Dream properties for corporates

“TODAY a successful business trip is not defined solely by the quality of the accommodation or the size of the meeting room. Travellers and organisations are increasingly looking for convenience, meaningful experiences, flexibility and environments that support both productivity and wellbeing,” Zulfa Hendricks, Leisure Sales Lead at Dream Hotels & Resorts tells Travel News. The company offers a variety of destination conferencing venues across the country, ranging from coastal resorts to Winelands properties. All are suited to individual business travellers, SMEs, meetings, conferences, incentives and team-building programmes. KZN A key recent development is the completed refurbishment of Zimbali Lodge on the KZN North Coast. Upgrades include guest rooms, public spaces and conferencing facilities, with a particular focus on improving guest flow, operational efficiency and corporate and MICE travellers’ experience. The lodge is 15 minutes from King Shaka International Airport and is suited to corporate meetings, executive retreats, incentives and MICE groups. Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa overlooks Lake Jozini and offers flexible conference venues for groups of up to 220 delegates, alongside outdoor and leisure activities that can be incorporated into corporate programmes. “The combination of business facilities and a unique natural setting makes Jozini an ideal choice for companies looking to take meetings and events beyond the traditional conference environment,” says Hendricks. On the South Coast, Blue Marlin All Inclusive Seascape accommodates corporate groups, workshops and smaller conferences of up to 100 delegates, depending on configuration. Western Cape In Cape Town, The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel in Sea Point gives convenient access to the City Bowl and CTICC, with apartment- style accommodation suitable for short and extended business stays. Its Executive Boardroom and Society Room cater for executive meetings and groups of around 100 delegates. Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa offers five conference and function spaces. The property is geared towards executive retreats, strategy sessions, incentives and small to medium-sized conferences. SMEs welcome Dream Hotels & Resorts also caters for SMEs that may not have the room- night volumes or formal travel programmes of larger corporate accounts. It focuses on flexibility and value, with options ranging from boardrooms for small teams to conference spaces, accommodation and executive strategy retreats, says Hendricks. She adds that packages can be tailored around a company’s requirements and budget, including accommodation, venue selection, catering and activities. The Peninsula, Le Franschhoek and Jozini Tiger Lodge are suited to smaller corporate groups. “Ultimately, Dream Hotels & Resorts offers corporate travellers the opportunity to do business differently: combining professional conferencing and accommodation with South Africa's diverse destinations and the kind of experiences that can turn a business trip into something more meaningful,” adds Hendricks.