BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay undergoes a soft refurb

The reception, bar, smoking lounge, restaurant, pool deck and façade at BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay have a new look – a colourful retro-vibe muted by natural wood along with ambient lighting and a nature-inspired colour palette have made the interior and exterior look fresh and appealing.

Owner of the hotel, Freddie Schoonhoven says that it is essential to keep a hotel up to standard, fresh and technologically aligned. A renovation cycle peaks at three years and then it is time to do it again, where needed. “We decided that a minor refurb was required and the work was done pre-season so as to keep inconvenience to our guests to a minimum,” he said.

Thea van der Merwe of Divine Décor, the interior decorator commissioned to carry out the work, says that after establishing the purpose for the refurb she was able to work on a plan incorporating durability and practicality for the different areas. “Cognisant of the space we were working in we wanted to embrace the colour palette of the ocean views using shades of blue, turquoise and grey along with the essence of fiery sunsets using contrasting reds and oranges,” she explained. These colour combinations have given these areas a fresh, modern look and feel.

BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay offers 75 spacious, modern rooms with spectacular views of the ocean front and yacht harbour. Facilities include a conference centre with 3 meeting rooms, a restaurant, cocktail bar and lounge and swimming pool. Guests can explore the many nearby attractions and experiences the area has to offer.

Looking to further cement their presence in Kwazulu Natal and following their recent acquisition of Hotel 64 on Gordon in Durban, BON Hotels has announced the inclusion of two additional properties in the region, namely Protea Hotel Empangeni, to be named BON Hotel Empangeni, and Protea Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay, to be named BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay.    

Guy Stehlik, CEO of BON Hotels says, “These hotels are exceptional products – they are the best in their class in their respective locations and it’s going to be our job to make sure that we build on that good base.”   To ensure that the hotels do not miss a heart beat, the group’s objective is to ensure that the transition to BON Hotels’ systems and procedures is implemented with minimum fuss with the aim of securing new business and ultimately improving upon the performance of the hotels.  

BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay offers 75 spacious, modern rooms, each with spectacular views of the ocean-front and yacht harbour. Facilities include a conference centre with 3 meeting rooms, a restaurant, cocktail bar and lounge, and swimming pool. General Manager, André de Klerk says that Richards Bay is underestimated as a tourist destination but has much to offer in terms of its pristine beaches, fishing, water sports and entertainment, along with its strong corporate offering.  

BON Hotel Empangeni, located in the heart of Empangeni’s business district halfway between Durban and Swaziland, is well situated for the business and leisure traveller.  Combining simplicity with understated style, accommodation comprises of 55 tastefully decorated rooms, an in-house restaurant, bar and 3 meeting rooms seating up to 230 guests.  De Klerk says that this hotel is popular with the Government sector and for conferences, weddings and enjoys some domestic tourism too.  

Owner of both properties and prominent member of the Richards Bay community Freddy Schoonhoven says, “BON Hotels is a young, dynamic and energetic brand that endeavours to exceed guest’s expectations in the true tradition that we as a hotel group have been accustomed to for the past 18-odd years.  This new partnership will be exciting for us and our loyal guests - together we will grow with the BON brand that aims to lead us in a new direction of establishing genuine guest service excellence.” 

BON Hotels has been working hard to develop their property portfolio and sales and marketing presence in KZN and are looking to further replicate the BON experience throughout South Africa for their customers.   Stehlik says that as they are doing in Nigeria and Angola, the group’s strategy is to create inter-city tourism circuits to boost the industry and link important centres across South Africa. “And we are not far off from where we need to be,” he adds with a smile. 

BON Hotels calls on hotel guests #BONangels, to support their sanitary wear drive

An average of 2 million schoolgirls miss 60 days of school each year because they cannot afford sanitary wear - to put that in perspective, this means that they are missing almost an entire term of school - many of them even drop out of school altogether! To this end and leading up to Women’s Day, BON Hotels is calling upon all of their BONangels – our staff, the community, guests and visitors - to support their Woman2Woman drive to collect sanitary wear for all the women, girls, wives, mothers, girlfriends and sisters in need.

