Why Kurland is ideal for planning a celebration
Whether it’s a special family occasion, a reunion, an anniversary, a memorable birthday, a corporate presentation, or a commercial event, we understand that a beautiful setting is key to any occasion – and that’s why at Kurland you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to nature, luxury accommodation, and privacy.
We asked catering pro, Sandy Wood, to give us the run down on why planning a celebration at Kurland is just about effortless. After coordinating numerous creative affairs at the estate, she’s an expert on the ins and outs of the property and receives rave reviews from clients who choose Kurland as a venue.
Tell us about the trends for events this year – what’s popular? And why is Plettenberg Bay on the hot-list?
- Events are booming and lots of requests are for outside; lots of garden flowers, local produce definitely at the top of the list, supporting local community suppliers, fresh air, gin bars, Aperol spritzers, and sharing tables with all the food placed down the centre. There’s a big move toward cheese platters, not so many desserts, and entertainment even for small events – string quartets, maybe a saxophonist, and really fun buskers.
- Plettenberg Bay is ultra-popular this year – especially for weddings. People are treating Plett like a destination wedding spot. They can enjoy the outdoors, the Crags, the beach, it’s an exquisite setting. Also everything can be found in Plettenberg Bay: tents and equipment for hire, flowers from local growers or sourced at the Harkerville market, artisanal cheeses, honey, meat, and salmon from the Deli, oysters from Knysna, and even a pop-up Norman Goodfellows (for alcohol) is now available. So it’s become very easy to host an event.
What are the top five reasons why someone should plan an event at Kurland?
- It’s world-class and magnificent. The Homestead is beautiful with old-world charm – a venue that has grown itself and has soul! There’s a beautiful mountain range that wraps itself around the estate and because it’s an edgy polo estate it feels international. The décor, the crystal and glassware are out of this world.
- Personalised and feels like a home. Di and Brenda are on hand to help wherever needed.
- Kurland is slightly out of town so you feel like there’s no one around you, and you have utter privacy.
- So much thought has been put into the estate – the stables, the grand pavilion, the dam, the barn, the Homestead.
- The rooms are luxurious, huge, and with especially spacious bathrooms that you don’t normally find in villas or hotels.
What would be some of your favourite celebrations to plan at Kurland?
There are so many things to do! Plan a beautiful picnic in the forest with a magical midsummer night’s theme; or a stunning party by the dam with blown up flamingos, lilos, and a food truck. Splash out at the Homestead with a formal birthday dinner with silver, crystal and dozens of roses; or maybe a stunning evening sitting in the kitchen as part of a cooking demonstration followed by a sumptuous harvest table; be creative with a 21st at the Barn; or go really large with 400 people seated at a long table in front of the Pavilion with a summer feast.
Sandy Wood is a natural born-chef, with an intrinsic culinary flair that has been nurtured over the years through her vast experience on yachts, at renowned training academies across Europe, working at Cybele Forest Lodge, also as the Nissan executive chef and then taking on the bistro reins at Bellini’s. Now with her own catering company, Sandy’s Kitchen, she is a regular favourite at Kurland hosting glamorous and fun events throughout the year.
