Father’s Day – Just Ahead
Book now: lodge@irenecountrylodge.co.za or phone 012 6676464
Camdeboo Forest Spa
Camdeboo Forest Spa
Camdeboo Day Spa is proud to launch the new Camdeboo Forest Spa.
This new venture boasts the same invigorating treatments you can find at Camdeboo Day Spa, but offers its own unique environment and spa experience for day visitors to the Lodge over the weekend. From booking a stork tea or kitchen tea
for a group of ladies, to a romantic day for you and your love one the Forest Spa is now able to assist with whatever your requirements are.
Camdeboo (named after the White Stinkwood trees that populate the area) has been open since September 2009 and has become an integral part of the luxury that makes up African Pride Irene Country Lodge. The spa is an oasis of tranquillity that will relax you so thoroughly that you’re likely to forget the world exists outside of its walls.
The Forest Spa, like Camdeboo Day Spa, offers various treatments with a focus on rejuvenation and health. Fittingly for
its pure and picturesque setting, the treatment menu uses natural products and top-class therapy methods to bring the peace and calm that one so often loses in daily life, back to its guests.
Situated in the tranquil and largely undisturbed Lodge forest, one of the new forest suites will be your private domain for the duration of your spa session, giving you the space to truly relax.
The Forest Spa experience includes a welcome and complimentary drink at Camdeboo Day Spa, after which your therapist will accompany you on a scenic walk through our Camdeboo forest to your private suite. The suite is available for couples or small groups of friends, offering a 
private pampering experience in your own slice of luxury.
We welcome all day visitors to reserve a private suite and experience our tranquil Forest Spa. All of Camdeboo’s aqua facilities are available to guests both before and after their spa treatments.
The Camdeboo facilities (open to guests over 16 years of age) include:
• Techno Gym
• Sensation Showers
• Steam Room
• Sauna
• Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Pool Lounger area
• Heated Jacuzzi
• Relaxation Areas
• Café & Juice Bar during the day
The Forest Spa opened in March 2012, from 9am to 5 every Saturday and Sunday.
TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY
H&L COMPETITION: win a luxury stay at african pride irene country lodge
win a luxury stay at african pride irene country lodge
One lucky couple will win a two night getaway to this Pretoria lodge valued at R 30 000!
Discover a Luxury Country Gem in the Heart of Centurion
Take a break from the rush of the city and escape to the calm of Irene Country Lodge, a luxury country retreat in the heart of the historic Irene village in Centurion. Set on 500 acres of lush meadow overlooking a stunning lake teeming with fish and birds, the lodge exudes historical charm and exceptional modern luxury. Get pampered at the lodge’s Camdeboo Day Spa, a haven of comfort and repose. This intimate spa offers skin and body treatments guaranteed to help you relax and refresh.
Let fresh country breeze soothe you at the adjoining Irene Dairy Farm. As you drive through the ancient avenue of old oak trees at farm with cows grazing in the distance, let time drift away and take you back to a bygone era when picnics and fresh, homemade food was a natural indulgence.
House and Leisure is giving one lucky reader and a partner the opportunity to enjoy a leisure getaway valued at R30 000. The prize includes flights and airport transfers, accommodation for two people in the Presidential suite, two six-course dinner meals paired with wine, a picnic lunch at the farm and lunch at the lodge, sumptuous breakfasts and pampering in Camdeboo Day Spa!
For more information you can visit irenecountrylodge.co.za or call 012-667-6464. You can also follow them on Twitter @irenelodge or ‘like’ them on Facebook at facebook.com/irenecountrylodge.
To stand a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:
Name the farm that adjoins the African Pride Irene Country Lodge?
Closing date for entries is 31 May 2012.
Irene – The Perfect Wedding Destination
If you’re planning your nuptials and want somewhere unique to tie the knot then look no further than Irene:
African Pride Irene Country Lodge, the ultimate in style and luxury, overlooks one of Gauteng’s most beautiful lakes and is set in a lush meadow. You’ll love the old world rustic charm, and the warm and friendly atmosphere of Irene. Whether it’s an alfresco breakfast overlooking the lake or a more formal dining experience in one of our well-appointed function rooms, the day for YOU and your guests is sure to be a memorable one. Read more.
Across from African Pride Irene Country Lodge is the iconic Irene Dairy Farm, a 120 year old working Dairy which now offers a unique, yet more affordable venue for your wedding. The farm boasts two ceremony venues an open air lawn area and a converted 100 year old hay barn that has a rustic charm unparalleled anywhere in Gauteng.
Irene Farm also offers two reception venues, an open reception area shaded by giant oak trees and comprising 12 seat benches, to offer something a little different, as well as a more conventional 80 seat indoor venue situated in the old barn building. Read more.
