Outdoor Venues to Host Your Next Event or Conference
It’s that time of year again when year-end celebrations and corporate events are on the rise. It comes at the right time, for sure, as the weather starts changing and groups can meet and mingle out on the lawn, under large trees and even on outdoor adventures. Even weddings seem to be planned differently these days, with experiential marital memories taking priority over the traditional type of wedding. Just recently we saw someone share a couple’s wedding photos on social media, where they went on a tour through Johannesburg for their wedding reception.
That said, while people are keen on getting together to celebrate, the group size and activity are two factors that seem to weigh a little more than before. Hence, more intimate venues or at least venues that offer an outdoor option, and unique activities and entertainment are what we are looking forward to as we start our descent in 2023.
Houghton Hotel & Conference Venue
The 5-star Houghton Hotel – an urban oasis in Joburg – hosted the successful Houghton Hotel Conferencing, Wellness and Leisure expo in July this year. The inaugural expo showcased the destination’s diverse offerings to esteemed members of the MICE and tourism industries, as well as corporate guests. The interactive event was such a huge success that it has now been added as an annual event in the destination’s calendar, making it a valuable networking tool for the tourism and conferencing industries.
Apart from the Houghton Hotel’s wide range of accommodation options – from spacious suites to an impressive 850m² multi-level penthouse – it also boasts a gastronome’s paradise with Séjour Restaurant, Nova Bistro and the Astra Lounge. Furthermore, The Venue is a sophisticated conference and events venue which can accommodate up to 500 conference delegates and 350 banqueting guests. It’s perfect for both corporate functions and celebratory events of any size.
If you do happen to stay at The Houghton Hotel, be sure to rejuvenate and relax at The Houghton Hotel Spa. At this avant-garde facility, it’s all about holistic living with outdoor relaxation, quality spa treatments and a heated infinity pool. Pure bliss.
You can even combine your corporate event or calm the pre-wedding jitters with a game of golf at the Jack Nicklaus designed Houghton Golf Course adjacent to the hotel. For the fitness fanatics, there is also the FitBar gym, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology. And, as if that’s not enough, the hotel also boasts world-class medical suites where you can enjoy a unique remedial experience, including dentistry, optometry, aesthetics, laser treatments, physiotherapy, as well as skin-, hair- and beauty treatments.
3 Wilderness Venues That Blend the Beauty of Nature with the Art of Hospitality
Three unique locations where the boundaries between work and wonder blur, leaving you and your team inspired and rejuvenated.
Clico Hotel, Restaurant & Conferencing
Recognised among the top 10% of hotels worldwide by the 2023 Travelers’ Choice Awards, Clico Hotel, Restaurant & Conferencing is an oasis of elegance, comfortably located in Jozi’s popular Rosebank neighbourhood. Here, the bubbly flows and the food is exquisitely prepared at both Clico Restaurant and the brand-new, casual dining offering, 400 Degrees at Clico.
The hotel caters for smaller and intimate events with sliding doors that open onto the garden. It is the ideal venue for events like special occasion lunches, dinners for up to 36 guests, cocktail parties for around 50 people, tea parties, christenings or intimate weddings with a difference. You can also hire the entire boutique hotel on an exclusive basis should you wish.
Clico Restaurant is also available for private functions by prior arrangement and is perfect for private meetings and occasions.
Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa
It’s true that wine tasting is but the beginning when visiting the winelands. It is a good beginning, though and therefore tasting some wines from the Helderberg region while visiting Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa, is a must. Taking place on the last Wednesday of every month, Erinvale Estate hotel & Spa’s Winemakers Dinner is a great option for an intimate corporate event. They’ve previously hosted winemakers from Eagle’s Nest, Ken Forrester Wines and Carsten Migliarina. Book a table for you and your team at Stefan’s to experience the extraordinary culinary talents of Chef Stefan Bekker, including a seven-course fine-dining experience of note.
In addition, Erinvale is also the ideal venue for executive meetings and teambuilding experiences. The destination boasts three separate meeting and event spaces: Oak Room, Birch Room and the Camphor Venue. While the Oak and Birch rooms are meant for more intimate meetings, the beautiful Camphor Venue is made up of three interleading spaces which can either be booked separately or together. It is ideal for meetings, exhibitions, cocktail functions, banquets and gala dinners alike, spilling out into the beautiful indigenous garden and courtyards in summer.