Marelise Stehlik from BON Hotels says, “I think that so many of us take it for granted that we have the money to buy toiletries and sanitary wear every month. It was heart-wrenching for me to listen to the plight of these women on a radio interview.  In South Africa I am aware of a few initiatives we have running and so we, BON Hotels, decided to help out by making this our BONangels project in the run-up to Women’s Day. 

”Stehlik adds a fitting quote to celebrate and help the women in need. ‘She is clothed in dignity and strength and laughs without fear of the future.’ Donations can be dropped off in the BONangels donation bins located at any BON Hotel reception.

The 5th edition of Adverb’s Mandela Day Have a Ball Charity Soccer Tournament will take place on Mandela Day, Wednesday 18 July 2018 at Fives Futbol, in support of the children from TK Foundation. 

Sixty children from the foundation will be teamed up with members of the participating corporate teams in a 5-a-side round-robin soccer tournament. On this day of giving kids will walk away with takkies, soccer balls, beanies and bags purchased with the funds donated by the corporate sponsors and suppliers: 

Adverb, Ankerdata, BON Hotels, Diesel Digital, Fives Futbol, Grow Recruitment Services, Hobbs Sinclair, Innovation Projects, Little Lambs, Mike’s Sports, Orlichem, Pick n Pay Big Bay, Protea Hotel by Marriott Durbanville, Pyrad International, Rush Fueling Adventure, Studio Bolland, Sir Juice, The Gemini Solution and The Sat Rats.  Participants and spectators will enjoy a fun day of soccer, food, refreshments, laughter and happiness, and most especially a surprise visit from a local football team!

Here’s to ‘having a ball’ this Mandela Day!

What’s On Mandela Day Have a Ball Charity Soccer Tournament
Wednesday, 18 July 2018 14h00 – 18h00
Fives Futbol, Century City

Dawie de la Guerre - Group Financial Director 

Dawie de la Guerre has been promoted to Group Financial Director at BON Hotels. He will oversee the entire financial management function of the Group to ensure compliance with all company policies and SARS statutory requirements, and that cash flows are monitored, managed and maintained.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce at UNISA in 2004, specialising in Financial Management.  His love of the hotel industry, his professionalism and ability to work well under pressure have seen him achieve a great career in the hospitality space.    

Lindi Mthethwa - Group Sales Director 

Lindi Mthethwa has been appointed as Group Sales Director at BON Hotels and will oversee market growth, market penetration and development of the brand.  The youthfulness, intelligence and top level sales management experience at hotel group level, that she brings to her work have been key to her rapid growth trajectory in the hospitality industry at every level.  Coupled with passion, her drive and desire to make her mark will enable her to action the key deliverables which are paramount in her role as Group Sales Director.

BON Hotels, a hospitality company that owns, manages and markets hotels throughout Africa, has added BON Hotel Sunshine Enugu to their Nigerian portfolio, bringing the number of properties they manage in the region up to 25 hotels across 14 cities. The opening, held on Sunday, 18 March, was attended by VIP guests, members of the press, hotel owners, stakeholders and government representatives.  

Conveniently located just 12 minutes from the airport and in close proximity to the city centre, the new BON Hotel Sunshine is primed for the corporate, business and leisure traveller, with facilities of an international standard.  

The décor is stylish and understated in line with international trends and features 92 spacious rooms, a modern gym, business centre, 2 restaurants, a sky lounge and bar as well as a poolside bar.   Wi-fi is complimentary throughout the hotel. 

The conference centre comprises 3 meeting rooms seating up to 300 delegates and provides spacious, innovative facilities for special events and celebrations, conferences, weddings, promotions, launches, workshops or small meetings and gatherings.  

Director of BON Hotels International West Africa, Bernard Cassar said that the group is excited to welcome BON Hotel Sunshine to the fold.  “The hotel is a great fit for us and in line with our vision for establishing a trade route circuit and central hub linking important centres and communities across the region.”  He added that the hotel is to be positioned as an affordable, 4-star, international, boutique-style, full-service hotel.  

