The only Cat 1 properties we stayed at, are all in South Africa.

Protea Knysna
Protea Kruger Gate
Protea Richards Bay

They all are very good properties with good facilities and all 3 give elite recognition (no breakfast as Protea is not on the list of brands that do).

Read my reviews on them. We got a 3 bedroom "suite", the only suite, at Protea Knysna on 2 award nights. Cannot be more pleased by the warm hospitality of all the staff encountered.