I've never been moved to try my hand at golf; hand/eye co-ordination is not exactly at the top of my skills list, but I've got to say that after staying two nights at Fancourt I can see the appeal. Not that I really have any intention of working on my handicap, but the idea of zipping along in a golf cart with a rakish hat for a leisurely round of golf on a breathtakingly beautiful sunny-and-still day with views for days, seems like a not at all bad way to spend a few hours. Luckily, we were able to experience my favourite type of golfing during our stay: "Cart without the Clubs". This was pretty much a necessity if wanting to get some sort of scope of the immenseness of Fancourt. Even with our zippy cart we only explored a fraction of the 613 hectare estate that houses three Gary Player-designed golf courses, the 133-room hotel and boutique Manor House, tennis courts, gym, spa, conference centre and residential areas.
What better way to wind down a successful "sporting day" (read driving around in golf cart) than to partake in some post-golf refreshments? Fancourt offers many restaurant options. Beers and bar snacks can be enjoyed either inside the Clubhouse by the toasty fire or outside on the sun-dappled deck, depending on the weather's whims. If sushi and champagne is more your style, this can be sampled at the fresh Morning Glory restaurant overlooking the first tee of the Outeniqua Golf Course. And if a more substantial meal is on your mind, authentic Italian can be had at the charming La Cantina. While fine dining for the "sophisticated palate" is reserved for Henry White's in the historic Manor House.
We were lucky enough to try three of the restaurants on offer. As the 2014 World Cup Final was happening the night that we arrived, dinner at the Club House in front of a massive screen and toasty fire was a no-brainer. Okay, so service was a little slow and somehow a gourmet chicken sandwich order turned into a burger on arrival; however these were the only complaints which I'll put down to final fever (and that burger was pretty darn delicious).
Another culinary highlight was dinner at La Cantina, where old Italian charm runs through the décor to the wine list and menu. We decided to keep it classic Italian with the starter: a Caprese salad was a perfect appetiser to share. A favourite of mine, this version didn't disappoint. For the main course I chose sirloin with crispy chips and steamed vegetables, and the most delicious brandy and green peppercorn sauce I have ever been acquainted with. Forget the steak, I could have had the sauce as a soup.
I try to keep a good balance in life and driving around in a golf cart whilst taking swings with an imaginary golf club doesn't combat decadent dining the most effectively, so a trip to the well-equipped gym and indoor heated swimming pool was in order. The indoor pool was a thing of beauty; think more Roman baths than your average gym pool. With mosaic tiles, massive windows, statuesque pillars and an adjacent hot tub, this is a space to let your inner mermaid out in.
With exercise done, a scheduled time to unwind was next on the agenda. We eagerly donned our bath robes and headed to the spa for one of the most relaxing massages ever and a perfect cure for our post-Kynsna Half Marathon worn-out legs. An hour long, I wished it could have been three, it was so good. The spa also houses three different heated steam and sauna rooms and a plunge pool, all excellent ways to ease your way back into post-massage life.
Internationally recognised by CNN Go in the world's top-10 golf resorts, Fancourt is a wonderful option for a golfing holiday or weekend; however if golf is not your favourite sport of choice there are a myriad other activities to keep the whole family grinning. From Pilates classes to scenic walks to relaxing spa treatments and wine quaffing in the sun, Fancourt best caters its amenities to suit all ages and tastes, while friendly and accommodating staff and thoughtful touches ensure this grand-scale hotel and estate doesn't lose that personal and welcoming touch.
For more information or to make a reservation visit www.fancourt.co.za
