Looking for a post-lockdown vacation?
The Wild Coast Sun is a slice of paradise right on our doorstep and it has recently added another gem to its crown – the resort has been upgraded to four stars in the hotel category by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
Over the years the Wild Coast Sun, set on 750 hectares of natural bush between the Mtamvuna and Mzamba Rivers overlooking the Indian Ocean, has evolved into more than just a casino and hotel venue.
Today, the resort boasts 390 rooms and an R80-million water park, a games area for children, a variety of outdoor sports, a top ranked 18-hole golf course and a range of restaurants.
It is also the perfect wedding, birthday, high-tea or grand-scale theatre or conference setting.
Behind the scenes, there are less obvious accolades, not visible to the public but every bit as important as the beautifully appointed rooms and varied entertainment offerings.
The Wild Coast Sun was the first company in Africa to receive a prestigious Green Building Council of South Africa’s (GBCSA) Net Zero Waste rating for its ambitious recycling effort.
Sonja Stroud, the resort’s safety, health and environmental officer said the Wild Coast Sun was sending zero waste to landfill by the end of 2016 and since January 2017 had recycled 600 tons of waste annually.
In 2018, the resort received the Eco-Logic Recycling and Waste Management Award.
Not only will this help to protect the pristine Wild Coast environment, it also creates jobs for the local community.
The project now sustains two permanent enterprise development projects which together employ 14 people.
Gayo Enterprises is responsible for collecting and separating food waste, cartridges, paper, cardboard and batteries, while Vuka Uzenzele Trading produces compost from food waste and garden cuttings, and plants and manages the organic vegetable and herb gardens.
Sonja explained that the vegetable garden often produces more than the kitchen needs and the surplus is sent to local soup kitchens which provide meals for about 900 schoolchildren.
They have partnered with Debbie Sharp from Recycle 4 Africa in Port Edward where the non-recyclable waste is made into eco-blocks.
Sonja added that the resort was looking to implement energy saving systems such as gas stoves, solar geysers and LED lighting in the near future.
Peter Tshidi took up the position of general manager last year, returning to the Sun International fold having started his career with the group 22 years ago at The Palace at Sun City.
At a recent media stayover a dynamic Peter spoke about the resort’s rollercoaster experience with Covid-19, its strict health and safety protocols and sanitising procedures, and his amazing team who had made the grading possible.
Peter said the resort’s four-star grading was by far its biggest achievement to date.
A four-star grading is just one step away from five star luxury and operational manager, Irvin Shange said they had ticked all the boxes for obtain the grading, including furnishings, amenities and excellent service.
Peter said it was “the weirdest moment” when he had to congratulate his team for closing down the hotel in March.
“During lockdown we committed to no-one losing their job, so with this in mind, we all worked fewer hours,” he added.
When we visit, it’s midweek. The weather is glorious and the resort is abuzz with happy people and boisterous children.
Things are certainly looking up, and Peter proudly says the resort has been filled to capacity since it reopened in August.
He adds they are ‘measuring themselves all the time’ and take customer feedback very seriously.
“We look at the positive and negative feedback we get from our customers, and try fix any problems.”
Crazy, fun and relaxing things to do:
* Mild to Wild Rides at Wild Waves Water Park
The entire family will enjoy the adrenalin rush of Wild Waves Water Park which boasts some of the world’s best water rides. Choose from a gentle Lazy River tube experience, to fast paced, heart-pounding body slides, tube rides and flume experiences.
* Wild Coast Country Club
The championship 18-hole golf course is famed for its magnificently curated fairways and greens that cross rugged terrain of hills,
ravines, rivers, dams, waterfalls and the lagoon until the final hole, with unforgettable views of the Indian Ocean.
Five things you probably didn’t know about the championship golf course:
1. Par: 70
2. Length: 5 329 metres
3. Course designer: Robert Trent Jones II
4. Date course opened: 1983
5. Course type: 18-hole coastal layout.
* The Riverside
The Riverside Aqua Sports and Beach Bar offers a fantastic selection of water sports and river activities which include kayaking, speed boats, paddle boats, tube rides, water skiing and a lazy boat cruise.
*The AquaPlay
This area’s slides will keep youngsters safely entertained for hours, while the entire family will enjoy activities such as Segway, quad biking and cycling. Indoor entertainment for children is provided by the Magic Company and Cosmic Bowling in the Aloha Village, while Squawkers crèche offers supervised fun for children over weekends and school holidays.
* Quad Bike Tour
Take a ride on the wild side with a quad bike tour around the untamed beauty that surrounds the resort.
* Horse Riding
Experience the untouched beaches on horseback.
* Spa
Mangwanani Spa opened in 2002, and combines the best African-inspired therapies and treatments to leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
*Casino
For thrilling adult entertainment, the casino has a wide range of slot machines and popular tables games such as roulette, blackjack and other classics. Both smoking and non-smoking facilities are available.
* Wild Coast Sun Sports Centre
Make use of the two tennis courts, or enjoy lawn bowls, squash and gym.
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