Fancourt 

Against the backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains Fancourt is a plush country estate with world-class golf, an award-winning spa and acres of spectacular land.

The drive up to Fancourt reveals a fairytale world of lush green landscape, towering trees and glassy lakes. Step inside and it’s more of the same – a genteel atmosphere that’s more swish weekend country manor than hotel. This is one of our favourite stops on the Garden Route for some stylish R&R beneath the Outeniqua Mountains Range. It’s sleepy and yet inviting, and never short on ways to explore the Western Cape. There’s mountain biking, horse riding, hiking and a fishing lake before you even get to the three stupendous Gary Player designed golf courses – all in the Top 15 in South Africa –including revered The Links. The leisure facilities outrival the kind you find in the area, like the decadent 31-degree heated Roman Bath indoor pool, a tepidarium, sauna, steamroom, gym and two further pools. And if you want to slink off for a hedonistic signature Basalt Hot Rock massage without the little ones in tow, children are well catered for in their own Teen Lounge or the supervised Kidz Club.

A feast of different themes is found in the restaurants; warm and comforting Henry White’s celebrates the best of South Africa and fresh and al fresco Mediterranean food at La Cantina. Monet’s chic bistro has an artisan menu chased by coffee or Champagne and the slick Club Lounge serves up sports, gourmet sandwiches and quirky chilli poppers late into the evening. All of which can be walked off with a sunset stroll through the 10 kilometres of walking trails. Accommodation is just as covetable, with luxury rooms featuring mountain or garden views and balconies or patios.