Glamour and gallops: dive into the lavish atmosphere of the Hollywoodbets Durban July marquees

Besides fashion and horse racing, the Hollywoodbets Durban July is also about showcasing the finest in South African hospitality.

Competition for the best marquee and suite experience is on par with the horse racing action.

Just like punters, racegoers put their money on the best lifestyle experiences that money can buy.

From lavish and opulent settings to hosting celebrities and having the best entertainment, these marquees have it all.

Sinayo Hospitality

First timers to the Hollywoodbets Durban July stage, Sinayo Hospitality partnered with East Coast Radio and went all out to treat racegoers to luxury with an exclusive VIP suite.

Not new to the hospitality game, they opted to offer a suite experience instead of a marquee. The suite provided 180-degree views of the race course with the Durban city skyline in the background.

Guests enjoyed views of the horse racing action whilst sitting on the balcony enjoying canapés, cocktails and sundowners. The suite provided complimentary drinks for the event from start to finish.

Celebs spotted at the suite include Jojo and Calven Robinson, Somizi Mhlongo and Maria Valaskatzis, just to name a few.

Carol Ofori was uncharged for keeping guests entertained. The suite also served a three-course buffet.

According to a spokesperson from Sinayo Hospitality, they are looking to host many more events to come.

“Putting this together was a complete joy considering the fact that it was our debut. We’re treating every guest as a VIP because we aim to please,” they said.

Durban Odyssey

As the co-host of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Durban Tourism stunned with its Durban Odyssey marquee.

The marquee was packed with local celebrities, influencers and Durban’s who’s who.

DJ Happygal, The Real Housewives of Durban newcomer Precious C. Udoye and DJ Sox were among the celebrities spotted at the marquee.

The marquee provided a buffet-style menu with a bar.

The marquee set the town for what you can expect from the city, fun, adventure and a good time

Executive Concerts Marquee

The Executive Concerts Marquee stood out as a beacon of opulence, curated specifically for Africa's most influential leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and cultural icons.

Hosted by the dynamic duo, Tbo Touch and Hope Mbhele, the marquee offered patrons an unforgettable experience that transcended the ordinary.

With a carefully crafted entertainment line-up, the marquee featured a constellation of popular artists who left attendees spellbound.

The atmosphere vibrated with the electrifying beats of Kabza De Small and the enchanting melodies of Nkosazana Daughter, alongside thrilling sets from DJ Merlon and other musical talents.

This event set a high bar for lifestyle and hospitality, engaging guests in a whirlwind of rhythm and dance throughout the day.

Guests were treated to a gastronomic delight with gourmet three-course buffets, lavish harvest tables brimming with fresh, local produce, and signature cocktails that tantalised the taste buds.

Every detail was meticulously planned, ensuring that every visitor felt the luxury synonymous with the Durban July.

The marquee, designed as a haven of sophistication, encapsulated the essence of the event, providing a lavish backdrop for networking and celebration.

“We felt like we needed to also showcase another side of what Durban is. The city is vast and it’s different. We wanted to bring in a little bit of culture and bring in a little Zulu-ness and a little bit of sassiness.

"We wanted to show people how luxury and culture can mix,” said Mduduzi Mkhize, the project coordinator.