When most South Africans – and specifically Capetonians – think ‘local getaway’, they think of the picturesque Garden Route with its myriad small towns, endless adventures and activities, and abundance of photo ops. And along this route, in the town of George, the Garden Route’s unofficial capital, you’ll find one of South Africa’s premier golf estates: Fancourt.
So what exactly do a getaway and golf have in common? For golfers, plenty; but for the rest of us, not much, right? Except that at Fancourt, you’ll experience so much more than just another hole-in-one (although there’s plenty of great golf to be enjoyed too with three exclusive 18-hole courses on the estate’s 613 hectares of land).
Service with a smile
From the minute you arrive at the estate, you’re treated with welcoming smiles and attentive service. While having dinner at La Cantina on my first evening there, I felt extremely ill and the wait staff insisted I take my meal back to my room to enjoy later. Plus, the hotel manager made sure to check on me the next morning too – even though she’d not been present when I first became ill!
Room with a view
The estate boasts 133 rooms and suites – all of them equally luxurious and with amazing views of the Gary Player golf courses. The Fancourt Hotel rooms and suites are all fitted with Wifi, a television, mini bar, coffee and tea station – and turn-down service. Although not as spacious as a luxury room or a suite, our Classic Room was still a good 32 sqm in size with a plush carpet underfoot and an amazing shower.
If you’re planning a special weekend away, such as a honeymoon, opt for a room in the Manor House instead. A national monument that has been meticulously restored to its former glory as the Blanco House, this boutique hotel offers luxury amenities including a bar, a private library and swimming pool, and eco-friendly design features. The cherry on top? The Homewood Suites at the Manor House each boast their own private lounge area, balcony and personalised service with dedicated butlers to ensure your every whim is met.
All the eats (and drinks)
The Cape is known for good food and wine, and Fancourt keeps this promise alive with not one but three restaurants on the property, as well as a club lounge and bar. Enjoy breakfast (on the house and included in your room rate), lunch and dinner at La Cantina, which offers a vast menu of classics, or head to Monet’s for more bistro-style fare (grab a seat on the outdoor pergola when the weather is warm for a special occasion). For a gastronomic experience, pop in at the Manor House’s Henry White’s where fine dining and award-winning wines meet interior artistry. For cocktail snacks, clubhouse cuisine or a drink with the boys after a spot of golf, head to the Club Lounge, affectionately known as the 19th hole. Televised sporting events and a weekly pub quiz on Saturday nights make this drinking hole the place of choice for a great evening out.
Fun for everyone
Other than the luxe accommodation and delicious food and drink, Fancourt isn’t just for those wanting to play golf or enjoy an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. The estate also offers family facilities that include a kids’ entertainment area with televisions, video games, table tennis and other indoor activities; a gym for those who can’t miss a workout while away; an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi; an indoor heated pool for colder days; and a cinema where adults and children can revel in some films ranging from the classics to animations. For moms needing a break, babysitting facilities are available with on-site childcare staff trained in CPR and First Aid to ensure your little ones are well taken care of.
Rest and relaxation
And while the kids are being entertained, pop in at the Fancourt Spa, my personal favourite spot on the entire estate. I easily spent half my weekend in the Roman Bath and Jacuzzi, heated to a lovely 31 degrees and limited to adult use only, after enjoying a blissful full body massage at the spa. Also enjoyable? The sauna, steam room and tepidarium, which is a lovely respite for those who don’t enjoy the harsh heat of the sauna and steam room. The spa also has private shower facilities and lockers and there’s a hair salon to get your locks treated after a day of rejuvenation.
OF NOTE
Where 1 Montagu Rd, George, 6529
Cost Fancourt Family special starts at R2 680 per one-bedroom suite per night based on a minimum two-night stay, valid 1–31 July 2017
Contact + 27 044 804 0000, [email protected], fancourt.co.za
Photography Courtesy