- Nico Myburgh aims to enhance The Palace in Sun City, targeting high-profile guests with an ambitious enhancement programme.
- The African Suite is “unquestionably luxurious,” showcasing exceptional features and drawing attention from potential celebrity guests.
- Standard rooms are crafted to ensure guests enjoy a premium experience with personal touches such as butler stations and Nespresso machines.
- New dining initiatives feature an “Afro-Asian grill” menu introducing local flavours, with an emphasis on dishes that blend regional ingredients with Asian influences.
- Myburgh anticipates the redesigned menu will establish The Palace as a leading dining destination, appealing to both regular and new visitors.
- JUST BACK FROM: Sun City Resort in South Africa’s North West Province
The architecture looks like something out of Indiana Jones, which is intentional. The year 1992, when the Palace of the Lost City hotel was built. It seems part Vegas, part Dinesyland, part theme park, and filled with the aspirations that drove similarly self style six and seven star resorts in Dubai and Paris.
Nico Myburgh, appointed General Manager of The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City in 2023, brings with him an ambitious enhancement programme to deliver it status as a deluxe six-star hotel.
The genial GM brought us on a tour of the of the hotel’s luxurious accommodations, with the suites the star performers in a strategy to attract high-profile guests:
The African Suite, described as “unquestionably luxurious,” is a centerpiece of the hotel’s offerings. This suite, along with the King, Royal, and Desert suites, features two bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, saunas, and Jacuzzi baths.
Michael Jackson was amongst those who passed through He wanted to buy the hotel.
All 338 standard rooms include individual entrance foyers, en-suite bathrooms, lounge areas, butler stations, Nespresso machines, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a premium experience even in standard accommodations.
By building on recent refurbishments, introducing what he describes as “locally inspired yet globally appealing” menu, prioritising personalized service, and leveraging the resort’s iconic status and amenities, Myburgh aims to deliver enhanced experiences for every guest.
A significant part of Mr Myburgh’s enhancement programme involves revamping the dining experience to reflect both local heritage and world-class standards. Key initiatives include:
- Revamped Menu (Introduced July 2023): Under Myburgh’s direction, the hotel introduced a new menu showcasing North West Province flavors with an “Afro-Asian grill” style. This includes dishes like teriyaki-glazed pork belly with chargrilled sweet corn, corn puree, creamy samp, and caramel popcorn, blending local ingredients (e.g., maize, which accounts for a third of South Africa’s production) with Asian influences like exotic mushrooms, miso paste, and sesame.
- World-Class Presentation: The menu is designed to signal the hotel’s five-star status, with visually appealing and flavorful dishes that cater to discerning guests. Myburgh anticipates that these offerings will become new favorites among regular visitors.
- Diverse Dining Options: The Palace offers fine dining at La Plume (European-inspired with Italian influences), seafood and steaks at The Grill, and buffet-style meals at the Crystal Court, with obvious South African and African culinary influences.
Extensive renovations were completed in November 2022, which have already boosted occupancy rates. Key enhancements include:
- Royal Spa and Salon: A world-class facility with six individual treatment rooms and three palatial suites, designed to offer premium wellness experiences.
- Room and Suite Upgrades: A comprehensive refresh of all 326 rooms and suites, incorporating modern amenities and luxurious aesthetics to enhance guest comfort.
- New Gym Facilities: A state-of-the-art gym equipped with free weights, resistance machines, treadmills, and stationary cycles, catering to health-conscious guests.
Mr Myburgh aims to transform The Palace into a globally recognized six-star property, emphasizing unparalleled luxury and personalized service. His approach includes:
- Elevating Service Standards: Myburgh and his 540-strong team prioritize impeccable service to meet the high expectations of diverse guests, from celebrities to leisure travelers. Daily operational meetings ensure seamless execution of personalized guest experiences, regardless of a guest’s profile.
- Unique Guest Experiences: The team works around the clock to tailor experiences, ensuring each guest—whether a billionaire, an Oscar-winning actor, or an average traveler—receives a memorable stay. This involves meticulous planning and daily reviews of guest arrivals, events, and in-house satisfaction.
- Showcasing Iconic Features: Myburgh emphasizes the hotel’s architectural grandeur, such as hand-painted ceilings and stunning lobby designs, to create a lasting impression and reinforce its iconic status.
Born in Bloemfontein, Mr Myburgh has been with Sun International for 12 years, filling prior roles at The Palace (Rooms Division Manager, Hotel Manager)
He arrived back in Sun City at a time of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a shift from 90pc international guests to a surge in local travelers. His plans align with the resurgence to capitalise on the resurgence of international leisure travel and conferencing.
Mr Myburgh integrates The Palace’s enhancements with Sun City’s broader attractions to enhance its allure:
- Proximity to Pilanesberg National Park: The hotel’s location near a malaria-free Big 5 game reserve is a key selling point, with Myburgh promoting safari experiences to complement the luxury stay.
- Golf and Events: The resort’s two international-standard golf courses (Gary Player Country Club and Lost City Golf Course) and history of hosting major events (e.g., Miss World, Nedbank Golf Challenge) are highlighted to attract high-profile guests and conferences.
- Entertainment and Activities: Guests have access to Sun City’s 20+ restaurants, theatrical shows, water sports, and casino, creating a comprehensive luxury experience.
Daily operational meetings are held seven days a week, 365 days a year, these meetings focus on daily business arrivals, events, and guest satisfaction, ensuring flawless execution across departments.
Keep an eye out for Indiana Jones’ hat, it might be just under the closing door.
