Champagne Sports Resort

Champagne Sports Resort - Accommodation and Conferences in the Drakensberg

Contact Details:
Reservations
Tel: 086 127 6237

Description

Situated in the tranquility of the Central Drakensberg, boasting the most spectacular view of Champagne Castle and Cathkin Peak, lies Champagne Sports Resort. This cosy hideaway's unique combination of convenient location, country club atmosphere, luxury accommodation and friendly staff makes packing your bags to leave this eternal place a challenge.

Champagne Sports Resort is more than a hotel in the mountains, it is an experience. From the 18-hole championship golf course to the roaming herds of Blesbok and the rare birdlife that inhabit the estate, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And, with five dams stocked with either bass or trout, as well as outstanding sporting facilities and cultural activities, this enduring resort provides a balance between recreation for sports enthusiasts and tranquility for those seeking relaxation.

From the moment you arrive at our front door you will feel the stress of the city has been left far behind. Self-contained, free standing thatched cottages provide the finest accommodation, and delectable fare and sumptuous banquets coupled with every possible creature comfort makes Champagne Sports Resort the ultimate 'berg experience.

Only a four-and-a-half hours drive from Johannesburg and 2-hours from Durban, the resort is ideally situated for both relaxing leisure weekends and for corporate conferences.

The resort offers a variety of superb, fully serviced accommodation. The 122 hotel bedrooms are made up of twin rooms, family rooms, and various suites, all with well-appointed bedrooms and either mountain views or garden views. A further 81 Timeshare Units on the estate are used for hotel accommodation subject to availability. The hotel has wheelchair access throughout and all bedrooms are linked to the main hotel buildings by way of thatch covered walkways.

It's taken millions of years to create the magnificent backdrop to Champagne Sports Resort. Nothing could make a more perfect setting than the rugged peaks and lush green valleys of the Central Drakensberg mountain range.

The resort can now accommodate over 700 delegates in mountain facing rooms and chalets (all en-suite). A total of twelve conference venues are available including the new Summit Exhibition Centre and the new 1000-seat Sentinel Room, while our smaller, more intimate rooms seat between 18 to 380 delegates. With world-class conference facilities equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and various indoor and outdoor breakaway areas, every effort is made to ensure the smooth running of your event, no matter what size.

Nestled within this spectacular leisure, conference and timeshare resort is the magnificent clubhouse, which overlooks a hidden golfing masterpiece. The top 20 ranked championship golf course is rapidly growing in stature and was recently rated as South Africa's most beautiful course! So whether you're wearing a golf cap or your thinking cap - there is no better place to find inspiration!

Accommodation

The resort offers a variety of superb, fully serviced accommodation. The 108 hotel bedrooms are made up of twin rooms, family rooms, and various suites, all with well-appointed bedrooms and either mountain views or garden views. A further 91 Timeshare Units on the estate are used for hotel accommodation subject to availability. The hotel has wheelchair access throughout and all bedrooms are linked to the main hotel buildings by way of thatch covered walkways.

Room facilities include:
· Telephones (Direct Dialing)
· Television (SABC 1,2,3, M-Net, Movie Magic, Disney Channel, DMX & SuperSport)
· Tea / Coffee making facilities
· Hairdryer
· Overhead Ceiling Fans
· Bureau and writing lamp with Information Folder and Stationery
· En-Suite Bathroom

Check in - 14h00
Check out - Strictly 10h00

PLEASE NOTE: CHAMPAGNE SPORTS RESORT DOES NOT OFFER ROOM SERVICE

Champagne Sports Resort

Attractions

HORSE RIDING
Horses kept at nearby stables. Enquire at our Reception for details.

MOUNTAIN WALKS
The Drakensberg is renowned for its spectacular walks and a walk guide is available from the sports co-coordinator. For the less energetic who enjoy a shorter stroll the resort offers some superb walks and game viewing. Enquire at the Sports co-coordinators desk for best routes to follow.

SUNSET CRUISE
Sunset cruises are available on Bell Park dam. Contact reception for details.