If you’re looking for a venue that’s a little larger, but state of the art consider the SAX Arena – a multi-purpose 550 seat venue situated a mere 1.9 km away from
African Pride Irene Country Lodge and Irene Dairy. This venue allows for outside catering and can accommodate anything from a cocktail style wedding to a more formal dinner, or even a braai.
The arena boasts a huge stage area, state of the art AV and lighting, as well as a separate sound booth for the sound technician. Read more.
The great news is African Pride Irene Country Lodge is running several getaway promotions that encourage quick one night breaks. Irene is the perfect spot for a quick one night stay over for that one night getaway. Read more.
Alternatively if you are looking for the ideal place to have kitchen tea or bridal shower, look no further than the Camdeboo Day Spa in African Pride Irene Country Lodge as we will built a package around your requirements, what about a high tea with some relaxing back massages. Read more.
XHRISTYLE wrote: African Pride Hotel Group’s Irene Country Lodge, just outside Pretoria, proves just how ‘Lekker’ Local Really Is!
Another Break-Away Destination within Reach: The rich diversity of the various cultures in this wonderful country transcends our people and is spectacularly epitomised by the varying landscapes and natural features, fauna and flora of our land. However, we need not always travel to the coast, game reserve, mountains or wine lands to get an idea of some of the diverse treasures South Africa offers because many a good example is within shortish distance from many of our metropolises.
Popular places like Dullstroom, Magaliesburg, Nylstroom, Bela Bela and the Vaal River attract many a city slicker over weekends and holidays, so it is fitting to include another beautiful part of the world in this list- ironically set between both Johannesburg and Pretoria- is the tranquil Irene Village with its many attractions including the stunning Irene Country Lodge…
The Village This lush area, situated right next to the bustling suburbs of Centurion is accessed from the John Vorster off-ramp to the N1, therefore it seems implausible that somewhere so calm, tranquil and natural could exist in the midst of Midrand, Pretoria, Centurion and Johannesburg. Akin to a welcome oasis, Irene boasts great attractions including vast farm lands, the beautiful and historical Jan Smuts Museum and a quaint village seemingly unaffected by the modernity of its urban surrounds.
The village includes a picturesque ‘Shangrila’ of farm space (where bi- monthly arts, crafts and produce markets are popular with visitors), a dairy affording customers the opportunity to purchase fresh milk and cream while also giving youngsters the chance to see first hand how cows are milked and learn about the whole pasteurising process.
The African Pride Irene Country Lodge is therefore a perfect and harmonious inclusion to Irene, acting as an antidote to the hustle and bustle of city living. An appealing world all its own, Irene Country Lodge has increased in popularity over the years and thus expanded to include extra conference venues, added suites and a signature top-class health and well-being spa that is in a class all its own as well, as a fabulous restaurant, Meadow Green.
The Lodge: Where do we begin when it comes to describing a sanctuary for mind, body and soul as enchantingly serene as this country lodge?
I, together with other members of the press, was invited to retreat into this world where nature meets sophistication for a wondrous weekend of relaxation, pampering, luxury, and a bit of culinary decadence, and came away feeling rejuvenated and refreshed to face my everyday life- not far away from this oasis in Geography, but miles away in spirit!
Like most country lodges of this ilk, the property consists of vast expanse and centres around a main building/ main house comprising the reception area, restaurant, pubs, swimming pools et al and boasts accommodation separate and more secluded in varying themes and tiers of luxury to cater to visitors’ indulgent whims (and budget). Beautiful gardens and green lawns play equal fiddle with the lake and its wealth of ducks and geese and upon which one may take a slow, romantic ‘row, row, row your boat.’
The gracious hospitality of the staff at Irene Country Lodge from the gate security personnel to Reception, House-keeping, Food and Beverage and restaurant personnel is on equipoise with the warmth and charm exuded by the relaxed but sophisticated interiors of the main buildings and hotel rooms, ensuring that all guests feel pampered the minute they acquaint themselves with the premises!
The check in process was quick and efficient, and I was introduced to my hotel room- one of the more luxurious suites- by a capable porter on hand to explain the workings of various gadgets etc. in the room…
Warm, Neutrals in Décor meets Rustic, Natural surrounds My room was very spacious and elegant with an understated class through the use of a lot of dark wood classical pieces- desk, wardrobes coffee tables etc. and including plush upholstered chairs and a huge and sumptuous king size bed.
The colour ways are calm and in no way jarring, making full use of the natural surroundings as a canvass upon which to build neutrals, subtle accents and varying textures. There are small details which always set various hotels apart and make certain aspects of what’s on offer special… One of these at Irene Country Lodge is having a choice of pillows with varying inners, thickness and such to meet the individual needs of its guests.
