3 Wilderness Venues That Blend the Beauty of Nature with the Art of Hospitality
Escape the ordinary and venture into the extraordinary world of wilderness venues and lodges that promise to redefine your idea of corporate events and functions. Imagine hosting your next conference or team-building retreat in three exceptional destinations that seamlessly blend the beauty of nature with the art of hospitality. From Kruger Shalati’s unparalleled stay on a historic railway bridge to Thornybush Game Lodge’s harmonious wellness oasis, and Veld and Sea’s immersive edible landscape experiences, these venues offer more than just a backdrop; they offer a chance to create unforgettable memories. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey through these unique locations, where the boundaries between work and wonder blur, leaving you and your team inspired and rejuvenated. Welcome to a world where meetings and events become extraordinary adventures.
Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge
Based on the historic Selati Bridge – a South African heritage site – Kruger Shalati is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that everyone should have on their bucket lists. In fact, the Selati Railway Line is said to have been the main reason for the survival of the Kruger National Park, having been the rail route for the Round in Nine train trip of the 80s, and now guests can literally sleep on the tracks!
The unique Kruger National Park-based destination encourages corporates to treat their best performers with a stay in the Train on the Bridge – a subsidiary of the Motsamayi Tourism Group. Apart from the room carriages, the middle carriage holds an impressive bar area overlooking the state-of-the-art, overhanging swimming pool and of course, the Sabie River underneath.
“Our relaxing corporate getaways promise to deliver twice the benefits of regular travel incentives, ensuring a truly rewarding and memorable experience,” they claim.
Thornybush Game Lodge
Having recently launched its latest addition – the Thornybush Africology Spa & Wellness Centre – there is now so much more reason for you and your team to unwind in the wilderness. Wellness safari offerings have been on the rise, even for corporate teams, with a global focus on conscious and healthy living.
The Thornybush Spa & Wellness Centre harmonises with the four elements of nature: earth, water, air and fire. It is a collab between Thornybush Game Lodges and the Hoedspruit-based Africology owner, Kelly Sage and the products used are only natural and organic ingredients. Ultimately, it’s a celebration of a rich, botanical heritage and indigenous South African plants like Rooibos, Aloe and African Potato Bush.
Visitors can look forward to an array of facilities, including three treatment rooms (perfect for a small team of businesswomen), an infrared sauna, gym, yoga deck and pool. There is also a wellness juice bar, which offers healthy and delicious cold-pressed juices and shots.
Last, but not least, those who are keen can also embark on wellness safaris – a new concept in the Thornybush experience that allows you to go on immersive, three-hour-long safari walks to reconnect with nature and foster a sense of balance and tranquillity.
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Veld and Sea
Located on the Cape Peninsula, Veld and Sea is one of those events venues that will leave you inspired. In fact, their very being is being inspired by nature, seasons, moon and tide and you can experience it for yourself by booking a team building or corporate brand activation with them. The package includes exclusive hire of their impressive and beautiful Glasshouse and their eco amphitheatre talk space, as well as award-winning menus created by their chefs, inspired by seasonal, local and wild ingredients.
Veld and Sea offers educational experiences that allow guests to immerse and explore the edible landscape. Their team of foragers, facilitators and chefs take you on a journey with food as a tool for education, teaching you about plants, flowers, fynbos and seaweeds that make up the Cape’s local ecology. It’s the perfect educational and interactive year-end event opportunity that allows teams to relax, reset and let their creativity flow on a wildly delicious experience.
