Sunday, August 2, 2015

STYLISH HOTELS - SOUTH AFRICA

By Eva Fydrych

Travel Experience of a Lifetime
The Palace of the Lost City

Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine (Click to enlarge)



In February 2015, Fashion Studio Magazine had a chance to spend three wonderful days at The Palace of the Lost City in South Africa. It won't be an exaggeration to say that the Sun City Resort is one of the most beautiful places we have visited so far.

Our collaboration with Sun International hotel group and an opportunity to visit their three amazing properties in South Africa (The Maslow in Johannesburg, The Palace in Sun City and The Table Bay in Cape Town) was a definite highlight of the 'Stylish Africa' project started in December 2014.


SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Nestled in a lush valley and surrounded by picturesque mountains, The Sun City Palace is one of the Leading Hotels of the World and one of Africa's premier destinations. Unique combination of game viewing, golf, gambling and resort activities, plus world-class dining, wellness and entertainment facilities make it a perfect holiday spot for couples, friends and families.

Even solo travellers will feel at home here - Sun City is an excellent place for a short beauty break when you feel the need to relax, rejuvenate or just have some me-time. With a spa, hair salon and numerous swimming pools where you can soak up the sun while sipping on a delicious cocktail - you will be spoiled for choice!


"Opulence takes on new meaning at this sprawling wonderland hotel in the South African bushveld." - lhw.com



Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine 


Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine



LUXURY ACCOMMODATION

Opened in December 1992, The Palace is Sun City's flagship hotel attracting international tourists and celebrities all year round. During our trip, we had the opportunity to visit one of the hotel's luxurious suites (King Suite) which hosted Michael Jackson and other famous musicians several times. Beautifully designed apartment featuring jacuzzi baths and sophisticated decor is like a dream come true!

Our room, located on the sixth floor, had a spacious balcony with an amazing view of the valley (see below). There was nothing better than waking up in the morning and having a cup of coffee while admiring the African sunrise...

The room featured all necessary facilities including air-conditioning, Torino coffee maker, TWG tea, hairdryer, luxurious Molton Brown toiletries, make-up mirror, and 24 hour in-room dining. There was a welcome fruit platter and a bottle of champagne waiting for us upon our arrival (thank you for such an amazing treatment Sun International!).



View from room 632 (Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)


Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine



EXCITING ACTIVITIES

42 miles from the nearest town of Rustenberg and two hours drive from Pretoria, staying at The Palace feels like being in another world. There is so much to do and explore here - from the Valley of Waves with a palm-fringed beach to the huge Entertainment Centre with a range of activities for all ages.

Some of the most unique attractions include the Maze of the Lost City (one of the largest permanent mazes in the Southern Hemisphere), Segway Safari (a fun way to see Sun City Resort), and the world's longest Zipslide (2 km) where you can reach a speed of 120 km per hour.

Various bars, lounges and restaurants serve superb food and cocktails. Our personal favourite, Plume restaurant offers a contemporary menu with African and French flavours. Highly recommended!




Dining by the pool (Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

Relaxing by the pool

Valley of Waves



Breakfast buffet

Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine


ABOUT

The Palace of The Lost City, a five star deluxe hotel, is part of the Sun City Resort owned by Sun International (Africa’s largest tourism, leisure and gaming group). Situated 1600 metres above sea level and only 210 km from Johannesburg International Airport, the resort offers an unforgettable African experience including game drives in the nearby malaria-free Pilansberg National Park.


"The Pilansberg National Park was opened in 1979 and was at the time, the largest resettlement project in the history of South Africa. In the early eighties more than 6 000 animals from other parks were resettled in the 550 Square Kilometres (55 000 Hectares) adjacent to the splendour of Sun City Resort. It is almost perfectly circular because it compromises the area of a 1 200 million old volcanic relic of four concentric circles with a small lake in the centre."
Source: Sun International

The Palace offers 335 guest rooms, each appointed and fitted with individually crafted furniture. The hotel takes its splendid architectural theme from a lost African tribe fantasy. To view other SunLux collection hotels, please click here




Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

Lobby

Trendy design


Room 632 


Our wardrobe :)

Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine



WHAT WE LIKE

  • stunning location and a combination of features unmatched anywhere else
  • malaria-free environment
  • unique hotel architecture and design (including impressive entrance and reception area)
  • great selection of activities (there is something to do for everyone!)
  • Valley of Waves (a real beach experience)
  • watching the sunset from the King Tower
  • Botanical Garden Trail
  • the Lost City Golf Course Running Trail (we went for a run at 6:30 AM)
  • 24-hour shuttle service around the resort
  • Game Drives (an opportunity to see the Big Five)
  • the world's longest Zipslide
  • several shopping and entertainment options
  • drumming classes
  • Gatsby International Health Spa
  • the Maze of the Lost City (a lot of fun even if you are an adult)
  • various dining options
  • delicious buffet breakfast (one of the best breakfast experiences ever)



Breakfast buffet (Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)



Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine


LOCATION

Situated in the Bushveld of South Africa's North West Province, Sun City is located between the Elands River and the Pilanesberg mountain range, about two hours drive from Johannesburg, near the city of Rustenburg. The resort borders the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.


Did you know?

You can now fly to Sun City! For more information, please click here.



Photo courtesy of Google Maps (Click to enlarge)




R556, Sun City, Rustenburg, 0316, South Africa
Phone: +27 14 557 4307
Central Reservations: +27 11 780 7810


_____________________________________________________________________
*Special thank you to Sun International for hosting Fashion Studio Magazine in February 2015.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...