For the business guests, there is all round WiFi with the desk in each hotel room equipped with a panel of local and international plug sockets, so one does not have to go around looking for plug points to connect your laptop. Each room features picturesque views of the lake or indeed the forest close by (the latter being the executive suites), with wooden cottage pane doors opening out onto the grounds or balconies.
A Wealth of Gastronomic Delight The first evening saw us meeting the management of the lodge next to the lake under a star lit night sky with a glass of bubbly, cheese, biscuits and other canapés. What followed was a culinary sojourn of note as Chef welcomed us all to the laid back Meadow Green Restaurant (the lodge’s feature restaurant) and treated us to a smorgasbord of select oysters, salads, smoked salmon, meats, fish curries, pastas and sublime desserts!
Yes indeed when one hears the word “buffet” one does sort of imagine those old hotels with the ubiquitous three roasts and warmed-over potatoes- you know the drill! But here we have a selection of choice foods expertly prepared and presented using the freshest produce and ingredients, a lot of which comes from the farm itself!
The same goes for the lodge’s breakfast which is a ceaseless treat of everything one can think of with a barrage of cereals and fresh porridges, pastries and breads, fresh fruit, a range of eggs on offer including duck and quail eggs, bacon, ham, waffles, crumpets, omelets and a variety of fresh juices and brewed coffee.
The Saturday evening was the ‘culinary show-stopper’, Irene Country Lodge’s weekly“Evening Under The Stars”- a scrumptious fish themed supper usually served on the lodge’s ambient patio accompanied by the shimmer of moonlight on the lake. This particular evening was a little on the chilly side so we enjoyed a stunning array of shellfish, calamari, kingklip et al in the cosiness of the Meadow Green Restaurant.
I slept in on the Sunday morning, choosing to skip the large breakfast and do lunch ala carte at Meadow Green to taste some dishes from their actual menu… After what has to be one of the most rejuvenating and spirit enhancing experiences at the lodge’s piece de resistance- Camdeboo Health and Well-being Spa (see details below), I enjoyed a Sunday lunch outside in the warmth of the pre-autumn sun…
Divine Escargot decadently smothered with garlic and blue-cheese as my starter accompanied by a decent unwooded Chardonnay- My main course was Rack of Lamb, which was perfectly prepared resulting in a tender, tasty and hearty meal. Feeling as if I would literally explode coming off a weekend of sheer gastronomic abandon, I dogged the extra calories that Meadow Green’s wondrous Dessert menu would surely add!
Rejuvenating the Spirit, Mind and Body at Camdeboo Well-Being Spa As part of our weekend itinerary, Marketing and Management were extraordinarily kind in allowing each member of the press a good hour of bliss with a head, shoulder and back massage, and to say this was what the proverbial doctor ordered is an understatement. Situated separately from the Lodge’s main house and varying suites, set in a building where old meets contemporary (with a ‘sprinkling’ of Feng Shui), the serene Spa is set in monochromatic whites and pale blues and features a courtyard around which the various treatment rooms, saunas, steam-baths and the Gym are ensconced. The Spa also features a relaxed restaurant and bar which is themed as a ‘terrace bar’ with the swimming pool and wooden sun decks playing as focal points. The music is meditative wrapping up the complete therapeutic ambience necessitated in a place of revitalisation of body, mind and spirit.
Excellent trained therapists are on hand to provide expert treatment according to your individual needs, from soothing deep cleanses, facials, body rubs and hot- stone treatments to head, neck and full body massages, manicures and pedicures et al. Even if you are not intending to have treatments, by default all hotel guests may utilise the Camdeboo facilities which include the restaurant, swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam-bath. Camdeboo proves to be a hidden treasure within the crown of Irene Country Lodge.
Historical Information The Irene Village itself is steeped in history. Originally known as Doornkloof farm, Irene Estate was established by Alois Hugo Nellmapius before being bought by Johannes Albertus Van der Byl –better known as Berti in 1895. Of course the farm’s is probably most famous for being the former residence of General Jan Smuts, who bought a part of original Doornkloof farm in 1908.
Besides featuring the beautiful old homestead of the famous former Prime Minister, and Irene Dairy Farm, the land still proudly owned by the Van der Byl family who are now in their fifth generation.
Dairy Farm The Van der Byl family have been responsible for building up the herd of dairy cows on the farm, as well as planting hundreds of trees long before environmental consciousness became fashionable. Irene was first proclaimed a township in 1902 by Bertie. Originally known as Doornkloof farm, Nellmapius renamed the farm after his daughter Irene. Today it is officially part of the municipality of Centurion and even though the population has grown considerably, neighbours still know one another and find time to chat, all in an extremely relaxed and safe environment. The Irene golf course, between Irene Dairy Farm and Smuts House, was originally laid out and started by Bertie Van der Byl and Jan Smuts around 1911, and remains one of the few golf courses in Gauteng where playing golf is still like a walk in the country.
