COVER STORY MUCH MORE THAN MICE!

MUCH MORE THAN MICE!

Famed for its picturesque resorts, ATKV is a household name for many. With seven sprawling properties across South Africa, Meetings learns more about the opportunities available for hosting meetings in some of the country’s most idyllic settings.

With a history spanning close to 100 years, ATKV Resorts has become one of South Africa’s best-known ranges of home-grown venues. ATKV is ideally positioned to cater to the needs of all its patrons, with each of its properties offering an expansive variety of exciting activities and accommodation options that are popular among both business and leisure travellers.

“It was to be expected that travel and conferencing needs would change over the past two years but, as part of our promise, ATKV is committed to providing memorable experiences at exceptional value,” enthuses Pretty Mvune, sales executive: Business Events at ATKV.

Pretty is passionate about ATKV’s MICE offering, noting that this has grown in demand as people seek more authentic experiences in which they can connect with nature and feel grounded.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly shifted perceptions towards what people value and what they uphold as important. At ATKV, we believe we provide an ideal space and environment in which engaging and impactful discussions can take place,” emphasises Pretty. WHAT’S ON OFFER

The ATKV Resorts offering spans seven beautiful properties within South Africa – each diverse and unique in its own way.

“Our approach towards business events is that we can offer you an all-encompassing solution,” comments Pretty.

ATKV’s skilled teams are on hand to assist planners, organisers and facilitators in bringing together full experiences at any one of its properties. With world-class facilities and a host of fun activities, ATKV Resorts venues will leave an indelible impression on guests.

ATKV’s venues are strategically located close to a number of cultural and heritage sites, and other local attractions, meaning guests can have a fulfilling and rich experience as they explore the local sights and sounds.

“ATKV Resorts provides safe, secure and easyto-access experiences. Each of our properties is

ideally suited to making your meeting, incentive conference or private event a working success – all at affordable rates,” highlights Pretty.

THE RESORTS

ATKV Buffelspoort has two large halls and four smaller conference rooms, which are all air-conditioned. Situated close to Pretoria and Johannesburg at the foothills of the Magaliesberg, the resort can accommodate conference groups of up to 800 delegates. Full catering services are offered for functions, weddings and conference groups, with a wide variety of recreational activities and leisure facilities.

Just over three hours’ drive from Johannesburg or Bloemfontein – and about two-and-a-half hours from Durban – at the foothills of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre, which is part of a Unesco World Heritage Site, lies ATKV Drakensville Holiday Resort. Drakensville’s tranquillity creates the ideal atmosphere to ensure the ultimate success of your conference. The venue’s services include the support of an experienced business events team, an environment centre that organises exciting development and team-building programmes, and modern facilities, including indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools as well as a waterslide. Conference and wedding packages can be compiled to your specific needs, including special menus catered for by ATKV Drakensville’s licensed restaurant.

The peace and quiet at ATKV Natalia create the perfect backdrop for successful business events and stimulating team-building programmes. The resort offers modern facilities for groups of up to 300 persons, excellent accommodation and top-quality catering. With an experienced businessevents team ensuring that nothing goes wrong and that all your needs are met, you’re able to devote all your energy to creative and innovative thinking.

Nestled among the spectacular Boland mountains and magnificent vineyards, ATKV Goudini Spa is one of the Western Cape’s most sought-after holiday, conferencing and tourist destinations. This modern resort, with its wide variety of facilities, is fast becoming a market leader in the province. The latest addition to ATKV Goudini Spa is the luxurious Slanghoek Villas. With a four-star grading and breathtaking views over the Breede River Valley, the resort’s Slanghoek Villas consist of 30 luxurious units with a swimming pool and conference facility that can also be used as a wedding venue. With its modern architecture and panoramic views, this unique venue can accommodate up to 120 guests.

ATKV Hartenbos is an all-in-one venue. This jewel boasts budget-friendly accommodation and services by the ocean. With expansive conference facilities and top-notch service and catering, ATKV Hartenbos is the perfect choice for an inspirational conference. Situated about 8 km from Mossel Bay and 45 km from George Airport, the resort lies exactly between Cape Town and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), and it is ideal for business events, meetings, team-building sessions, and more.

A pleasant holiday resort situated in the beautiful Waterberg ravine, ATKV Klein-Kariba boasts fully equipped chalets, ranging from semi-luxury to luxury, and 12 ‘hotel-like’ rooms with a lush caravan park. Fully equipped modern business event facilities and catering are available at group rates, while the resort’s three-star business event facilities can accommodate 500 delegates in schoolroom-style seating and 700 delegates in cinema style.

On the southern banks of the Letaba River, only 68 km east of Tzaneen, lies ATKV Eiland Spa in the heart of the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve. Eiland Spa, with its year-round warm, sunny weather and diverse natural beauty, is one of the most popular resorts in South Africa. Offering a choice of selfcatering accommodation, recreational facilities and activities, a restaurant and a healing hydro-spa, ATKV Eiland Spa is the ideal place to come and relax. The serene tranquillity and peaceful silence of the bushveld surroundings create the ideal atmosphere for positive and creative business planning and team-building experiences.

TESTIMONIALS

“On behalf of our team, I’d like to say thank you for a wonderful conference. You and your team were absolutely amazing and super helpful; really made my

work easy.” - Nicole Cogill, marketing coordinator, Space Station

“I have had a number of conferences at ATKV Buffelspoort over the years and the level of service and attention to detail by Sanet and her competent team has always impressed me. Nothing is too much to ask and everything is done with a smile and a genuine willingness to meet expectations. The conference and accommodation facilities are of a high standard and the resort is always in immaculate condition.”

- Mark Barlow, sales manager, Voermol

“RelatED Education would like to thank the management and staff at Buffelspoort and all the ATKV resorts where we have been accommodated for their excellent and professional and consistent service over the past years. The feedback from our many learners is most positive regarding the comfortable accommodation, the daily quality meals and the enjoyable amenities that they experience at the AKTV resorts around the country. We look forward to utilising your resorts in the future.”

- Richard Blochlinger, RelatED Education

For more information on business events and to make your next meeting or event one for the books, visit atkvbusinessevents.co.za.