Category 1: The Best Retreat in Africa — presented by Amarula
The ultimate accolade. This retreat is the crème de la crème and is the flagship Award for the Best retreat in Africa that epitomises all that is African.

Category 2: Most Innovative Retreat in Africa The retreat that is pushing the envelope in terms of an innovative point of difference, whether in its approach to guests, service offering or experiential sensation

Category 3: The Best Designer Retreat in Africa
Traditional African design has been revised and re-interpreted to produce a new school of African chic. How does this translate itself to your property?

Category 4: The Heritage and Culture Award — presented by Explore SA
For the retreat that embraces and enhances the local community and culture in terms of history, architecture, people and projects, and the preservation of the local heritage.

Category 5: The Ultimate in African Cuisine
Delicious, mouth-watering, must rush back... This Award is for those retreats with a specific and very special cuisine offering, including ambience and service as well as the food itself. How are you redefining the African cuisine experience?

Category 6: The Leading Eco Retreat in Africa
For the retreat that has done most to embrace and apply ecological and conservation principles, either to the practical running of the retreat or to enhance the experience of guests.

Category 7: Service Excellence Award
For the retreat that delivers impeccable service time after time.

#8: The Leading Wellness Retreat in Africa — presented by Wisdom of Africa
For the retreat that is committed to providing the ultimate wellness experience. Pioneering wellness travel through quality spa treatments and wellness offerings.

Category 9: The Consumer’s Choice: presented by iafrica.com
The retreat that collects the most votes and positive feedback from consumers and users of African retreats through web-based inter-active voting.

Category 10: The Heart of Africa Award
The retreat that ensures that the people whose land, natural resources, labour and culture are used for tourism, actually benefit from tourism. Including job creation and capacity building. (Note: the Fair Trade in Tourism SA Trademark was officially launched on 13 June 2002.)