Worst experience ever and will NEVER refer business or family/ friends to Sparkling Waters facilities or accommodation!

Worst experience ever and will NEVER refer business or family/ friends to Sparkling Waters facilities or accommodation!

Sparkling Waters Resort (Magaliesburg) hosted a religious group with hundreds of people through the course of the day and overnight this past Saturday. The group had every right to be there having paid to host their ceremony at Sparkling Waters, however had no right at all to monopolise the entire Resort and make it extremely unpleasant for other guests.

My colleagues were threatened by the Pastors’ security entourage at gun point when walking to their rooms, their patio furniture had been removed so that the group could use it for themselves, some group members camped out on the patios of my colleagues’ Chalets so there was no privacy at all, they were forced to leave the pool area and the group was unbearably loud. Add to that, the employees of Sparkling Waters refused access to my colleagues to the dining area at dinner stating that the food was for the group only. After complaints management allowed them into the dining area but it was too late at that stage leaving very little, to no food left for them.

As the evening progressed it worsened and it was unfortunately too late in the evening for my colleagues to leave. They felt threatened and had to lock themselves in their rooms for the majority of the stay. To make matters worse; the group then started breaking down the stage at mid-night making even more noise thus they were unable to rest after this stressful time.

The Resort had no control over what was happening and should take responsibility for extremely poor management, allowing their guests to feel so uncomfortable and worst of all, unsafe.

We were informed of the Church group but was not expecting approximately 600 – 800 people. If the amount of people was mentioned the booking would have been moved or Sparkling waters should have booked the venue exclusively for the group not allowing further bookings. It was very unexpected to find a church group so violent, threatening, disrespectful and rude.

When these concerns were addressed with the manager, favour was taken with the church group. It is understandable that a booking for the majority of the resort for such a big event is great for business but do not forget about the smaller groups and individuals who will refer regular business in the Future. Think long term! As one of the people responsible for making team building, conference venue and incentive trip bookings for a large national corporate company, Sparkling Waters have been removed from the list completely as an option. The company staff, associate companies and personal relations will be informed about this and chances are that nobody will visit the resort knowing about these events that unfolded.

To Sparkling Waters management; We paid a significant amount to host our team building and book four rooms. Words cannot explain how dissatisfied we are. We definitely did not get our money’s worth and the promise that your Resort offers. Also please be mindful to not allow this to happen to other guests in future.

I am expressing this online as the manager had said he would resolve matters on the evening however did not return or make any effort.