ARDMORE ART STUDIO
The studio specialises in ceramic art and offers the unique opportunity of seeing the artists at work. With sociological interests, the process is interesting, and the work produced, fascinating. The studio exhibits their work in galleries both nationally and internationally and has collectors all over the world. It is open daily from 09h00 to 14h30 including Sundays and Public Holidays. Light refreshments are served in the tea garden.

BELL PARK DAM
Seasonal sailing, boating and swimming in a majestic setting. Picnic sites are available but visitors must take their own food and drinks as no facilities are available at the dam.

DRAKENSBERG BOYS' CHOIR
Possibly the most famous attraction of Champagne Valley is the Drakensberg Boys' Choir. Having sung to audience throughout the world the choir performs most Wednesdays, excluding School holiday periods. Performances are held from 15h30 to 17h30 and refreshments are available. Booking is recommended and can be made by telephone - 036 468 1012.

FALCON RIDGE
A unique experience where visitors can witness these mighty hunters of the sky swoop for the catch. Shows are held daily at 10h30 but are dependent on the weather. Call 082 774 6398 to confirm that a show is to be held.

FISHING
Dragon Peaks offers fishing for a rod fee of R11.00. Your catch (maximum three fish) can be purchased. Telephone: 036 468 1031.

MIKE'S PASS AND DIDIMA ROCK ART INTERPRETATION CENTRE
Mike's Pass on the Cathedral Peak road takes you to the crest of the Little 'Berg from where there are spectacular views of the majestic Drakensberg mountain range. A state of the art rock art interpretation centre is situated at the Didima camp at the foot of Mike's Pass.

WINTERTON MUSEUM
The Winterton Museum is open Monday to Saturday 09h00 to 13h00 and boasts a very informative San Gallery with many articles of interest. Telephone: 036 488 1885

THE MIDLANDS MEANDER
The route meanders through the Kwazulu Natal Midlands from Mooi River through to Howick and is an enjoyable day's tour of galleries, studios, restaurants, hydro's and arts & craft markets.

BATTLEFIELDS
The battles of Spionkop, the most famous in 1900, Colenso, Vaalkrans, Elandslaagte, Talana, Rorkes Drift and Blood River, to name a few can be explored. The rich historic and cultural background to these sites provides fascinating interest.

GLAMOSA GLASS
Situated just outside Estcourt visitors can watch the glass manufacturing process for a small fee and can purchase glass articles from the factory shop. Telephone: 036 352 3144.

KWAZULU SHOE FACTORY
The factory is situated on the Loskop Road and produces a variety of inexpensive canvas and sports shoes for adults and children. The factory shop is open Monday to Saturday from 08h00 to 13h00.

Golf

Put your skills to the test on our 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Hugh Baiocchi to provide an exciting challenge whatever your handicap.

Set against the magnificent backdrop of Champagne and Cathkin Peaks, this course offers the golfer not only a superb challenge of golf on a perfectly manicured layout but also a scenic experience that is reward enough.

The clubhouse is easily accessible from the resort and you have access to motorized golf carts and a well-stocked Pro-Shop.

The clubhouse is also equipped with both ladies and gentleman's locker room and a bar, and light meals are served in the golf lounge and on the magnificent verandah which overlooks the golf course and the mountains beyond.

Facilities

Dining

Buffet Dining
The Champagne Sports Resort buffet experience is gaining a reputation for the large variety of wholesome and hearty dishes offered off our expanded buffets. We can now cater for up to 700 guests comfortably with little queuing.

Cathkin Arms Bar
Situated off the main dining room, Cathkin Arms is a popular meeting spot, especially on big sports days where a large screen TV broadcasts the action. The bar is open from 10h00 until late. No children under the age of 18 are allowed in Cathkin Arms after 19h00.

Conferences

Conferences are an extremely important sector of Champagne Sports business profile and every effort is made to ensure the smooth running of such events, no matter the size. With five conference rooms and various indoor and outdoor breakaway areas, Champagne Sports Resort is an ideal venue for your conference. Our largest venue, Sentinel, can seat up to 1000 delegates in cinema style with our smallest, the Injasuti comfortably seating 18 in a U configuration.

