Fancourt Hotel & Golf Resort, George, South Africa
The stunning 18th hole on the Montagu Golf Course
Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
The Cape Grace Hotel on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with Table Mountain in the background
FANCOURT RESORT, SOUTH AFRICA
PERFECT FOR:
- Family Vacations: A range of activities for parents to enjoy with their children: a nearby beach, swimming pools, tennis, biking, horse-riding and other outdoor pursuits, plus comfortable family lodgings and a choice of dining options.
- Golfing Groups: Three of the finest golf courses in Africa; outstanding dining and socialising options; plenty of post-golf relaxation activities.
- Romantic Breaks: Breath-taking scenery; a variety of his-and-hers activities; memorable dining; serene accommodations; world-class spa.
SOUTH AFRICA'S FINEST, IMPROVING WITH AGE, OFFERS MUCH TO RELISH
How best to encapsulate the delights of the illustrious Fancourt Hotel & Country Club, South Africa's premier holiday hideaway? A de luxe hotel in a garden that's big enough for three golf courses with land to spare sums it up nicely, but there's much more to savour.
Oozing style, opulence and under-stated elegance, it's been a resort for many years, a retreat for the seriously wealthy seeking a multitude of diversions and sporting activities.
The hotel, a member of the Leading Hotels of The World and known as the Manor House, is a national monument, dating to 1847. It stands at the centre of a 230 hectare estate nestling between the Indian Ocean and the foot of the Outeniqua mountains, part of the finest all-inclusive resort in Africa.
LOCATION
Fancourt is in the region known as George, on South Africa’s renowned Garden Route on the coast of the southern Cape. It is ten minutes from George Airport, a four hour drive from Cape Town and slightly less from Port Elizabeth.
Click here to see a local map.
ABOUT THE GOLF
Fancourt has 54 holes, all designed by Gary Player. The original course is known as the Montagu and the second as the Outeniqua, after the mountain range which overlooks it. Both are parkland but are similar only in presentation: Striped fairways, glinting bent grass greens, pristine bunkers, all embellished by the lakes that dot the estate.
The Montagu is somewhat easier off the tee, although the kikuyu grass stretches the fairways and the second shots require your best attentions to ingeniously contoured greens. The Outeniqua is trickier, with more water, and makes all the demands associated with great courses.
The new Links, built on a former airfield, has been acclaimed as the finest course in Africa and equal to the world's best. It is redolent of the classic links courses of Scotland and Ireland and has brought praise from some of the world’s finest golfers. The Links was the host venue for the 2003 Presidents Cup, and has hosted the South African Open. It is a private club, with play restricted to members and their invited guests, but there are limited times available to guests of the Fancourt’s hotel.
For those looking to work on their swing whilst on holiday, Fancourt also has an exceptional golf academy that houses a Taylormade Performance Lab and state-of-the-art practice and teaching facilities. On-site PGA professionals are available for lessons.
NON-GOLFING ACTIVITIES
The resort has an acclaimed spa which offers a range of therapies, treatments and leisure activities. There's a heated Roman bath, with views of the Outeniqua mountains; there's a sauna, steam rooms, a chilled plunge pool, a jacuzzi and fully equipped gym staffed by personal trainers. There is also a hair and beauty salon and a boutique which stocks leading South African and international designer clothing and accessories.
The nearby Herold vineyard hosts wine tasting tours and there is an equestrian centre for horse lovers of all ages offering lessons and trail riding into the neighbouring countryside. Quad biking is available for groups of five or more on trails through the foothills of the Outeniqua mountains.
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
The Kids' Club offers supervised fun activities, including arts and crafts, nature walks and board games, for children aged 3 - 10 years. This area also has an indoor jungle gym and various children's toys. For family outings there's a beach at nearby Herold’s Bay.
WHERE TO STAY
There's a wide choice: standard, executive or de luxe rooms are available in the venerable Manor House, the stately Garden Suites and studios of one or two bedrooms, or there are the Executive Series of suites, built in 2003, which overlook the Fancourt gardens and enjoy spectacular views of the Outeniqua mountains.
Readers flying into Cape Town should consider a brief stay in one of the world's most beautiful cities. A hotel that is highly recommended is the 5 star Cape Grace Hotel, the jewel in the crown of the V&A waterfront, the cultural and commercial heart of Cape Town, the historic harbour basin that is now home to hundreds of shops, museums, restaurants and theatres.
DINING OPTIONS
Fancourt's four restaurants offer a variety of dining options, from the elegant Montagu Restaurant in the Manor House to La Cantina's authentic Italian fare, the seafood dishes of Le Pecheur and the locally sourced produce of Bramble Lodge at The Links. In addition, there is the Club Lounge in Fancourt's main reception, as well as The Sandwedge, the half-way house at the Montagu course, which both serve casual meals during the day.
WHEN TO GO
South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, so winter there is June-September. Summer is December-March but spring and autumn are best for golf when courses are in peak condition and day-time temperatures hover around 75 to 80F. The region of George has a temperate climate and is an ideal destination for outdoor activities almost all year round.
Click here to see average weather conditions throughout the year, and for a weather forecast for the next five days.
TIPS TO ENHANCE YOUR HOLIDAY
Getting There
Cape Town is the nearest international airport from where there are flight connections to George. For those who would care to see the Cape coast (which is highly recommended if you have the time) an alternative option is a rental car for the four hour drive to Fancourt.
Hire cars are available from Hertz and Avis at both Cape Town Airport and George Airport.
Getting Around
The resort is a ten minute drive from the George Airport and hotel transfers may be arranged. Taxis can be ordered on request, and there is a concierge who can assist with planning day trips to the region's attractions.
Packing Tips & Dress Code
The usual dress code applies for an exclusive hotel; viz jackets are required for dinner in the Montagu restaurant and smart casual elsewhere. When packing, you should be aware of the seasonal weather and temperatures indicated in “When To Go” above.
Currency
The currency in South Africa is the Rand. For current rates of exchange, click here.
Language Spoken
Mainly English but also Africaans.
Time Zone
GMT+2.
Dialing Codes
The country code for South Africa, and then the local code for George, is +27.11 (then add the local extension). plus the local number.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR VACATION
Request a Quotation or Use Our Recommended Golf Tour Operator
PGT can negotiate discounted rates and bonuses for our readers. Simply contact us giving details of preferred dates and your requirements and we will contact the resort on your behalf.
Alternatively you couldBook Through A Tour Operator
If you require a total holiday package including flights, transfers, accommodation and golf reservations PGT will recommend the tour operator who serves the resort or destination of your choice and negotiate any possible discount available.
Travel Money
To order South African Rands from Travelex at the guaranteed best price availabe in the UK - at 0% commission, and with free airport pickup click here.
Travel Insurance
Insurance isn't fun but it is both important and a sensible investment when travelling overseas (particularly when transporting expensive golf equipment). We recommend American Express .