An executives travel guide to Polokwane

Limpopo’s capital city of Polokwane is the business gateway to the province and has grown enormously in the past few years. Polokwane is still relatively small compared to many cities, but it caters surprisingly well for the executive. Here’s how to do it:

BEST LUXURY BUSINESS HOTEL The five-star Fusion Boutique Hotel is definitely the most hip and happening hotel in the city, and is the preferred haunt of local and travelling executives and professionals. The rooms are enormous, with essentials such as a writing desk, WiFi, flat screen TV; the bathrooms are stylish and sexy. The hotel has business lounges, meeting rooms, conference facilities, a wine cellar and a fabulous restaurant called Saskias. Book the Hollywood or Bollywood suites if you’re feeling fanciful. fusionhotel.co.za

BEST WAY IN Fly into Polokwane International Airport a short drive from the city. It’s grown significantly in the past few years – there was a 134% increase in inbound arrivals last year according to statistics from Flight Centre Business Travel (FCBT) the corporate travel division of Flight Centre Travel Group. travelground.com/attractions/polokwane-international-airport

BEST QUIET WORKING LUNCH Head for the Live Inn Room Restaurant at the suitably stylish Park Inn by Radisson Polokwane. This spacious 160-room hotel is south of the city and has clean Swedish lines and uber hip décor; fast wifi, plenty of meeting spaces and a great pool area. parkinn.com/hotel-polokwane

BEST PLACE FOR WORKING COFFEE Coco Affair is a sexy, well heeled coffee shop where professionals, executives and A-listers gather. Of course Coco Chanel, French fashion designer and businesswoman, is the inspiration behind this coffee shop. She adorns the walls, there’s excellent coffee, WiFi and a bar. Coco Affair opens early – 7am - so it’s also a very good place for a working breakfast. Coco Affair is in the new Standard Bank Square in Thabo Mbeki Street in Ladine. Tel 015-295 8857

BEST PLACE FOR AN AFTER HOURS CLIENT DRINK Cofi in the Savannah Mall is a trendy upmarket spot that’s good for business meetings after hours, as well as being a classy place to unwind. An African restaurant combined with a Sport Bar, Cofi also has live music evenings. Check them on Facebook: COFI of Polokwane

BEST RESTAURANT TO IMPRESS CLIENTS Saskia’s at the Fusion Boutique Hotel is undoubtedly the place for decadent dining. Choose from a menu offering traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist, and a seriously fine wine list. The restaurant is named after renowned artist Rembrandt Van Rijn’s wife and muse, and is a modern tribute to life and art. Do check out their wine cellar. Private dining on request. fusionhotel.co.za

BEST GOLF Take a drive out to the Protea Hotel Ranch Resort, which has a magnificent par 3 golf course and academy. There’s a 12 hole executive course set in pleasant bushveld surroundings within a game conservancy.  Finish off with a meal at Old Joe’s Bar and Lounge, a convivial place with a wide selection of cocktails. marriott.com

BEST PLACE FOR SINGLE WOMEN TRAVELLERS African Roots Guesthouse is a charming spot in a tranquil garden, near the city centre. The guesthouse is part of the original farmhouse built in 1928. The original steel pressed ceilings and oregon pine floors have been retained and the architecture has been adapted to a more contemporary style. Room opens onto the garden; each room has its own lounge and fireplace and are decorated with antiques and artworks. africanroots.info

BEST PLACE FOR MEN’S SUITS AND SHOES Definitely La Hom in the new Standard Bank Square. This shop sells imported shoes and accessories, and offers an extensive selection of beautifully made, classically styled tailored and casual clothing. lahomclothing.com

BEST PLACE FOR GIFTS Whether it’s a client gift or something special to take home, the Yellow Lemon Tree is an excellent bet. This shop specialises in exquisite wooden furniture, home ware, décor and objet with a dash of French Provence and a twist of Bali.  Find them in the Standard bank Square. yellowlemontree.co.za

BEST COCKTAIL BAR Head for the rooftop of Fusion Boutique Hotel where you do cocktails and cigars and look down on the water features and out across the city. fusionhotel.co.za

BEST TO UNWIND The Jembe Tavern at Meropa Casino & Entertainment World south of the city - the capital’s hedonistic pleasure dome. Have a flutter in the casino, enjoy a leisurely meal or dance the night away to live music. suninternational.com/meropa

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE Two hours drive gets you far from the hustle and bustle and into the unbelievably luxurious arms of Palala Boutique Game Lodge. Exclusivity, fine fare, romance and adventure, this five star a haven of sophistication in bushveld landscape. The suites are opulent and luxurious. Think air con, imported linen, huge bathrooms, solid wooden furniture. Enjoy private dining under a unique abstract tree in the Matoppie restaurant which serves South African cuisine and offers a wine collection that showcases the best of each wine region in South Africa. palalaboutiquegamelodge.co.za

BEST OUT OF TOWN DINNER It is a 30km drive to the popular Basil’s Fine Dining Restaurant which has a sumptuous a la carte menu, and is one of a handful of restaurants in Limpopo to be awarded the world acclaimed Chaine des Rotisseurs French award. Basil’s is inside the Protea Ranch Resort. marriott.com