The calm of the Vaal is calling and we share five reasons to make Riverside Sun your next stayover destination.
1. Riverside Sun’s outdoor grounds transform into your personalised playground
At Riverside Sun, the spacious lush gardens and lawns lead to direct access to the Vaal River. The grounds become your playground … sip on a zesty margarita while lounging poolside, enjoy the fresh air while dining alfresco under the stars, break away to an impressively massive bonfire by The Island firepit area. And we highly recommend you treat yourself to a mobile spa treatment on the riverbank. Imagine a moonlit massage on the river’s edge as you listen to the birds, followed by an indulgent dinner at the firepit.
A brilliant experience – worth requesting before you arrive.
2. All aboard the Liquid Lounge
The golden hour glow reflecting off the Vaal River while sipping on a sundowner is a stunning way to end off your day. It’s not a small boat … the double-decker river boat accommodates up to 140 guests … the lower level is enclosed in glass, the upper level has comfy seating under cover with open sides, allowing for fresh air and open views. Book a cruise for sundowners, a private event or as an end to a conference day.
3. Awaken your taste buds
We love The Wine Cellar … a dedicated tasting room with a separate bar area that’s perfect for intimate dinners, team building and clever wine pairing experiences. Think wine and cheese, wine and chocolate or wine paired with a three course meal. From the wine cellar to the lawns to The Island, you are spoilt with venues and menus that can be tailored entirely to any occasion.
Picture a long table set on the lawns with white cloth and overhead fairy lights, a three-course plated dinner starting with a chicken Asian salad and ending off with a double-decker Austrian mousse with dark chocolate ganache, meringue pearls and a berry sauce. At the heart of the food offering at Riverside Sun is Executive Chef Amina Lebelo, a chef with 37 years of experience. She is not shy on flavour, creativity or portions, so you are in for an indulgent dining treat.
4. When love ripples in
The hotel has 15 venue configurations ranging from intimate boardrooms to large banqueting and outdoor spaces, with venue names following a bird theme. The combination of a grand ballroom, outdoor lawns, bonfires on the riverbank, a sunset cruise and 169 rooms for guests makes it a self-contained wedding destination. Plus, the natural photogenic areas are a bonus.
The wedding package costs from R550 per person, with a minimum of 80 guests and a maximum of 400. The package includes venue and décor, canapés on arrival, standard plated three-course meal or buffet menu and a few other added treats for both the couple and guests.
5. Waking up to the view of the Vaal River
From standard rooms to family-friendly rooms and suites, there’s something for everyone … including stylish deluxe rooms with views from your king-size bed of the Vaal River. Each room is equipped with WiFi, DStv, air conditioning and a tea and coffee station. The addition of the humidifier in each room is a nice touch and we loved the ripple effect white tiles in the bathroom symbolic to the flow of the river creating that sense of tranquillity. Both the towels and robes are super soft adding that extra layer of comfort.
A buffet style breakfast awaits you in the morning and is inclusive in your stay. Two children under 18 stay free when sharing with adults, making it a genuine family hotel. Rates cost from R2024 a night for two people. Located at Vanderbijlpark. Reservations and details: www.southernsun.com/riverside-sun
