^{By Prashirwin Naidu}

I found myself at the Palace of the Lost City and wished I could have stayed longer. I was at this beautiful retreat on an invitation to celebrate Mahindra’s 20-year presence in the country. Along with the pre-launch of their new compact baby SUV, the Mahindra XUV 3X0, we were whisked away for a night to remember. After a two-hour drive that began at OR Tambo Airport, I was excited to arrive at the Palace of the Lost City. As we soaked up the sun and made our way to lunch, I was famished. As a new vegan, my lunch choices were limited to fruit, while the rest of the group enjoyed hearty, meaty delights and pastries.

Valley of the Waves
Sun City has a unique vibe. I had time to xplore the marvellous Valley of the Waves. The architecture everywhere catches the eye, and the entire resort is well-run. Time flew by, and I eventually headed to my opulent room, accompanied by the resort’s friendly staff who were more than happy to show me around.

Accommodation
The room was luxury at its finest and oozed timeless class. It was both spacious and cosy. Sting’s hit, Beds Too Big Without You came to mind as I lay on the oversized bed. It felt like heaven. The views were overlooking the pond and a slice of Sun City’s landscape. The bathtub looked tempting, but I was rushing to the media presentation. Perhaps next time.

Eventually, the team huddled up in the auditorium to reflect on Mahindra’s journey. Donovan Goliath, our MC, lightened the mood with jokes before the presentation. Some music and dancing theatrics followed, adding to the atmosphere. I was struck by the passion shared by the Mahindra team. Their rich history and achievements showcased promise and talent from the Indian automakers.

Later, we gathered for a cocktail evening at the Pool Deck. After the formalities, everyone let their hair down, grabbing plates and indulging in an assortment of wines and food. Once again, there was plenty of meat for the meat lovers, but this time around there were just as much veggies for the non-carnivores like me. My plate was colourful and bursting with flavour, making each bite a delight while Tamara Dey provided stunning entertainment. The music was spot-on, and we shared joyful moments with colleagues as we danced the night away. Sun City is magical at night. The buildings lit up in vibrant colours left me amazed. I was fortunate to experience it, even if only for one night.

As the evening slowly faded and I prepared for an early morning, I called it a night. The cosy bed welcomed me again, and after a hot shower, I dozed off in the lap of luxury. I slept like a baby. A late-night hunger pang interrupted my blissful slumber. However, it had to wait till the morning. I quickly freshened up, packed my bags, and bid farewell to the beautiful room I wished I could have enjoyed a little longer.

Breakfast was a delightful spread, offering everything from vegetarian curries to meats, breads, and desserts. I savoured the beans, mushrooms, and vegetable curries, accompanied by freshly baked bread. The aroma drew me in, and breakfast was much more satisfying than the sad fruit lunch from the previous day.

The ambience, especially the sights and statues, creates a calming sense of escape within the palace. If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, this is the place to be. As we made our way back to the car, I felt rested and reflective. I wished we had more time to ponder and immerse ourselves in the joys of the palace. If you wish to xplore, Sun City is the perfect destination- but you’ll need more than a day to truly take it all in.