George, South Africa
Premier Garden Route resort combining championship golf, luxury accommodation and a world‑class spa set below the Outeniqua Mountains
Our review
Fancourt Hotel is set in over 1500 acres, allowing plenty of space for its three championship golf courses, spa, 100-room hotel, luxury separate historic Manor House with 18 suites, four swimming pools, gym, tennis courts and jogging trails as well as formal gardens.
Not far from George airport, the hotel is also on the Garden Route with easy access to a raft of tourist attractions. My guess is if you stay here you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied.
If you are travelling without children and fancy a romantic break (or just some peace and quiet sans kiddies) then the Manor House would be hard to beat. It’s for over 18s only and has butler service for each of its 18 suites. Refurbished in 2010, the building dates back to the 1850s. We stayed in Suite 16, which is quite simply gorgeous. A huge main room leads onto the bedroom. Off the main salon is a small balcony that overlooks the pool, reserved for Manor House guests. We had a dish of exotic fresh fruit, a personal welcome card, Champagne on ice and a small snack on arrival; this is a service for all guests.
The bathroom is among the nicest I’ve seen for a non-presidential or master suite room. Much bigger than my double bedroom at home, to the right is a closet with oodles of space and then there is a little vanity table and cream leather padded seat with all the bits and pieces one needs – buds, cotton wool – and a magnifying mirror. There is also a plug for hairdryer, straighteners etc. Further along are the his and hers sinks, a huge stone dish filled with all manner of bath time treats – bath salts, bath bombs, soaps, a mini loofah, pumice stone and pillow spray. The large walk in shower had grab rails and large bottles of shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. The freestanding bath filled quickly. Your butler will have it ready for you if you would rather not tend to that yourself. He’ll also pack and unpack your suitcase, book a table for dinner and generally cater to your every whim.
A romantic turndown had towels in the shape of swans and rose petals strewn over the bed. Monogrammed pillows will make you feel like royalty. There was also a decanter of rather good sherry. In the hallway on a buffet table are decanters of several spirits, a mini bar with soft drinks and tea and coffee making facilities. Breakfast is included in the room rate (you may take it in your suite if you prefer) as is a free printed copy of your favourite newspaper. High tea and evening canapés are also supplied. Staying in the Manor House also gets you free transfers to and from the airport. The only extra is dinner.
We took dinner in the gourmet restaurant Henry Whites, situated in the Manor House. There was not a huge choice but I prefer fewer options if it means the quality is high, which it was. We enjoyed a superb meal with excellent wine and very good service.
I could have quite happily stayed holed up here for some time but we did some exploring to find out more about the place. Because it is in such vast grounds, you never feel there are too many people about. It was coming up to peak season when we were there and apart from breakfast, which we chose to take in La Cantina, and where there were quite a few children about, most of the time I felt it was very quiet.
Fancourt rooms are spacious and all have an outdoor area. Bathrooms have separate bath and shower; toiletries are by Millicent Fox and heated towel rails come as standard. Free Wi-Fi throughout is fast and easy to access. Breakfast is included in all the room rates.
Fancourt is known for its golf and there are three well-regarded courses here, a pro shop, three professional golf teachers, practice greens and bunkers. It’s a golfer’s paradise, not unlike Gleneagles but without the Scottish weather.
It’s also a really good, safe place for children. As well as the Kidz Club – open all day during the summer season – with outside play area, Wendy house, book corner and climbing tunnel – there is a teen lounge with table tennis, Wii machines, computers and table football. The gym is huge and filled with light and nearby is a 100-seater cinema with regular screenings. The indoor pool allowing children has a lifeguard. There is another indoor pool for adults only with Jacuzzi, attached to the 11-treatment room spa. Nearby is a hair salon. There is an outdoor adult only pool and one for the younger guests.
Outdoor activities are numerous. As well as hiring bikes independently, there are organised sports such as hiking, trail running and mountain biking.
I didn’t know what to expect with Fancourt; it’s certainly not been on my radar. But I’m so glad I’ve found it. It’s hard to keep everyone happy – golfers, spa bunnies, couples, families – but Fancourt manages it all with aplomb. Visiting at the tail end of 2014, it was certainly one of our highlights of the whole year.
Rooms
Fancourt offers approximately 115 rooms and suites within Fancourt Hotel, complemented by the exclusive Manor House. Rooms are spacious and refined, featuring private balconies, landscaped garden or mountain views, and elegant bathrooms. Suites provide separate living areas and added privacy, while The Manor House offers a secluded, adults‑only experience with personalised service.
Food and Drink
Fancourt features four restaurants offering a range of international and South African cuisine, emphasising fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Dining options span from fine dining experiences to relaxed grill and bistro‑style venues, each with distinct settings across the estate.
Several bars and lounges serve regional wines, craft cocktails and light meals, providing relaxed spaces for socialising after golf or leisure activities.
Wellness
The Spa at Fancourt is a comprehensive wellness destination featuring an indoor heated Roman Bath, treatment suites and relaxation areas. The leisure centre includes a modern gym, sauna facilities, cinema, kids club, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, supporting wellbeing for guests of all ages.
Facilities
- Three Gary Player designed championship golf courses
- Full‑service spa and wellness centre
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Fitness centre and leisure complex
- Multiple restaurants and bars
- Tennis courts and scenic walking trails
- Kids club and family activities
- Meeting, conference and event venues
- Free Wi‑Fi and on‑site parking
Location
Fancourt is located in George in South Africa’s Garden Route, set on a vast countryside estate beneath the Outeniqua Mountains. The resort is close to George Airport and provides easy access to Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, coastal beaches and forested mountain landscapes.
Getting there
Address: Montagu Street, George, Western Cape 6530 South Africa
Arriving by air: George Airport is a 10 minute drive from the hotel
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.