While South Africa and the United States battled it out on the polo field at the 2026 Nedbank International Polo, American Express returned to the Inanda Club with a hospitality offering designed to match the glamour and excitement of the day.
Set against the backdrop of one of Johannesburg’s most prestigious sporting events, the American Express experience catered to both guests seeking relaxed outdoor luxury and those looking for a more elevated hospitality environment.
Among the standout offerings was the Amex Bring Your Own Picnic experience, which transformed the East Bank into a stylish open-air social space. Guests arrived with picnic blankets, folding chairs, and curated baskets, settling in beneath the autumn sun as the anticipation for the international polo match built throughout the afternoon.
For those wanting a more seamless experience, Gemelli-curated picnic baskets added a polished touch to the day. Guests were welcomed with complimentary drinks on arrival before making their way to the lawn to enjoy the atmosphere of the event, where fashion, music, and sport blended effortlessly.
The picnic area reflected a relaxed attitude, with groups of friends and families gathering to enjoy the match in a setting that felt both sophisticated and easy-going.
For an even more exclusive experience, the Amex Café delivered a distinctly elevated interpretation of polo hospitality. Positioned with prime East Bank views overlooking the field, the space combined gourmet dining, seamless service, and premium entertainment in an atmosphere that carried long after the final chukka.
Inside the café, guests were treated to a curated menu by Gemelli which included dishes such as slow-roasted lamb and edamame beans alongside Pommery Champagne and Stella Artois throughout the afternoon and evening. Butler service and dedicated lounge areas added to the sense of exclusivity, while live entertainment ensured the atmosphere remained energetic between matches.
Whether gathered on picnic blankets under the open sky or enjoying champagne from within the Amex Café, those lucky enough to be there experienced a version of polo that extended far beyond the game itself.