The group remain confident in the potential of the region and steadfast in their expansion plans, providing ongoing support to local tourism and the hospitality industry, their guests, staff, suppliers and the local community.   Developing “Africa by Africans” remains front and centre of their growth strategy and commitment to Africa. 

In his opening address, owner Emeka Nwandu said, “We are humbled to see our dreams a reality. Today we thank the Lord who showed us the way when we seemed to think there was no path to follow.”

BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central is donating 5 litres of water to all guests passing through on their way to Cape Town during their #halfway2everywhere campaign.

As you know, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape have been hit hard with a severe drought and are currently on level 5 water restrictions – with the dams at less than 13.5%, residents are limited to 87 litres per person per day and Day Zero is looming. BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central has stepped up to the plate by offering all guests passing through on their way to Cape Town a 5-litre bottle of water as a donation.

Pieter van Rooyen, General Manager at BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central, says that when the rest of the country rallied to assist the Free State during a recent drought, especially the farmers who were in dire need of water, he thought it fitting to pay back the kindness and return the favour.

BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central is #halfway2everywhere, so, if you are travelling to Cape Town, why not make a pitstop? - all guests staying at the hotel will receive 5 litres of water on check-out to take along with them. Deon Smit from Water Shortage South Africa is collecting around SA, and can be contacted for locations of the water drop-off points. If Day Zero happens, every Cape Town resident will have to queue for water at one of the 200 collection points across the city, and will be rationed to 25 litres per person per day. We urge you to please join this water drive to help the people of Cape Town.

Contact BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central
051403 8000
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Contact Deon Smit
0827382702
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BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal will be hosting the 4th annual Vaal Whiskey Festival, but this year with a twist, adding Gin to the mix. 

The event will take place on Saturday, 28 October, and will see connoisseurs and the curious pouring in to enjoy a variety of premium whiskey brands and a selection of superb Gin varietals being showcased at the hotel.                        

What: VAAL WHISKY FESTIVAL & VAAL GIN FESTIVAL

When: Saturday, 28 October from 17H30 – 21H30
Where: BON HOTEL RIVIERA ON VAAL, Mario Milani Road, Vereeniging

Local events organiser, Melody Barber has partnered with Mercedes Benz and Model Bottle Store to bring you the finest quality whiskey brands and gin varietals offering something for everyone.

SHOW TICKETS: R250 person (includes presentation, 20 whiskey or gin tasting tickets and glass, snacks and entertainment)
VIP TICKETS: R500 per person (boat cruise**, presentation, 20 whisky or gin tasting tickets and glass, snacks, entertainment and buffet dinner).


If you are driving from afar, or don’t feel up to the drive home, then why not take advantage of the overnight specials at BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal - book before 31 August and get R100 off your accommodation. 


SHOW & STAY

R1 050 per room, single and R1 250 per room, sharing (including breakfast) Accommodation for two plus tickets = R1 750 
Accommodation for two plus 2 VIP tickets = R2 250 A limited number of tickets are available – so book NOW! 
 

BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 016 420 1300
ModelBottle Store: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 016 363 1128
Quicket: www.quicket.co.za  

** Boat cruises for VIP guests will take place from 15h00 – 16h00 and 16h00 – 17h00 Visit www.vaalwhiskyfestival.co.za or www.vaalginfestival.co.za for more information.

What’s on BONfire

Braai Masters 2017

Time for the 2nd edition of the ultimate urban braai-off at BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central Twenty corporate teams will compete against one another in the 2nd edition of the BONfire Braai Masters competition on Saturday, 23 September, to be held on the roof-top at BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central in celebration of Heritage Day, on 24 September. 

This event, one of the many taking place around South Africa, will be all about good food, good people, fun for the kids, entertainment, great music and fantastic prizes with all proceeds going towards local charity, Towers of Hope. Each team of two will be have open access to a pantry of delicious ingredients they can use to create the plate of the day.  

