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The Garden Route – a Golfers Eden
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he Garden Route is a stretch of the south-western coast of South Africa, extending from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The name derives from the fertile and ecologically diverse vegetation encountered here and the abundant lagoons and lakes dotted along the coast. This stretch has a moderate climate, with mild to warm summers, and mild to cool winters. Temperatures seldom fall below 10 °C in winter and infrequently climb beyond 28 °C in summer. Rain follows year-round, with a slight peak in the spring months, brought on by the humid sea-winds from the Indian Ocean Ten nature reserves hug the varied ecosystems of the area as well as unique marine reserves, home to seals, coral reefs, dolphins and a host of other marine life. Various bays along the Garden Route are nurseries to the endangered Southern Right Whale which go there to calve in the winter and spring (July to December). The Garden Route is very popular with overseas visitors in the summer months and the numerous golf courses on the route are busy during this period. Things slow down a bit in the winter however and this is when excellent deals can be found. The weather is as good if not better and the golf courses are always in great condition. The strip map contains links to all the golf courses, contact them directly to see what winter specials they are offering or have a look at their respective advertisements. Summer or winter one thing is sure; the Garden Route is a golfers Eden!
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Pinnacle Point Estate Mossel Bay Golf Club
Oubaai Golf Resort & Spa Fancourt George Golf Club Kingswood Golf Estate
Knysna Golf Club Simola Golf & Country Estate Pezula Champoinship Course Plettenberg Bay Country Club Goose Valley Golf Club
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SPECIAL FEATURE - GARDEN ROUTE
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CONRAD PEZULA BAGS PRESTIGIOUS
AWARDS K
nysna’s five-star Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa won three major awards at the 2017 World Luxury Hotel Awards: Global Luxury Golf Resort, Southern African Luxury Honeymoon Resort and South African Luxury Coastal Resort. Established in 2006, the World Luxury Hotel Awards provide hospitality establishments recognition for their world-class facilities and exceptional service. The idea behind the awards is not only to recognise leaders of the industry, but also to encourage and raise standards in the luxury hotel sector. Awarded on country, continent and global levels, the honours come in different categories, recognising even specialty hotels for their unique offerings. Victor Chalfoun, General Manager of Conrad Pezula, said: “Winning awards of this magnitude is a big honour for us at Conrad Pezula and we look forward to building and maintaining our reputation as one of the leading luxury hotel groups in Africa. We pride ourselves on providing exemplary services to our guests and we are thrilled to know the industry recognises this.”
In 2017 Conrad Pezula Hotel was awarded numerous awards, namely: •
Global Winner Luxury Golf Resort: The World Luxury Hotel Awards
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Southern African Luxury Honeymoon Resort: The World Luxury Hotel Awards
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South African Luxury Coastal Resort: The World Luxury Hotel Awards
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TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Winner: Certificate of Excellence
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Best Luxury Resort Spa in Africa: World Luxury Spa Awards
Conrad Pezula Resort & Spa is nestled along South Africa’s world-famous Garden Route, in Knysna, Western Cape. The resort boasts a number of other accolades for its different amenities, including the 18-hole golf course, the spa, accommodation and restaurants. The resort’s luxurious accommodation includes five villas as well 83 suites for discerning travellers. Guests are able to indulge in exotic pampering from the resort’s spa or engage in a relaxing workout. Conrad Pezula’s three eateries afford guests a wide range of culinary experiences that speak to a food philosophy entrenched in sustainability, from fine dining at Zachary’s to relaxed fine spirits and cigars at Noah’s Champagne and Cigar Cocktail Lounge.