A visit to the Irene Dairy Farm is a must; with its wonderful Farm Shop selling delicious fresh milk, as well as two restaurants. This is where the locals, often carrying the old fashioned gallon pails, purchase their supplies. The shop is licensed to sell certified milk – raw or untreated milk — complying with the same standards as pasteurised milk. Cheeses and other fresh fare are also on sale in the Dairy shop, but best of all is the rich, fresh cream which resembles clotted cream. Adjacent to the Farm Shop is the Deck Restaurant an intimate spot ideal for relaxing while watching the sun set over the bustling farm yard.
From the Irene Dairy Farm, one can walk across to the Irene Country Lodge which offers five star luxury accommodation and delectable cuisine from its Meadow Green Restaurant.
African Pride Hotels can certainly pride themselves on this sparkling gem of a lodge where an amalgam of peace and tranquility, elegance and style as well as nature blend to offer guests a true break from it all!
Mother’s Day 2012 – Sunday 13 May – the Irene way
| Wow look at the awesome prizes that you can win! | |||
| Before this year’s winter hibernation begins and the final leaves fall from the farms big oak trees, set your GPS for destination Irene. The cosy spot will once again be buzzing with things to do for Mother’s Day as they take time to spoil the special lady who is so vital in our lives – Mom.
Irene Dairy Farm If you’re looking for a rustic day out, head over to the Irene Dairy Farm, where they’ll be serving their Sunday Lunch Buffet at R149.95for moms and dads alike. Moms will receive a special treat during lunch with each mother getting a 1 litre bottle of fresh farm milk from the Dairy Shop. Kids can also enjoy their own little buffet at only R29.95 per child. For those early risers Irene serves a real farm Breakfast Buffet at only R 109.95 served from 08:00 – 12:00. Kids are offered their very own little buffet at only R 29.95 per child. Alternatively, if you are making your way to the Dairy Farm in the afternoon, stop by the Dairy Shop and pick up some goodies for a picnic and spend the afternoon lazing under the big oak trees. Click here for more information. Booking is essential so make sure you secure your place for Mother’s Day!
This upmarket restaurant will be spreading out a full buffet feast for the whole family to enjoy, with a special gift for every mom at their tables. Lunch will take place from 12:30 on Mother’s Day and mothers and their families can sit back, relax and enjoy the melodies of the in-house pianist during their meal. To see what is on the menu click through to the Mother’s Day Lunch Menu at R250.00 per adult. Little ones of all ages are welcome and will be served their very own Kiddies Buffet to choose from at R120.00 for kids between 6 and 12 and for the little ones below 6 there will be no charge. The Meadow Green Restaurant also offers an amazing breakfast buffet every day at only R 165.00 per adult with kids between 6–12 paying half price and for the little ones below 6 there will be no charge. Booking is essential so make sure you secure your place for Mother’s Day!
And if you’d like to make your mom’s special day last even longer, book her into this 5-star hotel with luxury accommodation. Irene is offering some great weekend getaway promotions, click through to the promotions page to read more about these amazing promotions: Romantic Rendezvous at R 1429 per person per night. Family Fun at R 999 per person per night. Awesome Autumn at R 999 per person per night. Leisure Getaway at R 600 per person per night. Booking is essential so make sure you don’t miss out!
Take advantage of Camdeboo Day Spa’s Mother’s Day Promotion at R650 per person and spoil mom on her special day. This promotion will be running for the whole month of May. The package includes a manicure, pedicure, express facial and a special gift that mom can take home with her. After your treatments sit back and enjoy complimentary use of the aqua facilities and be extra pampered with a delicious slice of cake while lounging by the pool. If you’d like to give your mom a little more choice buy her a gift voucher, which is valid for 6 months, so she can enjoy a day at the spa in her own time. If you buy the voucher on or before 13 May 2012 you will get 20% automatically added to the value of the voucher and with each purchase over R 500, you will get a little gift just for YOU! To view all the Camdeboo Current Promotions click here. You get one day a year to really tell your mom how special she is, so say it with an experience she won’t get anywhere else – Irene’s stunning scenery, century-old charm and five-star service is the perfect Mother’s Day gift for 2012. Click here for more information. Bookings for Camdeboo Day Spa are essential.
Competition Time! Win, win, win – as it is Mother’s Day, Irene decided to give three prizes away exclusive to Joburg.co.za readers. Competitions close 30 April 2012, so do not waste time and enter now!
