It’s been ages since I stayed at the Wild Coast Sun and much has changed for this grande dame of the lower South Coast.
The days of titillating, illicit weekends across the border (into the Transkei) have long given way to family fun at fantastic prices.
The hotel certainly belies its 30 years. The grounds and amenities are immaculately maintained and, to keep pace with demand, the hotel runs at 98 percent occupancy year round. There have been some major changes, which will eventually result in an increase in rooms from 246 to 396.
The exterior looks as it has always done, albeit with a fresh coat of paint, but the interior has undergone significant changes. The rooms were gutted and tastefully redone in a beach-house style with white wooden furniture and blues and greens as main decor colours.
There are many changes within the hotel complex, too. The interior and exterior of the casino has been restyled and there are new carpets, wallpaper and artwork in a retro theme throughout the hotel.
I particularly liked some of the bespoke furnishings, as well as the 1960s colours – cool greens and blues – which carry through at Chico’s Buffet from the seat covers to the gorgeous cups and saucers.
Chico’s is but one of 12 bars and restaurants on the 750-hectare estate.
There is plenty to do. The 13th hole at the Wild Coast golf course, a par 3 played across a waterfall, is regarded by many to be the best short hole in the country. If you’re not a golfer you may prefer a horseride along the unspoilt beaches and, while on the beach, check out the Fossil Forest about 500m from the hotel.
Then, of course, there is its newest attraction, the R80 million Wild Waves Water Park. I arrived in the week and pretty much had the run of the place for an afternoon.
Within minutes I was 10 again and dashing from one adrenalin rush to another before relaxing, spent, on the longest “lazy river” in the land. It’s also a relatively inexpensive thrill at just R10 for hotel guests, R100 for non-guests, concessions for MVGs (Most Valued Guests) and R50 for pensioners.
A word of caution: if you are heading there for a day’s fun, check the website over peak periods to avoid disappointment. There will be notices posted an hour before the water park is full.
To find out more and for reservations call Sun International central reservations at 011 780 7800 or visit www.suninternational.com/wildcoastsun - Sunday Tribune