The Manor House Fancourt

The historic Manor House at Fancourt has excelled in the 2020 World Travel Awards. Image: Supplied

Fancourt boutique hotel The Manor House wins at World Travel Awards

The golf estate’s The Manor House has claimed one of the top accolades in the 27th annual awards.

The Manor House Fancourt

The historic Manor House at Fancourt has excelled in the 2020 World Travel Awards. Image: Supplied

The Manor House, which is situated at Fancourt just outside George, was named South Africa’s leading country house hotel. 

Dating back to the 1850s, and once home to Henry Fancourt White, The Manor House is a five-star,   18-suite boutique hotel on the Garden Route. It exemplifies the luxury, quiet sophistication and romance of an exclusive country retreat – with warm and generous hospitality thrown in.  

“This is wonderful news,” Fancourt sales and marketing director Peter Dros said of the award.

“And we’re still smiling! It is a real reflection of The Manor House’s commitment to outstanding service.

“A visit to The Manor House is an experience, and this award means a lot to the team who pride themselves on creating the perfect stay.”

Appetite for travel slowly being rekindled

World Travel Awards founder Graham Cooke said despite the incredible challenges faced by the travel, tourism and hospitality industry during 2020, this year’s World Travel Awards nomination programme reported record visitor traffic and engagement from voters — the all-important tourism consumer.

“This shows that, as the global recovery begins, the appetite for tourism has never been as keen and this offers hope and much-needed encouragement to us all,” Cooke said. 

The Manor Hotel Fancourt
The Manor House’s understated luxury has helped it claim the award for best country house hotel. Image: Supplied

Award a boost for Manor House at Fancourt

Dros agreed: “The Manor House reopened after lockdown towards the end of September and after a long year this is exactly the recognition and boost we need.

“The team has loved welcoming guests back to the hotel, Monty Bar, the private library and swimming pool.

“We can’t wait to surprise guests over the summer with our new offerings, including al fresco dinners on a private deck under the stars.” 

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 protocols and ongoing travel restrictions, the traditional winner’s gala ceremony couldn’t go ahead as planned.

Instead, the winners have been invited to unite virtually as the World Travel Awards launches its inaugural Africa Winners Day on Monday 9 November.

The Manor House Fancourt
A romantic al fresco dining spot on The Manor House’s grounds. Image: Supplied

Outeniqua Mountains a scenic backdrop

Fancourt has become an internationally known destination for business, leisure and golfing travel.

Expanding on the stature of the Manor House, the estate itself was transformed into a hotel and golfing getaway in 1989, under the direction of Andrea and Helene Pieterse.

It has been under the ownership of Dr Hasso and Sabine Plattner for many years and is especially favoured for its scenic location against the backdrop of the majestic Outeniqua Mountains.

Also read: South African hotel wins Africa’s Best Golf Hotel award