(Friday, 15 September 2017) Cape Town – On the evening of Thursday, 14 September 2017, the Sanlam Top Destination awards ceremony was held at Kelvin Grove in Newlands and 35 accommodation establishments walked away with the winning title of ‘Sanlam Top Destination Award’ in their respective categories and star gradings. It was an incredible evening showing recognition to the local entrepreneurs who make the South African tourism industry as great as it is.
In conjunction with title sponsor, Sanlam, Discount Traveler South Africa pulled out all the stops to ensure a special evening themed #MyHeartBeatsAfrica. Guests were serenaded by the sounds of Ricky Botsis as they sipped on welcome drinks from Ayama Vermentino 2016 and Amarula served with crushed ice as Pop Up Beauty Bar offered express manicures. Décor sponsor, Rialhiem Ceramics decked each table with uniquely crafted flowerpots and candelabras from his latest BRAVE Collection, encapsulating the authentically African theme of the evening.
The Master of Ceremonies were radio and TV personality, Tracey Lange and Josie Eveleigh of SABC 3 travel show, Where Josie Goes. The pair were dressed in show-stopping gowns by King of Couture, Jacques Lagrange. The blonde-brunette duo offered guests humorous, feisty banter, keeping proceedings light.
In between announcements, a delectable three course meal was served paired with Ayama Baboon’s Swing Chenin Blanc 2015 for the starter and Ayama Leopard Spot Red 2015 with mains. Guests were treated to magical dance performances by Blush Productions and music by Shen FM, adding an African Elegance to the proceedings.
The Sanlam Top Destination Awards awarded the finest selection from 9 700 establishments entered for this year’s awards, treating them to an array of exquisite giveaways throughout the evening. The awards commenced with a draw for three uniquely crafted David Green time pieces valued at R 4 000 each and rapped with one lucky establishment walking away with a Volkswagen Kombi for twelve months. Gift bags included goodies from Rialheim, Romatex, Inn-Addition, Spree, and Amarula.
Finalists are privy to R10 000’s worth of advertising in The Traveler Mag South Africa to accompany their certificate and the 35 winners each walked away with the title of Top Destination in their category and star grading, receiving a winner’s certificate and hand-crafted ceramic elephant trophy by Rialheim Ceramics, as well as their share in R1 000 000’s worth of advertising! The SABRE Top Destination Technology Award gave one lucky establishment a trip to the SABRE Forum 2018 in Europe.
The winners of the Sanlam Top Destination Awards 2017 are:
Caravan-Camping
Ungraded: Richtersveld Wilderness Camp
4* grading: Dibiki Holiday Resort
Backpacker
Ungraded: George Backpackers
4* grading: B.I.G. Backpackers
Self-Catering
Ungraded: Wild Thingz Lodge
1* grading: Golden Gate Guesthouse
3* grading: Rhino Manor
4* grading: Cabana Beach Resort
Guest House
Ungraded: 5 on Jean
3* category: La Picasso Guesthouse
4* category: Grey Manor Guesthouse
5* category: Nova Constantia Boutique Residence Guest House
Country House
Ungraded: Blue Gum Country Estate
3* grading: Olive Grove Guest Farm
4* grading: Crawford’s Beach Lodge
5* grading: Wild Mushroom Luxury Country House
Bed & Breakfast
Ungraded: Leopard Lily Bed & Breakfast Potchefstroom
3* grading: Morgenzicht Bed and Breakfast
4* grading: Lapologa Bed and Breakfast
5* grading: Azamare Camps Bay
Lodge
Ungraded: Santos Express Train Lodge
3* grading: African Game Lodge
4* grading: Sunset Beach Lodge and Spa
5* grading: Hayward’s Grand Safari Lodge
Game Lodge
Ungraded – Godwana’s Bush Villas & Fynbos Villas
2* grading: Tented Adventures Pilanesberg
3* grading: Timbavati Safari Lodge
4* grading: Morokolo Game Lodge
5* grading: Ivory Tree Game Lodge
Farm Accommodation
Ungraded: Affi Lande Boetiek Guest Farm
3* grading: Ganora Guestfarm
4* grading: Dusk to Dawn Farm Guesthouse
Hotel
Ungraded: Trennerys hotel
3* grading: Hotel Savoy
4* grading: NH The Lord Charles Hotel
5* grading: The Twelve Apostles Hotel
For more information on the Sanlam Top Destination Awards please visit www.topdestinationawards.com.
