or the safari adventure at Mpongo, these resorts offer an unparalleled opportunity to combine work with leisure. Hosting your event at one of these locations ensures that delegates leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to take on new challenges. By choosing a resort venue, you’re not just organising a meeting — you’re creating an experience that boosts productivity and enjoyment for everyone involved.
For further information
Visit: www.premierhotels.com or contact Central Reservations: info@premierhotels.com | 086 111 5555
