The Protea Hotel Kruger Gate, situated just 100m from the Paul Kruger Gate of the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga, starts the first phase of its refurbishment plan this month that will encompass the rooms, elevated walkways, conference facilities, restaurant and perhaps most importantly, infrastructural changes that will see a marked improvement in water and energy consumption.

Every last Sunday of the month, until December 2012, you can spoil yourself with a delicious high tea in the Augusta Club Lounge at Graceland.

Get your friends together and book now. The next High Tea takes place on the 25^th of March.

When one thinks of Forever Resorts, you tend to think of them as family holiday resorts. Many people don’t realise what a wide array of conference destinations Forever Resorts offers.

Peebles, a family owned boutique hotel situated in the centre of Dullstroom, is particularly suited to small team building meetings and executive conferences. Conference facilities are available for groups of up to 60 delegates and catering options range from simple to superlative. Teambuilding and recreational facilities are available on neighboring farms (clay pigeon shooting, quad biking, trout fishing etc). Accommodation varies from large, luxury suites with log fires to standard and family suites.

Offers two conference facilities and various team building activities. A range of recreational activities such as game viewing on horseback, mountain bike or walking trials available. The Estate consists of a Luxury Lodge which offers 13 spacious rooms as well as 4 private self contained family suites and 20 comfortable self-contained chalets.

Critchley Hackle is situated in the spectacular Mpumalanga Highlands, just two hours drive from Johannesburg. There is a fully co-ordinated conferencing and events centre that caters for corporate functions of small to medium group sizes. The location is also ideal for weddings, family holidays, teambuilding etc. There are many activities available such as fishing, horse riding, a spa, mountain biking etc. Critchley Hackle offers a choice of accommodation options, from Deluxe Suites, Lakeside Superior, Lakeside Tower and Cottages, all built in natural sandstone and capturing the rustic charm of turn-of-the-century architecture.

Shishangeni Private Lodge is situated on 15,000 hectares of a private concession at the Kruger National Park. Shishangeni comprises three camps to choose from: Shishangeni Private Lodge, Camp Shonga and Camp Shawu and has a stellar reputation as a premier wildlife reserve with the some of the finest game viewing on the continent.

Sadly, there are some of us who have to work over the Christmas and New Year season. After all, the whole economy can’t just shut down. If you’re one of those who won’t be getting leave right then, consider having a break in January, when the rest of the office is back at work.

I am sure that most of our readers are starting to think about the holidays and taking off some time for a well deserved break. Seasons in Africa has an exceptional offer on over the holiday season. And the best thing about it is that you can choose the area that appeals to you the most.

Secluded at the foot of the Blyde River Canyon on the banks of the Blyde River, amid a symphony of majestic Drakensberg mountain peaks and lush bush teeming with wildlife, award-winning 3-star graded Swadini, near Hoedspruit, sounds a call to indulge in pure African-style magic. Be in awe of the Kadishi “weeping face of nature” – one of the world’s largest Tufa waterfalls – enjoy an exclusive boat cruise on the Blyde Dam, slip away to view the “Big Five” in the nearby Kruger National Park.  Choose from one of three conference rooms, all air-conditioned.  Our biggest conference room can accommodate up to 280 delegates.