Good luck to all readers and the winner will be posted on the relevant Facebook walls by no later than 3 May 2012. For more details on any of the above mentioned feel free to send your comments or enquiries, click here and they will get right back to you. |
African Pride offers the amazing Irene Country Lodge Hotel | You To Life
African Pride offers the amazing Irene Country Lodge Hotel | You To Life.
African Pride is Protea Hotels’ Superior-Deluxe range of hotels, lodges and country houses. Established in 2001, African Pride was established with the aim of meeting the demands of exclusive clientele and further extending the understanding and experience of five-star hotel accommodation in South Africa. As mentioned on their website, “African Pride embodies the proud spirit of Africa, combined with a passion for service and a commitment to excellence.” With a hotel portfolio of beautiful establishments, such as African Pride 15 On Orange, African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa or the African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel – the African Pride Hotel group certainly offers an extensive collection of luxurious getaways for you and your family to enjoy!
African Pride Irene Country Lodge is situated in the historic village of Irene. African Pride Irene Country lodge boasts a haven of peace and tranquility in the hub of South Africa’s economic hub. An array of facilities is available, including a full conference center, banquet facilities and wedding functions venue.
Dining at African Pride Irene Country Lodge is a definite highlight, with a number of restaurants on-site. The Meadow Green Restaurant boasts exquisite culinary creations carefully prepared by some of the country’s finest chefs with buffet lunches available on Sundays. A Spa Café and Juice Bar is a popular choice for guests visiting the Camdeboo Wellness Centre. Guests can also enjoy the shade of the beautiful oak trees, or relax and experience the serenity of the lake and birdlife.
For more information on African Pride Irene Country Lodge or the African Pride Hotel Group, visit their website on http://www.africanpridehotels.com/irene-country-lodge.html
SAX Arena is ready to host your next function or event…
SAX Arena is situated in Centurion, Pretoria and is a multipurpose function venue that can host up to 1000 people for a cocktail party or 400 people for a conference or dinner. This upmarket venue also has a Gautrain Bus stop right outside the venue and thus makes it a convenient way to travel to your next conference.
SAX stands for Sports Art eXchange, as the building also plays host to a variety of tertiary education with Open Windows (School of visual Arts), TIME (The institute of Music Excellence), etc… Making the SAX arena a great add-on to showcase all the different arts and sporting activities.
However in between these performances we host a number of various other functions and conferences on a monthly basis, click-through to our e-brochure to see sample events we have hosted.
See our current promotions on the flyer attached and book now!!!
Wow what an Easter weekend, Irene surely had a buzz going all weekend long!!!
Easter @ African Pride Irene Country Lodge:
I know I mentioned before that the highlight was going to be the skydiving Easter Bunny and so he was, his suit luckily opened and landed perfectly on the designated spot.
Our in-house entertainer also dressed up for the event and made the Easter egg hunt a roaring success.
The staff and management of African Pride Irene Country Lodge also added their touch to making this event, one to remember.
The spread that our amazing Chefs put together not only looked good, but tasted out of this world. From Sushi to Chocolate delights.
You surely missed out this weekend if you were not at Irene, but hopefully you will find the time to attend our next event. Watch this space…
Joburg.co.za – Destination Irene – Skydiving Easter bunny and Easter treats – The highlight on Easter Sunday will be the skydiving Easter Bunny and friends at African Pride Irene Country Lodge. Delicious eats at Meadow Green Restaurant Join them for a…
The highlight on Easter Sunday will be the skydiving Easter Bunny and friends at African Pride Irene Country Lodge.
Delicious eats at Meadow Green Restaurant
Join them for a lovely Easter Sunday lunch with family and friends on 8th of April 2012 at African Pride Irene Country Lodge in the Meadow Green Restaurant
WIN! All guests will stand a chance to win a night in the presidential suite, worth R6,500. So, get out the map, pack in your detective skills, and go hunting for Easter eggs this April!
‘Tis the season to join together for hot-cross buns, chocolate bunnies and finding where that crafty Easter Bunny has got to this year.
Special Easter Menu with Kiddies Buffet
Guests will be spoilt this holiday with a Special Easter Menu while kids will be delighted with an endless array of treats from the Easter Bunny himself as well as their very own Kiddies Buffet
Festivities will start from noon – while enjoying a welcome drink, their magical pianist and Sax player – Kirsten Watkins will fill the air with beautiful jazz notes and then the moment that will make this an Easter to remember for years… The skydiving Easter Bunny and friends will arrive!
Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind Easter, book now to avoid disappointment . Alternatively extend the experience by staying over for the weekend on one of African Pride Irene Country Lodge’s Amazing Overnight Packages available for both family and romantic getaways.
Spa Treatment
The Camdeboo Day Spa, which is situated in African Pride Irene Country Lodge, offers in celebration of Easter a Chocolate Decadence Promotion valid for the whole month of April, from Chocolate Pedicures and Manicures to a full body chocolate wrap with a cup of hot chocolate!
