Travel News: The French Football Federation has confirmed that Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa in Knysna will be the base camp of the French soccer team during the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

France, which was drawn in Group A to play South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay, will arrive at Pezula in early June. Les Bleus, who won the competition on home soil in 1998, appear to be the favorites in their group. They will play Uruguay in Cape Town on June 11th, Mexico in Polokwane on June 17th and South Africa in Bloemfontein on June 22nd.

Keith Stewart, Pezula Chairman, said that he is delighted that after months of negotiations and visits from the Federation and FIFA, and following the World Cup draw in Cape Town, Pezula is set to become the home of the French team next year.

Stewart says that the French Federation was attracted by the privacy, luxury accommodations and superb facilities at the resort. “We can offer them excellent training facilities and a host of activities on site for the periods between games, including horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, beach, spa, gym and golf,” says Stewart. “There isn’t another base camp in the country that can offer all this on one property. Pezula is also well-known for its personalized service and the team will be well looked after and made to feel at home while they are with us. We have even employed a language teacher to work with our staff members so that they will all be familiar with French by June next year!”

“This is a fantastic opportunity not just for Pezula, but also for Knysna. I believe that this event will herald a new chapter for Knysna as a destination” adds Stewart. He believes that the location was also a big draw for the French. “Knysna has one of the most temperate climates in the world and is renowned for its scenic beauty. Moreover, it is easily accessible from all major airports in South Africa.”

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, situated on the Eastern Head of Knysna in South Africa, is a sanctuary of privacy and indulgence created to reflect the natural beauty of the Western Cape coastline. The resort is known for its exquisite location, personalized service, multi-award-winning spa and Zachary’s, the gourmet restaurant. The 78 stylish suites, housed in detached villas, feature contemporary African style. In addition to the suites, the Pezula Private Castle offers ultra-luxurious accommodation on Noetzie Beach.

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa has been the recipient of a number of awards and accolades, most recently named ‘Best Overseas Hotel Spa’ by the UK Condé Nast Traveller magazine.  Pezula Spa was ranked 46th overall in the magazine’s World Top 100 list which pays tribute to the highest scorers in all categories. 

By Gabriele Klink
JustLuxe Contributor

Ela Walz

Having grown up in a multi-cultural surrounding, I have developed my love for international travel at a young age. I have traveled to over 50 countries, enjoy good food, meeting people, and experiencing other cultures. ...(Read More)