Taking the time to focus on family, friendship, love, and accomplishments is needed now more than ever to lift spirits and look towards a brighter future. Since the pandemic and the constantly evolving guidelines, restrictions and lockdowns, many important occasions have been marked differently. Our team has pivoted and worked together with clients and within regulations to create some fantastic events.
Ryno van der Elst, our General Manager says, “Covid safety is definitely a priority. For us, the safety of our guests and staff always comes first. We have been working hard to create occasions where guests have enjoyed their event, despite certain restrictions. Birthday parties for adults and kids have been popular...as well as baby showers. Intimate family events like weddings and milestone celebrations like anniversaries”.
As an exclusive use venue, AtholPlace House & Villa is ideal for smaller events with close family and friends. Throwing a celebration is not impossible; it just means our team has to be agile and to adapt. Our large gardens, huge patios, and extensive in-door lounge and dining areas allow guests to feel a certain comfort level. Our staff stick strictly to all protocols by wearing masks, washing hands regularly and sanitising.
“Weddings are definitely the one event where hosts struggle to cut the numbers. Our beautiful gardens allow the ceremony to be outside, and then the celebration is more of a canape/cocktail event rather than the more normal formal sit-down meal. Brides are spending time and money on their wedding decor, serving lots and lots of bubbles and relishing in the chance to host a real celebration - even if it looks a little different from their original idea,” adds Ryno.
Businesses are also getting back on track and we have successfully hosted a number of product launches, conferences and meetings. In addition, hybrid conferences where some delegates attend on Zoom (since delegates can’t travel) and others in person are on the increase.
Food is a big part of any celebration and our team, under the careful eye of Head Chef Vasco Sabela, can create menus to any taste. Some guests sit down with Vasco, discuss all the options and create a menu together; others are eager to hear recommendations and approve Vasco’s ideas on the spot. Vasco says, “Our three-course dining experience is a favourite with some clients choosing to add additional canapes at the start of the event. We have also been getting requests for special desserts or cakes depending on the occasion. This gives our pastry chefs the opportunity to showcase their skills”.
We go the extra mile to make each celebration special, and our staff will make you feel at home, always ready to assist with any request. However, all events have one thing in common, the joy to celebrate together; even when we are often forced to stay apart, it is clear how eager and happy people are to come together.
Ryno van der Elst, our General Manager says, “Covid safety is definitely a priority. For us, the safety of our guests and staff always comes first. We have been working hard to create occasions where guests have enjoyed their event, despite certain restrictions. Birthday parties for adults and kids have been popular...as well as baby showers. Intimate family events like weddings and milestone celebrations like anniversaries”.
As an exclusive use venue, AtholPlace House & Villa is ideal for smaller events with close family and friends. Throwing a celebration is not impossible; it just means our team has to be agile and to adapt. Our large gardens, huge patios, and extensive in-door lounge and dining areas allow guests to feel a certain comfort level. Our staff stick strictly to all protocols by wearing masks, washing hands regularly and sanitising.
“Weddings are definitely the one event where hosts struggle to cut the numbers. Our beautiful gardens allow the ceremony to be outside, and then the celebration is more of a canape/cocktail event rather than the more normal formal sit-down meal. Brides are spending time and money on their wedding decor, serving lots and lots of bubbles and relishing in the chance to host a real celebration - even if it looks a little different from their original idea,” adds Ryno.
Businesses are also getting back on track and we have successfully hosted a number of product launches, conferences and meetings. In addition, hybrid conferences where some delegates attend on Zoom (since delegates can’t travel) and others in person are on the increase.
Food is a big part of any celebration and our team, under the careful eye of Head Chef Vasco Sabela, can create menus to any taste. Some guests sit down with Vasco, discuss all the options and create a menu together; others are eager to hear recommendations and approve Vasco’s ideas on the spot. Vasco says, “Our three-course dining experience is a favourite with some clients choosing to add additional canapes at the start of the event. We have also been getting requests for special desserts or cakes depending on the occasion. This gives our pastry chefs the opportunity to showcase their skills”.
We go the extra mile to make each celebration special, and our staff will make you feel at home, always ready to assist with any request. However, all events have one thing in common, the joy to celebrate together; even when we are often forced to stay apart, it is clear how eager and happy people are to come together.
