The Palace of the Lost City

Set within Sun City Resort, a complex with two golf courses, water parks, and a casino, the upscale Palace of the Lost City is made to resemble a fictitious lost African kingdom. True to its name, the majestic African-themed property sits amid 62 acres of jungle with winding paths, waterfalls, trickling streams, and rock formations. The sheer scale and grandeur of the turreted facade is a sight to behold, and the lavish Entrance Chamber is striking with a high entrance door, frescoed domed ceiling, grandiose columns, and zebra-hide upholstery. This theme continues throughout, with life-size bronze sculptures of majestic animals such as elephants and cheetahs caught mid-leap, faux elephant tusks, and exquisite frescos and stone carvings of animals and birds. Unfortunately, outdated rooms and occasional maintenance issues keep this resort from reaching its advertised five-star rating. It's hosted such legendary names as Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, and today draws a mix of families, couples, and groups on vacation.

The Palace of the Lost City is located in Sun City Resort, a three-hour drive from Johannesburg and two-hour drive from Pretoria. Set within lush jungle, it's at the edge of the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve. There are regular flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Pilanesberg Airport, which can be reached in around 20 minutes by car. There is a free shuttle service within the complex.

Rooms are old-fashioned here, outfitted in heavy carved wood furniture, warm earth-tone linens, and African touches such as animal-print carpets, monkey and giraffe lamps, and leaf motifs in artwork, sink bases, and mirrors. Unfortunately, the somewhat dated look and occasional maintenance issues such as stained or worn room fittings are notable downsides. Nevertheless, rooms are spacious and quiet, and all have furnished balconies with garden, mountain, or pool views. Standard amenities consist of air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, safes, minibars, coffeemakers, kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Sitting areas, desks, and closets are also provided. Bathrooms are upscale, with terra-cotta flooring, marble vanities, well-sized showers, and separate bathtubs. Quality toiletries, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers are supplied. The King Suite and African Suite come with private butlers, two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, saunas, hot tubs, living spaces, and fully equipped kitchenettes. The resort’s top option, the African Suite, also features a wrap-around veranda with a whirlpool and loungers. 

Set against a mountain backdrop, the resort’s big outdoor swimming pool comes surrounded by statues of tortoises and crocodiles, as well as a palm-dotted deck with loungers topped by umbrellas, and a series of colorful African-style pavilions. The Palace Pool Deck serves a range of drinks, light meals, and snacks. Other dining options include the palatial Crystal Court restaurant, featuring oversized arched windows, a lavish water feature with four bronze elephants, exquisite chandeliers, and verdant greenery. The restaurant serves a delicious and varied free buffet breakfast, as well as high tea. Open for lunch and dinner, the New York-style Grill Room is a steakhouse, while dinner-only Plume is a French eatery with an African twist. Meanwhile, the safari-themed Tusk Bar & Lounge, which features three striking faux elephant tusk archways, specializes in premium spirits and liqueurs. Guests staying at the Palace of the Lost City can take advantage of all Sun City Resort attractions and facilities. The popular Valley of the Waves water park features a lagoon and a number of waterslides and tube rides. Set on an artificial lake, Waterworld offers activities such as wakeboarding, parasailing, and tube-riding. Also throughout the complex are a casino, two golf courses, 11 tennis courts (five floodlit), and a half-acre maze. Although a full spa and gym are available, guests will need to walk or take a free shuttle to them.A comprehensive range of meeting and function facilities are also on-site, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.