Teams will be judged on their stand, team spirit, preparation, technique, coal-fire quality, presentation and taste.  Pieter Van Rooyen, General Manager at BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central, says he is excited to be hosting this event for the second time and is looking forward to the day, to giving back to the community, his guests and staff.  Friends, family and the public are welcome - there is no charge – come and enjoy a day of food and fun as the sun sets over the City of Roses.  

For further information or to enter a team, please contact Charlize Badenhorst at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and keep an eye on Facebook for updates:https://www.facebook.com/BONHotelBloemfonteinCentral/  

When Saturday 23 September 2017 from 10h00 Competition starts at 12h00
Judging starts at 14h00


Where BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central, Bloem Plaza, East Burger Street Find us on the roof-top parking lot


Beneficiary
 Towers of Hope

So many ways to say ‘I do” 

Weddings are one of the most universal traditions on the planet yet they are celebrated differently by everyone. Tying the knot in any culture comes with a list of different rituals and traditions and, family dynamics aside, there are many more things to consider and prepare for, especially here in South Africa - with our eleven official languages, chiefs, dominees and gogos to consider, it can be tough task marrying two cultures without offending Aunty Mabel. 

Despite the umpteen different cultures or religions you may have to incorporate into your ceremony, it is important not to forget to showcase your own personalities - after all, it is ‘your’ day and it is exactly your differences, and similarities, that brought you together that should now be celebrated - for instance, playing your favourite song and teaching Chief Nkomu how to do the shuffle, or giving personalized chocolates as wedding favours instead of the traditional bag of sugar-coated almonds.  

And you don’t have to do it all at the ceremony and reception – after an open, honest chat with the family, consider spreading the different traditions. You could plan the ceremony around the bride's heritage and turn the reception into a celebration of the groom's.   Or, host the bachelor or bachelorette party incorporating an element from each other’s customs.  It’s the perfect occasion to try umqombothi (beer), used to celebrate the home-coming of young men in Xhosa culture, or the Lebanese tradition of zaffe, a rowdy escort of music, dancing and shouting by the groom’s friends and family.  For the bride there is the Japanese ritual of pouring saki to reaffirm friendships or the time-honoured tradition of giving “something borrowed, something blue”. 

Catering: A little more challenging is serving a traditional meal, because in many cases the menu is limited by the venue, so if a customized menu is not possible try incorporating signature drinks like saki for a Japanese reception or chai instead of coffee for an Indian wedding.    

The cake: Traditional Norwegian wedding cakes are made with bread and cheese, and Russian couples share a wedding sweetbread called karavaya which is decorated with wheat for prosperity and interlocking rings for faithfulness, or you could just go with what’s currently on trend. 

Wedding invitations: Another way to respect a different culture - for example, the Jewish tradition - is to send a two-sided invitation, with one side written in Hebrew and the other in English.  Couples are favoring digital invites these days where guests can rsvp on line. 

Banqueting manager at BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal, Dumisane Zondo, says they have hosted several multi-cultural weddings specifically between Christian and Zulu faiths and culture, and the dynamic has resulted in some of the most creative and special occasions.  A lovely add-on in the Zulu tradition is when the bride gives out blankets to her new family after the wedding, in a ceremony that is known as ukwaba.  Zondo adds, “My favourite part is the dance-off between the families of the bride and groom.” 

Some interesting wedding traditions -

As well as exchanging rings, African tradition sees the couple have their wrists tied together by grass or material.

In China, brides pick not one wedding dress, but three!      

Before an Indian bride gets married, her family and friends decorate her hands with elaborate designs called menhdi.      

Bridesmaids were originally used as decoy brides – through having their dresses similar and standing next to the bride, the spirits who they believed would sabotage the newly-weds’ happiness would be confused.

During the entire wedding day, Congolese brides and grooms are not allowed to smile.      

In the Phillipines, the bride and groom release a pair of white doves.      

Some sort of leap over a broom is also popular in a number of cultures. 

But, when it comes to love and weddings, there are no borders, so enjoy the preparation leading up to your ‘I do’, ‘Ngiyavuma’, ‘Je fais’ or ‘Main karata hoon’ and remember to have fun! 

Mazel tov!