There has been a clear shift in South African corporate travel, with work models and priorities evolving. The rise in hybrid models and a firmer focus on employee wellness have seen businesses rethinking what they want from corporate accommodation providers. Rather than just looking for an affordable place to stay, corporate travellers want integrated environments that support productivity while providing for wellbeing.
“The past few years, we’ve noted that corporate travel has fundamentally changed,” says Wayne Beekman, Director at The Beekman Group, a leader in resort management and vacation ownership in Southern Africa. “Travel managers, HR teams, and executive assistants are no longer booking rooms in isolation. They’re looking for accommodation that enables their teams to work efficiently with more access to downtime and lifestyle experiences, all in one place.”
Beekman says that the rise of bleisure travel — that blends business and leisure — has gained traction globally, with South Africa taking its own approach to the trend: “The traditional model of hotel or motel-style accommodation for corporate travellers has been replaced by more appealing all-in-one destinations – aparthotels – that combine contemporary resort accommodation with business-ready facilities and lifestyle amenities.”
He outlined the key factors shaping this shift:
1. Wellbeing-Led Travel Planning
“Businesses are increasingly recognising that travel fatigue and high-stress itineraries impact decision-making and productivity,” says Beekman. “This has shifted travel policies to include accommodation that offers comfortable workspaces, access to fitness and wellness facilities, and environments that allow travellers to recharge between meetings.”
2. Flexible, Longer Stays
He notes that the rise of hybrid work and project-based travel is reshaping booking patterns: “Instead of one- or two-night stays, companies are increasingly accommodating longer visits tied to specific projects, training programmes or extended client engagements. This means business travellers require fully equipped living spaces to maintain routines and operate efficiently over extended periods.”
3. Centralised Convenience
Moving between multiple venues for meetings, dining and downtime is counterproductive, says Beekman, with modern corporate travellers gravitating towards destinations that centralise these functions: “Having meeting rooms, work hubs, restaurants, and leisure amenities within walking distance — or ideally within the same property — allows for seamless transitions throughout the day.”
4. Sustainability and Efficiency
Sustainability is increasingly influencing corporate travel decisions, says Beekman, with businesses looking to reduce unnecessary travel and limit environmental impact: “All-in-one corporate destinations support this by minimising the need for additional transport between venues, while also prioritising venues that adopt sustainable policies.”
Modern Corporate Travel Stays in South Africa
An established corporate travel provider with more than five decades of experience, The Beekman Group is actively responding to emerging trends through its expanding portfolio, with the launch of Menlyn Mix in Pretoria.
This venue is tapping into the bleisure and corporate wellness trends through features such as:
- On-site meeting hubs and conferencing facilities
- Apartment-style, self-catering accommodation
- Access to fitness and relaxation spaces such as the gym, pool, clubhouse and rooftop leisure area
- Water tanks and backup power to ensure comfort and reliability
- Easy access to Menlyn Maine for dining and entertainment
“Menlyn Mix is designed for the way people work today,” adds Beekman. “It supports everything from short business trips to longer project stays, giving guests the flexibility to move seamlessly between work commitments and personal downtime.”
Complementing this urban offering is Dikhololo Resort, a long-established conferencing and events destination. Known for its scale and versatility, Dikhololo provides corporates with fully equipped conference facilities in a natural bush setting, ideal for team building, strategy sessions and larger events.
Corporate Travel FAQs
1. What should companies look for in corporate travel accommodation?
Key considerations include reliable WiFi, backup power, meeting spaces, central location, flexible stay options and access to wellness and leisure facilities.
2. What are aparthotel-style stays?
Aparthotels offer fully equipped, self-catering apartments with hotel-style services, making them ideal for extended business stays and project-based travel.
3. Where can I find business-friendly accommodation in Pretoria?
Menlyn Mix offers a central, business-focused environment with integrated workspaces and lifestyle amenities tailored to corporate travellers.
4. What are the best venues for conferencing and team building near Gauteng?
Dikhololo Resort provides a versatile conferencing destination with facilities suited to meetings, events and team-building experiences.
Book Your Stay!
Beekman Group offers a new standard in integrated business travel. Whether it’s the urban convenience of Menlyn Mix or the established conferencing capabilities of Dikhololo Resort, businesses can now access scalable, all-in-one destinations designed for work, meetings and downtime. To explore corporate rates, site visits or tailored accommodation solutions, visit The Beekman Group or get in touch with the team to discuss your business travel requirements.
The Beekman Group is a multi-award-winning, family-run organisation with a portfolio of almost 40 leading destinations across 5 countries. Its properties have been consistently recognised at the World Travel Awards, including multiple wins for South Africa’s Leading Lifestyle Resort and Leading Family Resort, as well as Mozambique’s Leading Family Resort, reinforcing the Group’s reputation for delivering high-quality holiday experiences at scale. Beekman Group’s Vacation Ownership includes The Holiday Club and Private Residence Membership, while Leisure Services include Beekman Holidays, iExchange, Body Bliss, and Private Residence Collection.
For bookings and corporate enquiries, visit www.menlynmix.co.za or www.dikhololo.co.za | Call 0861 269 846 | Email bookings@beekmanholidays.co.za
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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Beekman Group.
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