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Video calls are taking centre stage as the new way we connect, not only with colleagues but also with friends and family. Whether it's a catch-up with a loved one, a birthday celebration or a bottomless brunch - most of our conversations are now taking place online in the digital hemisphere. 

For your next video call, why not relax at The Twelve Apostles watching a beautiful sunset over the coast, or immerse yourself in a wilderness retreat at Bushmans Kloof? Whatever the occasion, our selection of hotel backgrounds can be used on both Microsoft Teams and Zoom applications. 

View and download our range of luxury backgrounds.

Not sure how to change your background? Scroll to the end of the article to follow some simple steps.

Your next digital dinner party

If you're looking for a truly breathtaking setting, you can dine in the seclusion of Embers Restaurant at Bushmans Kloof, under the twinkling stars. Alternatively, imagine the smell of the fresh sea air as you serve your first course overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at South Africa’s treasured 12 Apostles Hotel. Or why not host your dinner party under the twinkling chandeliers of Hotel d'Angleterre's L'Observatoire?

A virtual happy hour 

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, so why not enjoy sundowners with friends on Stanley's Rock at The Twelve Apostles and enjoy magnificent views of Cape Town. Or visit The Egerton House Hotel and enjoy an infamous Martini in their elegant dining room. 

Your work video conference call  

Dupe your colleagues into thinking your bedroom looks like a five-star hotel suite by using The Milestone Hotel’s Hermes Suite or host your conference in Ashford Castle's elegant Oak Hall in the heart of the hotel.

Your next online fitness class

Work up a sweat in glorious surroundings on the Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve in South Africa’s Cederberg Mountain range, or the meticulously manicured gardens at the five-star Summer Lodge Country House Hotel in Dorset’s village of Evershot. 

Just for fun!

You don't necessarily need an occasion to have a cool background. In need of relaxation? You can unwind at Ashford Castle's Spa. Or maybe you're interested in visiting The Milestone's Park Lounge for a spot of Afternoon Tea.

How to change your background

Zoom:

  1. View and download one of our luxury backgrounds.
  2. During your meeting, find the pop-up menu next to the 'Stop Video' option at the bottom of the video window and select 'Choose Virtual Background' and then click '+ Add Image'.
  3. Select the hotel backdrop of your choice and you are ready to go!

Teams: 

  1. View and download one of our luxury backgrounds.
  2. On Windows: You will need to add your image to the 'Uploads' folder within 'Backgrounds'. The easiest way to find this is by copying and pasting %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Teams\Backgrounds\Upload into your file explorer search bar. Add your images into the 'Uploads' folder and close.
  3. On Mac: You will need to add your image to the 'Backgrounds' folder which is found under /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Teams/Backgrounds. It may be easiest to copy and paste this pathway into the finder.
  4. Next time you on a Teams meeting, click the advance features option (this looks like three dots, next to the speech bubble symbol).
  5. Click 'show background effects' and if you scroll down to the bottom of the list you will see your uploaded backgrounds.