A city pulsing with life, stories and the promise of discovery
Joburg. City of Gold. A city spoilt with plenty of hotels and places of leisure, each offering something unique and engaging. A city worth exploring, for locals and visitors. There are loads of places to explore. And to stay … easy choice, since Southern Sun recently underwent a series of refurbishments and product enhancements.
Southern Sun Sandton Towers
An overnight stay at Southern Sun Sandton Towers is such a treat. Within seconds of walking through the lobby, your eyes gaze on over and up at the soaring lift – giving this hotel a sense of grandeur. The Greek mythology art decor adds to the character … at eye-level you are drawn to the Four Winds – an art feature by renowned sculptor Anton Smit. The four sculptural figures, placed around the hotel’s restored central fountain, bring a new artistic energy to the space. The stature of the building provides the rooms with gorgeous cityscape views. The deluxe room – all panelling on the roof, lighting behind the headboard, the many mirrors including two massive LED lighted vanity mirrors in the bathroom – ticks all the right boxes. And another ticked for the generous packing space and the add on of an ironing board.
For breakfast, you have options … order room service from the in-room menu or head down to the restaurant and have your pick of the continental spread and a hot meal off the menu. The Jozi benedict – poached eggs on spicy mince vetkoek – is a tasty local twist.
Hot tip: There is an impressive gym set up overlooking the lovely pool deck and one fancy-looking presidential suite on the complete overhauled Club Floor.
Southern Sun Katherine Street
Travelling with your best friend has never been this luxurious. Southern Sun Katherine Street will make you – and pooch – feel right at home. There are one- and two-bedroom suites which have a separate lounge and dining area, a kitchenette with a microwave, crockery, cutlery and glassware, with some of the ground units leading out to a small garden.
And a lovely touch are toys, mats, treats, feeding bowls and a Sealy Posturepedic pet bed waiting inside for your dog, making sure they too feel settled. And when you’re hungry, visit Kelsey’s Restaurant, a casual-chic, all-day easy dining setting known for fresh, flavour-packed plates.
Hot tip: Kelsey’s Restaurant’s specialty are their steaks served with onion purée, blistered cherry tomatoes, and brown mushrooms.
54 on Bath
The striking red-brick building on the corner of Bath and Tyrwhitt Avenue is home to 54 on Bath … a boutique-style hotel that originally opened as The Grace in 1997, and which has retained that unique touch of sophistication and tradition.
Today guests enjoy high teas on the lawns, croquet matches under the Jacarandas and elevated dining experiences. 54 on Bath’s Level Four Restaurant is a fave of ours … Chef Grant van der Riet always plates up something fancy. Meals start with the most amazing sourdough bread, flavoured butters (olive oil and maple burnt butter) and a copperpot of duck liver pate and then it’s just course after course that just get better and better!
Hot tip : The hotel’s refreshed terrace and redesigned Level 4 Bar is where you want to be wearing your most stylish shades and sipping on G&Ts.
Southern Sun Rosebank
When we think of Southern Sun Rosebank, we think unwind and relax. The hotel has sleek interiors and is one of the more affordable SS options … which is great, since with every rand you save, you can splurge on pampering yourself to a Camelot Spa spoil. Massage and facial before lunch, anyone? The hotel offers various dining options, from The Grill Jichana Rosebank, serving premium cuts, to the Circle Bar & Lounge, perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks, to a stunning-looking space, Fresh Restaurant, where you’ll find a hearty buffet.
Hot tip: The Zen garden, with its water feature and carefully curated plants is a relaxing urban escape.
Southern Sun Sandton
Southern Sun Sandton radiates elegance. There are stunning handmade glittering hanging chandeliers throughout the hotel, which has just had a complete refurbishment of its 301 rooms and suites. The rooms echo calm with the cool blue tones and welcoming warm hues. And inside the hotel is one sought-after sundowner destination locals love … the Skye Bar, all refreshing cocktails and panoramic Jozi views. Try the Skye Fall cocktail – rum, berry vodka, blue curacao and lemonade, or Watermelon Eclipse – a combination of gin, watermelon puree and cranberry juice.
Hot tip: Executive Chef Jonathan Moreno proudly packs flavour into his plates of food … we recommend you order one of his chef specialities from the hotel’s transformed Eclipse Restaurant and Bar.
Details: www.southernsun.com