Sunday Lunch at Irene Dairy Farm
If all the excitement of the Easter Bunny skydiving is not for you and you just want enjoy a relaxing Sunday Lunch with friends and family, then the Irene Dairy Farm across the road, offers their Normal Sunday Lunch on Easter Sunday @ R149.95 per person and kids have their own buffet @ R 29.95.
PROTEA HOSPITALITY GROUP DRIVES EXPANSION INTO AFRICA WITH 11 NEW HOTELS
MARCH 2012:
The Protea Hospitality Group is forging ahead with extensive expansion plans on the continent this year, with the first Protea Hotel in yet another African country soon to be built and 10 other properties in the pipeline for Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia.
The total value of this investment by Protea Hotels and its property owner partners is US$130 million (approximately. ZAR 1 billion) and represents the biggest expansion on the continent this year of any hotel group in the world.
This will bring to nine the number of African countries in which Protea Hotels is represented and the company is expected to make a separate announcement soon in this regard. Protea Hospitality Group CEO Arthur Gillis said the company was viewing the African market with much optimism this year, despite the uncertainty facing the global economy. “As political stability and business opportunities increase, they create a greater need for the hotels and we’re leading the charge,” said Gillis.
“There are a number of countries such as Nigeria, Zambia, Uganda and Angola that are flying in the face of the global economic trend as far as hospitality is concerned. Africa’s traditional trading partners have been changing rapidly in recent years, and this is spurring unprecedented growth in regions that have previously not seen the numbers.”
According to an African Outlook document co-authored by the African Development Bank, the OECD Development Centre, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the continent is becoming increasingly integrated in the global economy and in 2009 China became Africa’s main trading partner. “Hospitality groups would be foolish not to be wondering where their opportunities lie and researching which areas of the continent are drawing the largest percentage of commercial travel,” Gillis said.
The new hotels by country are as follows.
Nigeria:
· Protea Hotel Ibadan, Oyo State, 75 rooms, to open mid-2012;
· Protea Hotel Select Emotan – Benin City, Edo State, 100 rooms, opening in late-2012;
· Protea Hotel Select Ikeja, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Lagos State, 120 rooms, under construction and set to open in early 2013;
· African Pride Avalon Hotel and Spa, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, Lagos State, 150 rooms, under construction and due to open in late-2013; and
· Protea Hotel Asaba, Asaba, Delta State, 125 rooms, construction to due to start April 2012.
Uganda:
· Protea Hotel Entebbe, 70 rooms, opening April 2012; and
· A further two hotels to open under the Protea Hotels banner in the third quarter 2012.
Zambia:
· Protea Hotel Ndola, 80 rooms, construction due to start in April 2012 and opening late 2013; and
· Protea Hotel Mulungushi (name yet to be confirmed), 104 rooms, construction just started.
These hotels will create more than 1 200 new direct jobs in the hospitality industry in those countries, and scores of indirect jobs in the supplier industries.
Gillis said hoteliers and developers in Africa were consistently turning to the Protea Hospitality
Group for partnerships because of the strong brand equity that each of their brands represents, the company’s excellent track record in management and logistics across the continent.
“It’s Africa’s year for development, and that means it’s also the Protea Hospitality Group’s year for development,” he said.
94.7 Highveld Stereo Club VIP – Competition this week!
94.7 Highveld Stereo Club VIP.
African Pride Irene Country Lodge, stylish country living in the heart of the city.
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You and a partner could win a 3 night stay in the Presidential Suite, your prize includes:
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Exuding historical charm and exceptional modern luxury, African Pride Irene Country Lodge is the epitome of elegant country living. Set on a beautiful lake surrounded by a dairy farm and golf course.
The 13 year old lodge, a celebrated icon in Centurion’s Irene village, is a multifunctional property suitable for both business and leisure. Perfect for a romantic getaway with stunning lakeside views of the sunset; ideal for a family leisure break with exciting activities for the children or simply as a serene place to hold meetings and conferences, African Pride Irene Country Lodge offers an unforgettable experience.
Camdeboo Day Spa
The lodge’s Camdeboo Day Spa & Restaurant with its enclosed delightful garden, shaded by huge oak trees, has guests kicking back and unwinding far from ‘the madding crowd.’ A haven of luxury and repose, the intimate spa offers skin and body treatments guaranteed to help guests relax and refresh.
Restaurants at Irene Country Lodge
Food lovers will have much to appreciate at Irene Country Lodge’s two restaurants, The Meadow Green and Camdeboo. Executive Chef Ryan Houston and his team offer a selection of fine cuisine with buffet and a la carte options to delight the palette. Vegetarians and meat lovers alike will enjoy the menu range. Guests can also enjoy sundowners at the gazebo or Lakeside Lounge, watching the sunset over the lake lending a tranquil touch to the already magical surroundings.
