Surrounded by the beauty of Sun City Resort in South Africa, The Palace of the Lost City offers a luxurious getaway. It boasts an impressive array of amenities, including an 18-hole golf course, a casino featuring two VIP rooms, and exciting games. Guests can indulge in pampering at The Royal Salon spa or enjoy family-friendly fun at the water park.
Sun City Resort, South Africa
Overview of The Palace of the Lost City
- Golf course
- Casino
- Full-service spa
- Outdoor pool and lazy river
- Free water park
VIP Access and Popular Amenities
The hotel offers VIP access and a range of popular amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.
- Free parking
- Spa
- Laundry facilities
- 24/7 front desk
- Air conditioning
Main Amenities
Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities during their stay:
- Daily housekeeping
- 3 restaurants and a bar/lounge
- Nightclub
- Free area shuttle
- Free casino shuttle
- 2 outdoor tennis courts
- Fitness center
Family-Friendly Features
For families, the hotel provides several conveniences:
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- Children stay free
- Babysitting (surcharge)
- Children's pool
- Children's club (surcharge)
- Playground on site
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
This luxury hotel features an outdoor pool, a free water park, and a children's pool with a lazy river. Guests can unwind with poolside dining and drinks. Daily spa treatments and couples rooms await. Indulge in body scrubs, massages, or reflexology. A sauna and garden complete the escape.
Location and History
Sun City is a luxury resort and casino, situated in the North West Province of South Africa. Peaceful luxury awaits in this hotel's serene garden. It is located between the Elands River and the Pilanesberg, built on the land of Bakubung Village (known as Ledig) about 140 km (90 miles) northwest of Johannesburg, near the city of Rustenburg. The complex borders the Pilanesberg National Park.
Sun City was developed by the hotel magnate Sol Kerzner as part of his Sun International group of properties. As Bophuthatswana had been declared an independent state by South Africa's apartheid government (although unrecognised as such by any other country), it could provide entertainment such as gambling and topless revue shows, which were banned in South Africa. Those factors, as well as its relatively close location to the large metropolitan areas of Pretoria and Johannesburg, ensured that Sun City soon became a popular holiday and weekend destination.
Map of Sun City
Controversies and Cultural Impact
The United Nations had imposed a cultural boycott on South Africa in condemnation of apartheid. To overcome this, Kerzner offered substantial financial incentives to performing artists to use Sun City as a venue. British rock band Queen's series of performances at the venue in October 1984 in transgression of the boycott caused considerable controversy, prompting criticism in the British music press, a fine from the Musicians' Union and their inclusion on the United Nations' blacklisted artists. Several acts disregarded the boycott and performed at the venue, such as The Beach Boys, Linda Ronstadt, Cher, Ray Charles, Millie Jackson, Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra (1981), Shirley Bassey (1981), Olivia Newton-John (1982), Dolly Parton (1982), Neil Sedaka (1982), Paul Anka, Status Quo, Rod Stewart (July 1983), Elton John (October 1983), and Boney M.
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On 25 October 1980, Sun City's "Superbowl" hosted a racially mixed world heavyweight boxing championship fight between champion American Mike Weaver and challenger South African Gerrie Coetzee. In 1985, E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt made the venue the focus of his music-industry activist group Artists United Against Apartheid. Forty-nine top recording artists collaborated on a song called "Sun City", in which they pledged they would not perform at the resort because of their opposition to apartheid. Additionally, Simple Minds included the song as part of a live medley on their Live in the City of Light double album in 1987.
Events and Attractions
In January 1986 the Skytrain people mover, built with Otis Hovair technology, took its first trip on a 1.71 km (1.06 mi) line that connects a remote parking lot to the Entertainment Centre. The Sun City resort has hosted various concerts and events, including the Miss South Africa and Miss South Africa Teen Pageant. These pageants take place annually in Sun City's Super Bowl Arena and the Valley of Waves. It also hosted Miss World pageant five times, from 1992 to 1995, and 2001.
In 2001, Sun City was the site of the 2nd IIFA Awards. Held at the Superbowl Arena, it honoured both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in Bollywood, for that year.
Guest Experiences
Guests consistently praise The Palace of the Lost City for its exceptional service, beautiful surroundings, and wide range of activities. Many have shared their positive experiences, highlighting the friendly and helpful staff, delicious food, and the variety of entertainment options available.
Here's a summary of what guests love about The Palace:
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- Exceptional Service: The staff are consistently praised for their friendliness, attentiveness, and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure guests have a memorable stay.
- Beautiful Surroundings: The hotel's opulent African decor, well-maintained grounds, and stunning views create a luxurious and unforgettable atmosphere.
- Wide Range of Activities: From game drives and water parks to golf and spa treatments, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Sun City.
- Delicious Food: The hotel's restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, with guests often highlighting the quality and variety of the food.
Some guests have also shared specific experiences, such as being upgraded to a larger suite, receiving special attention from staff during breakfast, and enjoying the zipline experience.
Sun City – The Most Luxurious Resort in South Africa | What You Didn’t Know (4K)
Summary of Guest Feedback
Overall, guests rave about their experiences at The Palace of the Lost City. They appreciate the attention to detail, the cleanliness of the resort, and the feeling of safety and luxury. Many express a desire to return, making it a highly recommended destination for those seeking an unforgettable African getaway.
Here is a table summarizing the key highlights of The Palace of the Lost City, based on guest feedback:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Service | Exceptional, friendly, and attentive staff |
| Surroundings | Opulent African decor, well-maintained grounds |
| Activities | Game drives, water parks, golf, spa treatments |
| Food | Delicious and varied cuisines |
| Overall Experience | Unforgettable, luxurious, and highly recommended |
The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City offers an unparalleled experience, blending luxury, entertainment, and natural beauty into one remarkable destination.
