Sun City – Its not a gamble with these great hotels

Last month when the Ghanaian World Cup squad complained that their world cup training camp was too secluded and oppressive they switched instead to where else but Sun City.  Sun City is where both South Africans and visitors go to play. 

Situated only a few hours from Johannesburg it is often referred to as the Las Vegas of Africa due to its Casino’s, however it is not all card tables and roulette wheels.  Combined with the fun that can also be found here on the tables the golf courses draw visitors from around the world and The Lost City Golf Course is noted for the 38 crocodiles in the water feature of the 13th hole.

The Sun City resort has hosted various concerts and events, including the Miss South Africa and Miss South Africa Teen Pageant. These pageants take place annually in Sun City’s Superbowl Arena and the Valley of Waves

There are world-class hotels including the magnificent Palace of the Lost City that glitters like a jewel beneath the African sun.

The Palace of the Lost City sounds like a place where you need to crack out your Indiana Jones hat and bull whip and legend has it that an ancient civilisation from North Africa journeyed south to build a palace for their much loved King. They stopped in long-extinguished volcano crater, a veritable cradle of life. A place where weird and wonderful creatures, both great and small, roamed free amidst glittering streams and dreamy waterfalls.  Nowadays the Palace of the Lost City is a magnificent palace to enjoy your holidays in Sun City.

The Cascades is a sophisticated, elegant hotel in Suncity where beautifully coloured birds and fish are at home in the Cascades gardens and lakes which cover the gently sloping hillside. They are laced with footpaths which wind between tens of thousands of exotic and indigenous trees and flowering plants. Lush gardens, tropical birds and water features give The Cascades its unique and relaxing atmosphere.

The Sun City Hotel is the hedonistic heart of the Sun City Resort. The ambience of the Hotel is one of glamour and sophistication. From the moment you enter the foyer your senses are assaulted by the bold design aspects and dramatic setting.  The central area has been transformed into a jungle of lush foliage, cascading water and life-like boulders, encircling fast moving slot machines.

So win or lose there is plenty to attract you to this wonderful South African playground.  I’m still a little worried about you golfers though.

Golf hotels for non-golfers at the Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa

Personally I’m not really one for golf and have to agree with Mark Twain who said that “Golf is a good walk spoiled”.  

However as a non-golfer there are certainly still benefits to seeking out hotels with golf courses.  Firstly they tend to be quiet, surrounded by well manicured countryside and come with fringe benefits such as good food and spa’s which is key to satisfying the demands of Mrs South Africa Hotel Experts.  You are also guaranteed that the majority of guests will also vacate the property for many of the daylight hours leaving you to enjoy the full attention of staff. 

The Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa is a Luxury Collection hotel situated just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town near Hermanus and is the sort of place I’m thinking of.  The hotel delivers grandeur in design and style that pays homage to the rare beauty that surrounds it.

As delivered by much of South Africa the natural landscape enhances the view and the area is embraced by the majestic Kogelberg Mountains and bordered by the vast Bot River Lagoon – Quite frankly South African natural beauty at its best.

For those who are looking to come here to play a round the Arabella Golf Course stretches through rolling fairways, deceptive bunkers and challenging water traps which makes the uneducated like myself think that things could be a whole lot less tricky.  But it is a truly unique golf course set on the banks of the Bot River Lagoon and fringed by indigenous wild flowers.  Of which I am sure I would end up in if I swung a club anywhere near them. 

The other rest of the residents can head to the Arabella Spa which is a glorious retreat and the world-first, sensory African Rainforest Experience, which comprises of therapeutic showers, scrubs, steam treatments, African colours and local fragrances to stimulate all senses.

That leaves me with a good book and a choice of places to decamp myself to and the number one choice would be Cristobal’s Cigar Bar which offers some of the world’s finest malts, cognacs and cigars in a relaxed lounge setting.  During winter months, a roaring log fire adds to its sophisticated yet cosy atmosphere.

“Barman – Another please!”

Currently The Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa  is offering you the opportunity to stay 3 nights and save 25% and stay 4 nights or more to save 30% if you book and travel before the 16th September 2010. This offer is subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with other offers.

Have you tried an Aparthotel? Check out The Hyde – Sea Point

South Africa is an amazing land of contrasts.  Did you know that it is home to the world’s smallest succulent plants (less than 0.39 inches) and the largest (the baobab tree)?

In the world of accommodation the contrast between hotels and self catering is being challenged by the Aparthotel concept?  No, no, no you heard me wrong; you get all the hotel not just part of it!

And you also get all the benefits of in-house services and facilities that you would expect from a traditional hotel along with all the comforts of home.

The Hyde - Sea Point is located in the cosmopolitan area of, er Sea Point, spectacularly overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and comprising of 36 swanky apartments which are within minutes of the Sea Point promenade, Camps Bay, the V&A Waterfront and Cape Town’s vibey CBD.

There is a choice of 3 types of accommodation on offer so you are sure to find something for everyone with a choice of studios, suites, or deluxe suites which consists of the bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom with Air conditioning, Complimentary ADSL and Flatscreen TV’s.

Back to the hotel part and you won’t be disappointed that you can pop to the gym or the pool which just to be the cherry on the top of everything is located on the Rooftop with cracking views.

Book and travel before the end of October and The Hyde - Sea Point will offer you 3 nights for the price of 2 and that’s the whipped cream on top of the cherry on top of the cake.

I don’t know if its art but i like it at the Atlantic Affair in Cape Town

South African Hotels are amazing.  You never know what they are going to get up to next.  On Thursday I just had to tell you about the Pillow menu at the One&Only Hotel in Cape Town and on Friday I was consumed by the need to bring you the exciting news of the Collection by Liz McGrath’s cookbook. 

So what is next – well how about some art? 

The Atlantic Affair Hotel in Cape Town doesn’t just display a few choice pieces above the reception or hanging in the bar.  Oh no that’s far to mainstream for them.  So instead they’ve gone the whole hog and got themselves their very own art gallery to wet your appetite and give you a taste of what Cape Town has to offer before you head off to one of the many galleries in search of more.

Over the years the Atlantic Affair company has accumulated a fairly substantial collection of art, which comprises of a number of pieces considered to be of exhibition standard. These pieces of artwork represent a wide array of artists and art schools and are displayed in an attractive, contemporary gallery within the hotel for the guests’ enjoyment.

 A luxury self-catering boutique hotel, which is located close to the seafront in the heart of Sea Point, the hotel suites are luxurious and spacious,  It is an ideal place for individuals looking for exclusivity, but who also want the opportunity to experience Cape Town.

Each of the guest rooms includes a fully equipped kitchenette or a personal chef can prepare a tasty meal in your room so you can enjoy the sun from your terrace whilst you wait.

If you want to stay at the Atlantic Affair Hotel then you can make savings with a fabulous free nights offer which gives you 5 nights for the price of 4, 7 for the price of 5 or 10 for the price of 7 when you book and travel before the 31st October 2010, subject to availability.