Activities
There’s never a dull moment as Irene village offers a variety of activities. Spending a weekend at the lodge will afford you the opportunity of visiting the Irene Dairy Farm, the Smuts House Museum, the Rietvlei Nature Reserve and playing golf at Irene and Centurion Golf courses. The Irene Market situated on the serene and leafy grounds of the Smuts House Museum is also another popular attraction. With more than 300 stalls, the market is a gathering of artists and patrons; crafters and collectors; home industries and connoisseurs from far and wide. It’s held every second and last Saturday of the month.
Easter 2012 – The highlight this year must be the skydiving bunny on Easter Sunday
Skydives, serenades and family treats this Easter
Get out the map, pack in your detective skills, and let’s go hunting for Easter eggs this April at African Pride Irene Country Lodge!
‘Tis the season to join together for hot-cross buns, chocolate bunnies and finding where that crafty Easter Bunny has got to this year.
Join us for a lovely Easter Sunday lunch with family and friends on the 8th of April 2012 at African Price Irene Country Lodge. All guests will stand a chance to win a night in our presidential suite, worth R6500.
Guests will be spoilt this holiday, with a menu of specially created Easter specialties, while kids will be delighted with an endless array of treats from the Easter Bunny himself.
Festivities will start from noon – while enjoying a welcome drink, our magical pianist and Sax player – Kirsten Watkins will fill the air with beautiful jazz notes and then the moment that will make this an Easter to remember for years…
The skydiving Easter Bunny and friends will arrive!
Adults Buffet Menu – R350 per person (Click for menu)
Kids Buffet Menu – R120 per child under 12 years (Click for menu)
Meetings Africa 2012 – Visit us at Stand 906 African Pride Irene Country Lodge
Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk opens Meetings Africa 2012
Minister van Schalkwyk pictured here with the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism in Gauteng, Qedani Mahlangu and the Gauteng Tourism Authority team: CEO Dawn Robertson and Marketing Manager Nonnie Kubeka
South Africa’s National Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, arrived at Meetings Africa 2012 to applause and great fanfare. After a short walk around the exhibitor hall at the convention centre and brief discussions with exhibitors, the Minister officially opened Meetings Africa 2012.
Thulani Kzane from South Africa Tourism (SAT) welcomed Minister van Schalkwyk along with dignitaries including MEC for Economic Development and Tourism in Gauteng, Qedani Mahlangu, the Director-General for the Department of Tourism, Kingsley Makhubela, the MEC for Economic Development in Johannesburg, Councillor Lemau and the Deputy Chairperson of the SAT board, Frank Kilbourn.
Kzane welcomed international and domestic media to the opening ceremony, and extended his welcome to include industry players. “We got the Meetings Africa 2012 ball rolling with a round of golf at the Legend course and spa,” he quipped.
“An event such as this is proof that South Africa has plenty to offer the leisure and business tourist. At SAT our aim is to bring all MICE parties together in order to grow leisure and business tourism together.”
The Minister officially opens Meetings Africa 2012
MEC for Economic Development and Tourism in Gauteng, Qedani Mahlangu, extended an official welcome to the tourism Minister.
“We recognise Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk and the provincial government departments and we are proud to be associated with this established business tourism event,” she said. Addressing the exhibitors, MEC Mahlangu said she hoped that they would make business deals that offered associated investment for the country.
“It is apt that we are hosting Meetings Africa 2012 in Gauteng. The province is an economic gateway to the rest of Africa, and is Africa’s fourth-largest economy. We aim to grow from strength to strength as we continue to host Meestings Africa for the next five years,” she added.
MEC Mahlangu urged visitors to visit the Constitution Hill stand (4501), and to join the AmaGeePee movement, an initiative put in motion by the Gauteng Tourism Authority, which offers superb visitor discounts to domestic travellers.
Minister van Schalkwyk pictured here with GTA Marketing Manager Nonnie Kubeka
In his opening address Minister van Schalkwyk spoke about the national tourism department’s intention to grow business tourism in South Africa, and how as an industry business tourism had experienced continental growth.
“In the first three months of 2012, with the help of the National Convention Database, the cities of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban have secured 50 conferences for the country,” he said. “With further assistance from the NCB, South Africa aims to host another 200 conferences over five years.”
But what does this mean for the economy? Minister van Schalkwyk explained that South Africa’s hosting of 200 conferences over five years equalled a R1.6-billion cash injection that would see more than 300,000 delegates visit our shores.
“Now that the National Convention Bureau (NCB) is up and running, the body is committed to bid for another 30 conferences, which equals a further R162-million in investment and 80 000 more delegates who are expected to visit,” he explained.
