SUN CITY RESORT 5*
The Sun City resort is a comprehensive golf and leisure resort which is certainly a rival to anything on the African continent. Its two outstanding championship golf courses make it extremely appealing for a golf holiday in the sunshine.
Gary Player Country Club
The Gary Player Country Club is arguably the most recognisable course in South Africa, having been the host of the Nedbank Million Dollar Challenge since 1981. The slick greens are shaped like clover leaves, and are guarded closely by he swathes of white sand. While the fairways are impeccable, it is advisable to avoid the thick kikuyu rough, which is extremely difficult to escape. There are a number of dramatic holes, all of which build up to the awe-inspiring closing hole, which is a famous risk versus reward challenge, demanding a long carry over water to find the putting surface.
Lost City Course
Also within the renowned resort is the Lost City Course (7,636 yards), a spectacular creation carved through the dramatic Sun City landscape by designer Gary Player. The diminutive South African is said to be extremely fond if his project at Lost City, which is known for some amazing holes, bordered by great expanses of water. Whilst it is often in the shadow of the tournament hosting Country Club layout, Lost City is by no means inferior, and is a delightful part of a golf holiday in Sun City.
Lying at the heart of the Sun City Resort, the Palace of the Lost City is a base spectacular enough to equal its surroundings, and has been recognised by the Leading Hotels Of The World association.
Pure fantasy is the best way to describe the Lost Palace, where the inherent African rhythm complements the extravagant style and décor. Surrounded by great acreage of jungle, the hotel boasts 338 guest rooms and suites, whose obvious luxury is aided by in-room features such as armoires, writing desks, computerised safes, high speed internet access, satellite television, mini-bar, air-conditioning and a business communication telephone system.
Lavished in the utmost luxury, the hotel's public areas are truly resplendent, helping to underline the fact that the Palace of the Lost City is the ultimate golf and safari holiday destination.
Located in the club house at the Gary Player Country Club, the resort's luxury new health spa offers indulgent treatments, including hydrotherapy, Vichy shower, massages, pedicures, facials and manicures. The complex also has a whirlpool bath and a sauna, but for something more exciting, head to the Valley of Waves, a 25-hectare playground of water-based adventure. You can have a go at water-skiing, parasailing and jet-skiing, or alternatively go on a safari adventure; Sun City borders the Pilanesberg National Park, a malaria free zone which is home to the sacred ‘Big 5'.
Sun City is a couple of hours from Johannesburg, and its all-encompassing resort provides all the activities and pursuits that you could hope for. The Pilanesberg National Park is adjacent to the resort, is famed for its safari tours, including the chance to see the ‘Big 5'.
Lost City's 13th hole is the resort's most amazing - should you find the water, as many do, you will have to contend with 2 metre-long crocodiles in order to retrieve your ball!
To enjoy the finest views of Sun City and the Pilanesberg, take to the skies for a hot air balloon ride.
When the temperature rises, the Poolside restaurant and bar is the place to cool off and refresh.
The Villa del Palazzo serves authentic Italian cuisine in the most elegant of surroundings.
