Fancourt is sometimes pigeon-holed as purely a golf hotel. Wrong: it offers heaps more than that. While, sure, there are three Gary Player-designed courses to tackle, non-golfing guests can also hit the spa, swim, hike, bike or drive along the surrounding Garden Route – and that’s barely the half of it. Situated close to the buzzy town of George, this 115-room property has a thrilling backdrop courtesy of the Outeniqua Mountains.
Accommodation
Options range from high-ceilinged Classic and larger Luxury rooms to vast suites. All are contemporarily furnished – think cosy, muted hues, interrupted by colourful splashes of country-style fabrics – and each has a patio or balcony overlooking mountains, golf courses or gardens. The suites, including a solitary two-bedroom affair for families, throw in a separate living area.
Facilities
Fancourt’s four restaurants tick off informal Mediterranean (La Cantina), fine-dining European (Henry White’s), American faves (the Club House) and local South African (Monet’s) fare. There are just as many swimming pools and tennis courts, and weekly water aerobics and watsu classes at that adults-only spa. What else? Only a womenswear boutique, a jewellery store, a mini-cinema and a gym, plus summer shuttle bus services to the beach. Told you it was more than a golfing hotel...
Activities
Still, Fancourt does lay fair claim to being Africa's leading golf resort by dint of its trio of championship courses – including the world-renowned Fancourt Links – devised by major winner Gary Player. There’s also an academy and a driving range. Elsewhere on the estate are lakes and rivers for black-bass fishing (equipment can be provided). Flower-ridden cycling, hiking, horse-riding and running trails await in neighbouring Witfontein Nature Reserve.
Child Policy
The Kidz Club and Teen Lounge stand ready should parents want some time alone. One of those four pools is reserved for littluns, and La Cantina and Monet’s both offer children’s menus.