The National Convention Bureau logo, as unveiled at Meetings Africa 2012
Speaking about the potential of tourism, and business tourism in particular, the Minister said that during his walkabout he had the privilege of viewing some local toursim products. “I have seen wonderful convention centres, hotels and leisure products. South Africa has good infrastructure – We have it all!”
In terms of the convention bid process, the Minister reiterated that the NCB would consolidate bidding with a view to making the process professional and ensuring that the most people benefited.
Speaking to domestic exhibitors and visitors, the Minister added: “I invite you to attend the Association Lekgotla’s corporate speed-dating session, which promises to be a fun and exciting event, and I wish you ‘good hunting’.”
The Minister then unveiled the official logo for the NCB and declared Meetings Africa 2012 officially open.
Escape from the city at African Pride Irene Country Lodge
Win – Escape from the city at African Pride Irene Country Lodge worth R26 000.
Break away from the daily slog of modern day living and escape to the beauty of the countryside at African Pride Irene Country Lodge This exclusive country retreat, in the heart of historic Irene village in Centurion, is an oasis of peace and relaxation.
Set on 500 acres of lush meadows overlooking a stunning lake, the lodge is a blend of historical charm and modern luxury. Here time fades away as the splendour of nature and a fresh country breeze serenade you.
Enjoy sumptuous breakfasts, a picnic at the dairy farm and intimate dinners.The lodge’s Camdeboo Day Spa is a pamper haven offering beauty and body treatments that will leave you rejuvenated.
The Prize:
Enjoy two nights accommodation, for two people sharing, in a deluxe suite.The lucky couple will be treated to all meals, two spa treatments, flights and airport transfers, as well as a fruit basket and complimentary bottle of wine.
Question: What is the name of the lodge’s spa?
For more information contact Irene Country Lodge on 012 667 6464 or visit www.irenecountrylodge.co.za.
For more information on how to enter see the February 2012 issue of Country Life Magazine. Competition expires on 29th February 2012. The prize is valid until 16 April 2012..
Follow link to read Country Life Magazing online issue of this article Escape from the city at African Pride Irene Country Lodge.
Skydiving Santa Clause is coming to Irene this Festive Season!
Every year around this time, we start to see some pretty great stories and photos involving people dressed up like Santa Claus. But Santa has been done to death hasn’t he? How can one improve on the fattest lie told to children? Well this year African Pride Irene Country Lodge will have their very own Santa Clause dressing up like Jolly St. Nick and jumping out of an airplane to come and surprise the little ones on Christmas Day. Let us hope our Santa Clause does not land in the water.
African Pride Irene Country Lodge has a whole program planned for this special day, from kiddies entertainment for the little ones with their very own kiddies buffet, to our sky-diving Santa Clause dropping in to deliver some gifts.
If you want to make a mini holiday out of the long weekend, click the link to see what amazing Sizzling Summer Promotions are on offer.
Limited space is still available out on our Gazebo overlooking the lake so if you had your heart set on an outside venue this Christmas phone now 012 667 6464 or click here to send us your enquiry.
To see what delicacies the Executive Chef, Ryan Houston has in store for you click below:
Christmas Adult Menu Christmas Kiddies Menu
Have a little Faith – Hotel in Centurion adopts a pair of swans
African Pride Irene Country Lodge is renowned for the fact that it is a haven for birds and recently this proved to be exactly the case for two orphan swans that wobbled their way into Irene and have become star attractions of the property.
Hope and Faith, as they were optly named are two orphan swans that were rescued and brought to Irene for safekeeping. The two have settled into their new home and are thriving under the supervision of staff at the Hotel and the admiration of their visitors. We are very proud of our large variety of bird species on the property and they contribute significantly to the country atmosphere we are famous for. It seemed only natural to welcome these two beautiful additions to the family when we were asked by a member of the public if we could offer a safe home. The hotel ran a competition with the staff to name the birds and that’s how Hope and Faith came about.
The swans are very popular amongst guests at the hotel and the restaurant. At the same time they are very curious and cheeky and often venture out of the water to grab a snack from the children that love feeding them. These birds are highly intelligent and it is quite an enjoyable experience to keep an eye on them during breakfast or lunch at the restaurant, as it is on the banks of the Hennops River.
One can restore body and mind by exploring the Hennops River hiking trail or variety of wildlife in the Rietvlei Nature Reserve. There are over 60 species of birds in the sanctuary of the lake area on the property and is any nature lover’s dream.
There searches for what to do in the area is definitely on…
Feel free to let me know of any happenings in the area so that I can post it for you. Also see our pricelist at the beautiful Camdeboo Day Spa has been uploaded go have a look…
You have reached Destination Irene