We are proud of the fact that we offer the most up-to-date conference equipment available in South Africa. Included in our equipment is a Crestron® Equipment Management System in the Sentinel, Monks Cowl and Ondini Venues, Proxima Data Projectors and anti-feedback microphones.
This is over and above the standard equipment that is also available and includes:
· Overhead Projectors & Screens
· White Boards
· Flip Charts
· Television and VCR Playback machines
· 35mm Projector and Screens

MEETING ROOMS
ROOM NAME	SEATING CAPACITIES				DIMENSIONS (M)			AREA
	U-Shape	School Room	Theatre	Banquet	Length	Width	Height	M²
Amphlett	36	70	80	70	17	6		102
Highmoor Boardroom
Injasuti	20	30	40		14	9	3.2	126
Ithaba	60	100	150	60	17.65	5.45	4	167
Lotheni Boardroom
Monks Cowl	80	380	550	250	28	16	3.6	448
Ondini	45	120	150	80	14	12	3.2	168
Sentinel	160	720	1000	700	40	22.2	6	888
Sterkhorn	20	30	40		10.7	6.7	3.2	71
Summit	80	380	550	250	28	16	3.6	448
Turret	40	80	90	80	21	8	3.2	168
Zunckels	40	80	90	80	21	8	3.2	168

ROOM NAME	LIGHTING FACILITIES				POWER	DOORS		SCREENS
	Controls	Dimmers	Windows	Blackout	Sockets	Height	Width	Height	Width
Amphlett		Y	Y	Y
Highmoor Boardroom
Injasuti		Y	Y	Y	6	2	0.7	1.9	1.75
Ithaba		Y	Y	Y	14	1.9	1.4	1.9	1.75
Lotheni Boardroom
Monks Cowl		Y	Y	Y	17	1.9	1.4	2	2
Ondini		Y	Y	Y	8	1.9	1.4	1.9	1.75
Sentinel		Y	Y	Y	68	2.2	4.2	3.5	4.5
Sterkhorn		Y	Y	Y	3	2	0.7	1.9	1.75
Summit		Y	Y	Y	17	1.9	1.4
Turret		Y	Y	Y	6	1.9	1.4	1.9	1.8
Zunckels		Y	Y	Y	6	1.9	1.4	1.9	1.75

Champagne Sports Resort

Directions

From Durban: Travel along the N3, past Pietermaritzburg and through Mooi River. You will pass the Wagendrift Dam on your left, and keep going until you reach the Estcourt North Giants Castle Central Berg Turnoff. Turn left at the glide-off, and carry on through Loskop for 28kms. Please note there are lots of cattle and animals, be careful! You will reach a crossroads, with a sign saying Central Drakensberg, turn left. Follow this road for 11kms, and Champagne Sports is situated on the left hand side. From Johannesburg: A) Scenic Route: CAUTION: Do not follow this route in wet or freezing conditions Johannesburg to Harrismith on N3. At Harrismith turn right onto the N5 towards BETHLEHEM/BLOEMFONTEIN. Proceed for ± 5km, turn left onto the R712 QWA-QWA/BERGVILLE road. Proceed for ± 10kms. Turn left again on the BERGVILLE/OLIVIERSHOEK PASS (R74) road. Continue past Sterkfontein dam, down Oliviershoek Pass, straight through Bergville and onto Winterton. At Winterton turn right onto the R600, CENTRAL BERG road, which is directly opposite the Engen garage; proceed for ± 13km to the crossroad junction at Thokozisa. Cross straight over and continue for ± 11.4 km. The Hotel is situated on the left hand side. B) Freeway Route: Johannesburg to Van Reenen's Pass on the N3. Pass through the Tugela Toll Plaza which is at the bottom of Van Reenen's Pass. Continue approximately 14 kilometers to the R616 BERGVILLE turn off, proceed left on the N11 towards Ladysmith for approximately 4 kilometers and turn right onto the R600 Spioenkop / Winterton Rd. Travel along over the highway, and past Spioenkop Lodge / Nature Reserve. When you reach a T-Junction, turn left to Winterton. Take a right over the railway line (R600) when you get into Winterton. This is directly opposite the Engen garage. Follow that road until you reach the crossroads at Thokozisa. Go straight over the crossroads and travel a further 11 kms, until you see Champagne Sports on your left hand side.