Spend an afternoon with us at Simbithi Country Club as we wrap up a memorable year.
This time of the year often sparks a sense of thanksgiving as we wrap up and look back at everything we’ve accomplished. It’s also a time to express gratitude for those who have supported us throughout the year, andwhat brings people together better than good food around a table? To celebrate some of our long-standing and valued relationships, Simbithi Country Club hosted us for a day of delicious spoils and a bit of socialising.
They started us off at the Padel courts in the Sports Complex with welcome drinks as everyone arrived. With the pool glistening in the sunlight and clear skies stretching over Ballito, we enjoyed the cool breeze passing through as we sipped cocktails beneath swaying trees and cleverly placed umbrellas shielding us from the springtime sun. This was an opportunity to chat with the guests and introduce ourselves to everyone. It was nice to meet them in person and put a face to a name, as some of us only ever communicated over email! It was smiles all round as we chatted and chose our main meals from a custom-made menu for the occasion.
As we were ushered to the Fig Tree Restaurant below for starters, we were greeted by heartfelt hospitality and infectious smiles. It was easy to see why they have been voted “Best Venue and Conference Centre” on the North Coast, from the friendly and efficient service to the welcoming atmosphere that puts you at ease. Settling down around a specially arranged table in the restaurant, conversations carried on effortlessly, almost as if we never moved locations. The comfortable setting allowed everyone to feel free to unwind, which was one of the main objectives of the day. To take a break from the manic and frantic schedules from each of our offices and connect with people with no deadlines hanging over us for a few hours, and the laid-back environment of the Fig Tree allowed us to do just that.
As the starters arrived, everyone tucked in, grabbing apaneer skewer here and some onion rings there. At some point, the dishes also became conversation starters as we admired the diverse and delicious spread laid out by Executive Chefs Louis Lesch and Godfrey Kinyanjui. Soon, tales of adventure were swapped around the table, recalling trips overseas and funny anecdotes from misadventures as well. The lively chatter drew every person seated there in, with a talk of business and the rich history of Durban and Ballito popping up from time to time. To complement the food and occasion, the Simbithi Country Club team brought out a generous selection of wines and champagne from their cellar.
Enjoying unmatched cuisine and attentiveness in gracious company within an elegant space makes all the difference to your and your guests’ event experience. Simbithi Country Club has a range of event and conference venues to suit your special occasion. Whether it’s the large Pavilion Room or multi-faceted Dragonfly Conference Centre, each venue is uniquely appointed to serve individual tastes. The Pavilion Room’s glass facade allows for an exquisite, panoramic view of the award-winning Simbithi Golf Course. Natural light streams into the room, allowing for daytime events while bespoke curtains screen the space off at night. The Dragonfly Conference Centre comprises three unique spaces which may be used separately or combined: Conference Room One, The Dragonfly Restaurant, and The Dragonfly Lounge, each with unique designs and facilities for high-end in-person and virtual functions.
Our final location for the day was the Simbithi Wine Gallery. Tucked away on the ground floor of the Club, it was warm, exclusive, and inviting. Waiting for us was a festive-themed table complete with crackers and twinkling lights on miniature Christmas trees. To give everyone a chance to speak to a different person, we changed seating arrangements, a fun way to keep things interesting. Looking around at the smiling faces and hearing the laughter, it was almost like something out of a Christmas movie, and as our main course arrived, it became the Christmas lunch scene.
Every meal was greeted by “oohs” and “aahs” of appreciation as we tucked in. From the classic filet mignon to Chef Godfrey’s iconic Kuku Bizari Ya Pwani, the silence spoke for itself. In somewhat quieter tones, the reminiscing continued as words of gratitude were exchanged, not only for this year but also looking back on decade-long relationships. It was about recognising the supportive community our magazines have mustered and the trust given to us to be able to tell their stories. Sitting there, listening to tales of first impressions and the rich history with these people, it made for a special memory in itself.
Sufficiently fed and all “talked out”, the day wouldn’t be over without a sweet treat to see everyone off. Accompanied by coffee and light chatter, the dessert served as the perfect way to round off an amazing day spent with incredible and inspirational people, hosted by the exceptional team at Simbithi Country Club.
Special Thanks: A heartfelt thank you to the team atSimbithi Country Club for hosting us and toTazz from Coastal Media for capturing the experience with stunning images.
WORDS: CRISTINA GOVENDER
PHOTOS: COASTAL MEDIA
