International visitors are looking for facilities that help them keep fit on vacation. Lisa Witepski finds the hotels and resorts that enable holidaymakers to do just that.
Legend Golf & Safari Resort
For golfers seeking a holiday spent immersed in their favourite sporting activity, Legend Golf & Safari Resort, Limpopo, is an obvious choice. The property features two golf courses: the 18-hole Signature Golf Course, and the Par 3 Tribute Course. Rina Cilliers, GM Sales, Marketing and Reservations, says what makes the resort’s golf offering truly noteworthy is its unique Extreme 19th Hole, which is accessible only by helicopter – a world first. She adds that the courses present a memorable and one-of-a-kind experience, blending golf with the special atmosphere of a safari destination.
Guests who aren’t looking to spend time on the greens but who still wish to keep active during their stay, have a variety of options: the resort has a number of mountain bike routes, ranging in difficulty from beginners to intense courses for more experienced riders. Other facilities include the Field of Legends – a soccer field – as well as tennis courts, basketball or netball courts, and a putt-putt course.
Also within the Legend portfolio is the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, also in Limpopo. Energetic guests can explore this Big Five territory with a game walk or on horseback.
Ingwenyama Conference and Sports Resort
In White River, Mpumalanga, Ingwenyama Conference and Sports Resort has a host of facilities, making it a sound option as a team-building and incentive destination. Indoor facilities range from action cricket and netball to indoor hockey and soccer. In addition, there is a fully equipped gym, complete with free weight area, boxing arena, cardio and circuit training, rowing, treadmills, and aerobics and Pilates classes. Outdoor facilities include two multi-purpose fields that can be used for rugby, hockey, soccer or cricket, as well as cricket nets and pitch, a golf driving range, a 25m swimming pool and an obstacle course. More unusual offerings include a paintball course and beach volleyball. The resort welcomes sports teams, with treatment rooms and an ice pool on site to assist with training.
Champagne Sports Resort
The Champagne Sports Resort in the Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal, has a broad offering for active visitors. Here, guests can participate in bowls, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, mountain biking, tennis and squash. There is also a putt-putt course, as well as a championship golf course. Other facilities include several swimming pools and a gym.
The Nest
Also in the Drakensberg, The Nest has carved a niche for itself among bowling enthusiasts. It has augmented its bowls green with a bowls clinic and coaches and even hosts bowls tours. However, it has not neglected holidaymakers with other interests. Those who enjoy activities with a dash of adrenalin will be excited by offerings like a canopy tour, river rafting and quad biking, while people in search of more gentle pursuits will enjoy mountain biking, mountain hikes, river walks, tennis, table tennis, horse riding, swimming and volley ball. There are also two golf courses.
Sun City
Known for its wealth of amenities, Sun City in North West, has much to offer the sporty holidaymaker. Its two golf courses – the Gary Player Country Club and the Lost City Golf Course – have helped to make it a prime destination for golfers. Added to this, Sun City is a sound option for people who enjoy water sports. At Waterworld, coaches are on hand to help vacationers get to grips with wakeboarding and water-skiing.
The Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre
The Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Gauteng caters for sports lovers with tennis courts, a gym, squash court, volleyball court and two swimming pools. Added to this, the hotel hosts the annual Birchwood Half Marathon, now in its sixth year. With 5km, 10km and 21km options, the race is a road running event suitable for participants of all fitness levels.
Fancourt
Fancourt in George, Western Cape, is well known as a golfer’s haven. In addition to its acclaimed course, the resort offers four swimming pools, tennis and catch-and-release fishing. The area around Fancourt is traversed by hiking and mountain biking trails but there are also a number of indoor sporting options, thanks to a well-equipped gym. Particularly noteworthy are the exercise classes, which include yoga, Pilates, stretching and aqua aerobics.
Premier Classe Suite Hotel
Holidaymakers looking for affordability, with the added advantage of convenience, should consider Melrose North’s Premier Classe Suite Hotel in Johannesburg, advises owner, Merle Chevreau. Although the hotel does not have any sporting facilities on site, it is close to a number of popular and well-appointed amenities. These include the Wanderers Planet Fitness as well as Virgin Active at Melrose Arch. The Wanderers Cricket Stadium and Golf Club are also nearby. In fact, Merle reports that many guests travelling to Johannesburg specifically to watch their favourite teams in action select the hotel precisely because of its closeness to the sports ground.
