Fun for all at Royal Escape
THE INAUGURAL Royal Escape, held at the Palace of the Lost City at Sun City last month, proved to be a refreshing retreat to cure mid-year business stress and winter blues.
Hosting South African business and society leaders, organiser espAfrika laid on all-inclusive packages offering an array of options, from pool parties to spa days and golfing.
“Hospitality is an art,” said espAfrika director Billy Domingo. “We aimed to launch something that can take us to another level and I believe we have succeeded, with many guests already wanting to purchase their escape packages for next year.”
The festivities got off to a jazzy start on Friday evening, featuring Bokani Dyer and TopDog. Later, a rousing performance from 3 Tons of Fun banished the winter chill and had the audience demanding more.
On Saturday, guests relaxing at the “Queen’s Pool Party” were treated to complimentary spa treatments ahead of the “Royal Banquet” and a glimpse of summer trends courtesy of the Wear SA fashion show. Guests said the poolside, draped in white, was reminiscent of Miami or a “chilled-out Ibiza”.
A tempting spread of gourmet treats, paired with fine wines, whiskies and gins (the oyster and gin pairing was notable), was available throughout the weekend. The star of the event was Lalah Hathaway. The two-time Grammy winner flew in to perform for the event, including the sublime Forever, For Always,
For Love number with the guitar solo from Eroll Cooney a highlight.
A romantic ballad saw emcees Bonang Matheba and Katlego Maboe take to the dance floor, with diners quickly following suit.
Mi Casa rounded off the weekend’s entertainment with everyone on their feet, dancing.
“It is difficult to fully express the benefits of attending this experience without it sounding like hyperbole. It is a question of ‘having to be there to appreciate it’,” said Domingo, who said dates for next year’s event would be released soon.