Home to three Gary Player golf courses, Fancourt Resort in South Africa has now added an incredible five-star English country-style boutique hotel. Let’s check it out.
Located in the Garden Route region on South Africa‘s south coast, Fancourt Resort covers over 600 hectares and is surrounded by mountains, forests and the Indian Ocean. It’s widely considered the country’s premier golf resort.
There are three fantastic golf courses onsite. The Links is ranked by All Square as the number one course in the whole of Africa, while Montagu and Outeniqua are also excellent layouts, all designed by South African nine-times major winner Gary Player.
Already home to a five-star hotel, fantastic family facilities, a luxurious spa and excellent dining options, the resort has now added The Manor House, an exquisite five-star boutique country hotel.
The Manor House
Dating back to the 1850s and once the home of Henry Fancourt White, the British engineer who settled here and who the resort is named after, The Manor House is now a five-star, 18-suite boutique hotel which delivers the luxury, quiet sophistication and romance of an exclusive country retreat. Guests can choose between the Presidential Suite, or the Oaklands Suites and Homewood Suites.
The house, built in the style of a Cotswold mansion, has retained all its stately charm with original features combined with modern eco-friendly comforts. It’s tastefully furnished and has a lounge, bar and swimming pool. It offers 24-hour in-room dining, a fully stocked complimentary refreshment centre, fresh flowers, evening canapes, and even a luxury courtesy car provided within a 10km radius.
Fancourt Hotel
The Manor House joins the five-star Fancourt Hotel which offers 115 rooms and suites that blend modern luxury with classic elegance. Rooms and suites are ideal for every type of traveller, from families, to couples and golfers looking for a warm, relaxed haven.
All rooms and suites have a balcony which make the most of the scenic views overlooking the golf warm-up area, Montagu Golf Course or landscaped gardens. Amenities include stylish furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, internet access, and mini bar.
Golf courses
Inspired by the famous links courses of the British Isles, The Links has hosted some of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, including the Presidents Cup (2003), the SA Open (2005) and the 2012 Volvo Golf Championship on the then-named European Tour.
Outeniqua is a manicured parkland layout similar in character and design to its sibling, the Montagu. It’s highly enjoyable, varied and offers an excellent test for golfers of all standards. Montagu has generous fairways and fast grass greens similar to many golf courses on the PGA Tour. The par 3 17th is reminiscent of the famous 12th at Augusta National.
The resort’s excellent Golf Academy uses the latest cutting edge technology to assess and improve your golfing skills, and structured lessons with PGA professionals are available.
Spa & facilities
The Spa at Fancourt offers ultimate relaxation in the most heavenly of settings. Lay back in the heated Roman Bath, visit the saunas, steam room, Jacuzzi and tepidarium, and you can choose from a range of holistic skin and body treatments and massages from expert therapists.
The Leisure Centre has indoor heated and outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym, tennis courts and paved leisure trails through the estate’s indigenous trees. At the centre you’ll also find Fancourt’s Kidz Club, teen lounge and cinema.
Dining
Fancourt has four restaurants to choose from. Henry White’s offers culinary excellence and superb service, serving up South African favourites paired with the finest wines. Le Cantina offers a full buffet breakfast and a taste of the Mediterranean with its traditional Italian menu. Monet’s is a French-style bistro serving casual meals against the backdrop of the Outeniqua golf course and mountains. The Club Lounge, overlooking the 18th green of Montagu golf course, serves burgers, snacks and cocktails.
Local attractions & activities
Along the stunning coastline, forests and lagoons of the Garden Route, activities include adventure trails, hiking, bird-watching, canoeing, fishing and tree canopy slides against a backdrop of stunning scenery. There are ‘Big 5’ safari experiences, ocean and forest adventure activities, mountain biking trails and the world’s highest bridge bungee jump.
Fancourt is an ideal base from which to explore the Garden Route. Glorious beaches are easily accessible and horse riding, picnics and hikes can be arranged. Guests can book sightseeing excursions to the nearby coastal towns of Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay as well as historic Oudtshoorn.
