Prevue May-June 2014 - (Page 82)

Previous: Lobby, The Palace of the Lost City Below: Lacuna Bar, The Maslow have an opportunity to interact with these gentle giants on a personal level. This was the highlight of our trip. Make your way from one to another, feeding them directly into their mouths or trunks. These magniﬁcent creatures listen to your commands, but also show off their dynamic personalities while you play, hug and love them. It really was the best kind of group takeaway. THE MASLOW Situated within the South African capital of Johannesburg, the 281-room Maslow Hotel offers a tech-friendly, cosmopolitan vibe that is sure to bolster a successful meeting. The hotel is just 15 minutes from O.R. Tambo International Airport, in the heart of the Sandton business district just outside of Nelson Mandela Square. "The Maslow is a great group experience for everyone," says Nicky Nel, groups and events coordinator. "The entire hotel is less than a year old and we have had very successful group business, something that we are hoping will continue to grow." Lacuna Bistro offers exotic tapas, sushi, salads and pasta dishes complimented by a novel sized wine list and garden and pool views. After dinner, head to the Lacuna Bar for specialty cocktails with fresh ingredients and innovative recipes. All bar tables have power outlets for easy cell and laptop charging. To satisfy the needs of a busy business traveler, the Africology 74 | prevue magazine "The Maslow is a great group experience for everyone. The entire hotel is less than a year old and we have had very successful group business, something that we are hoping will continue to grow." Spa provides groups with beneﬁcial and therapeutic treatments. Group sessions include hydrotherapy treatments, sauna, steam room, rasul, aroma-steam sessions and rejuvenation therapy. The Maslow's largest meeting space includes a 5,200-sf ballroom, 2,400-sf conference room and 12 meeting rooms. THE ROYAL LIVINGSTONE "Zambezi!" my group shouted in celebration as we overlooked the plunging waters of the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We are standing on Livingstone Island, a short boat ride from the 173-room Royal Livingstone Hotel. The falls are located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in the Southern part of Africa. Our group worked together to swim across the heavy current of the Zambezi river on our way to Devils Pool. The natural pool is a popular vantage point that has been created by thousands of years of erosion, making it an exciting spot to take in the falls during dry season. After reaching the rock edge that overlooks a 355-foot drop, we took turns as the guide held our feet as we spread our wings and built up the courage to look down toward the piling rocks at the bottom. With mist spraying our faces and a few butterﬂies in our stomachs, there was nothing more liberating. If the Devils Pool doesn't bring your group together, nothing will. The Royal Livingstone Hotel deﬁnitely blew us away. The colonial-style hotel rests on the banks of the Zambezi river, offering a warm welcome of hippo, elephant and gator spotting to groups who arrive by boat. Hand massages by spa attendants are available during expedited check-in. Book a reception for 100 on the open sun deck overlooking the river and watch zebras, baboons and giraffes play throughout the grounds. Move to the Royal Lawns for a scenic group meal for 250 pax. It's not every day that a curious monkey will jump onto your balcony and dip into your fruit basket. Warm hues of cream, pale green and gold make for calm and comforting guest rooms, each appointed with butler service and gorgeous views of the river. There are four meeting rooms on-site, including a 350-pax convention center, a 450-seat conference space and two new boardrooms.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue May-June 2014

Planner’s Pick: Tucson
Fresh Meets: Trump Hotel Collection
Bureau Buzz: Meet Puerto Rico
Good Business: InterContinental Hotels
Sea Shores: Cruise Shipping Miami
The Changing Face of Luxury
SPECIAL SECTION: EUROPE
GAMING HOTELS
FLORIDA
AUSTRALIA
On Location: Toronto
On Location: Jamaica
SOUTH AFRICA
On Location: Cancun Marriotts
On Location: Santa Barbara Curaçao
Checkout: SLS at Beverly Hills

Prevue May-June 2014