TEL: +27 44 302 3335/3559 | EMAIL : spa@pezulaspa.com
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Golfing in the Garden Route
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he Garden Route is South Africa’s golfing hotspot thanks to its world class courses. With Premier Resort The Moorings situated on the banks of the Knysna lagoon and less than 3km from the town’s centre, it is the perfect place to stay and play the 13 courses that line one of the most scenic coastal stretches in the world. The Resort offers an array of accommodation options with one- and two-bedroom suites overlooking the estuary and indigenous forest, four-star standard rooms featuring all of the amenities you’d expect from a luxury resort and waterfront villas that are ideal for family stays or golfing groups. Only two minutes away from the Resort is Knysna Golf Club with its 18-hole course that meanders through tidal pools and between trees. Located a mere 4.5km away is the award-winning 18-hole Pezula Championship Golf Course which is rated amongst the best and most scenic golf courses in the world. A twenty minute drive is all it takes to get to Simola Golf and Country Estate, which is famed for its natural beauty and Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Half an hour away from the Resort is Plettenberg Bay Country Club with its 18-hole golf course set in a private nature reserve. Close by is the Goose Valley Golf Club - a Gary Player designed 72-par, 18-hole golf course where golfers can experience breath-taking views of the Keurbooms Lagoon, Indian Ocean, Tsitsikamma Mountains and Robberg Peninsula. Approximately 45 minutes away from the Resort is Fancourt with its three Gary Player-de-
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signed golf courses – Montagu, Outeniqua and The Links - offering something special for every golfer. A few kilometres from this global golfing landmark, is Oubaai Golf Course - the first Ernie Els Signature course in South Africa. Further afield is the beautifully manicured, 72-par, 18-hole George Golf Club - one of the oldest courses in the country. Also in George is the international award-winning Kingswood Golf Estate which is frequented often by the Sunshine Tour Players even when they are not on tour. Over in Mossel Bay is one of the most unique and scenic golf courses in the world, Pinnacle Point Golf Club, which was designed by Peter Matkovich and 2011 Open Champion, Darren Clarke. Nearby is the Mossel Bay Golf Club which is famed for having a view of the Indian Ocean from every tee. After a long day on the Garden Route’s greens, golfers can head to the Resort’s own Salmon Restaurant where they can dock and dine on delicious meals. In addition to great golfing, guests can have fun with the family in the play area, lounge by the pool, picnic in the Resort’s beautiful gardens, or simply share a champagne moment by the lagoon or on the jetty. Plus, they can enjoy an abundance of outdoor leisure activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, mountain biking and bird watching both at the Resort and in the surrounding area. Booking a room can be done quickly and easily online at www.premierhotels.co.za, or alternatively you can contact a consultant at Central Reservations on 086 111 5555.
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Fancourt’s 23rd Annual Amateur Open prepped for April 2018
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outh Africa’s luxury Garden Route destination Fancourt is all set to host the 23rd successive Amateur Open from 10-15 April 2018. Attracting golfing enthusiasts both locally and internationally, this tournament which is habitually held in May, has been brought forward by a month this year due to the re-surfacing of the Montagu greens in April. Two rounds will be played on both the award-winning Montagu and Outeniqua courses, each offering distinctive features and exceptional fairways. Format of play for the competition is a 72-hole Medal Competition for A division player (0-9 handicap) and individual Stableford for B Division Players (10-18 handicap). Both divisions include a practice round on either the Montagu or Outeniqua, with an option to book a private round on The Links, ensuring golfers overall enjoyment of some of the finest golfing the country has to offer.
Kindly note that official handicaps must be on hand at registration and that the Tournament Director reserves the right to adjust these should the need arise. Located just a short drive from the George Airport, Fancourt is easily accessible via various airlines. Transport to and from the airport can also be arranged. Entries close on 20 March 2018 and packages include R12 350.00 per golfer sharing accommodation, while non-playing partners join at R8 220.00 and single entries cost R14 575.00. A deposit of R2 500.00 per golfer is required to secure entry. Included in these packages is the tournament entry, accommodation, breakfasts, dinners including a welcome Carvery and La Cantina restaurant, as well as the Barbeque Spectacular at the Clubhouse Bar comprising the prize giving and entertainment, a welcome gift and of course five rounds of golf including the practice round.
However, it is not only about golf, as contestants will also be able to enjoy Fancourt’s renowned premium accommodation and facilities, as well as several culinary experiences incorporated into the overall package being offered. Included also are daily prizes which will be awarded to the top two players in each division, as well as overall prizes and trophies for those placing first to fifth. The ladies’ section of the competition will similarly include its own daily prizes and awards. And for an added dose of fun, friends and family can request to be paired together throughout the competition.
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