When visiting the vibrant city of Johannesburg, there are many elements that you’ll want to take in, from the buzzing restaurant and nightlife scene to the wildlife parks to the places that highlight how the fairly young city’s history has been shaped into the forward-looking metropolis it is today.
Once you’ve had your fill of city for the day, you’ll want to retire to a residence that envelops you in its serene surroundings, and the five-star Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa does just this.
With an array of awards for the hotel, spa, food and wines, while promoting sustainable initiatives, you can be sure that your stay at Fairlawns will be a top-notch one. Great food, interesting interiors, spacious suites and extravagant villas, a seductive spa, a welcoming environment with gardens and pool to while away the hours, and very friendly and knowledgeable staff make this luxurious hotel one that you’ll love to spend time in.
Hotel
The moment you set foot onto Fairlawns grounds you are immediately transported to a serene and inviting setting. With birds chirping in the tall, full trees, the warmth of the South African sun enveloping you and the warm Fairlawns welcome – a glass of cool cranberry juice and a porter to assist you to your suite – you know straight away that you’ve chosen the right place to reside for your trip.
Starting life as a boutique hotel in 1997, the former residence boasts Palladium style buildings that allow you to instantly forget that you’re on the outskirts of South Africa’s financial centre, almost transporting you to late 18th century England, if not for the plush amenities that are present throughout the hotel and rooms.
Wander inside the hotel buildings and your attention will be captured at every turn by the boutique décor. The interiors are full of interesting memorabilia, captivating photography, attention-grabbing artwork, treasures and decorative items designed to steal your gaze. Outside, the beautiful grounds are home to an array of wildlife and birds that make their presence in the trees known, especially at sundown, all serving to remind you that you’re not at home anymore.
Suite
The hotel is split up into different buildings that house a range of suites and villas perfect for short or long stays in comfortable and peaceful surroundings.
There are 20 suites within the newer Grand Chateau wing, all of which are individually decorated, boast 50spm of space and are linked by welcoming central public lounges upstairs and down. Outside, there’s a terrace providing the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee, and the palatial building, which is fronted with pillars and a long balcony, and reached by wide steps, is the ideal place to book out as a private residence if you’re travelling in a large group.
My spacious suite was decorated in warm, earthy tones with black and white art framed on the walls and dark wood furniture with a pair of soft velvet armchairs and a glass coffee table to relax by. Three windows from my first-floor suite looked out onto a blanket of green from the flourishing trees while the wide window in my roomy walk-in shower offered up the same view.
These luxury suites provide you with everything you’ll need for a comfortable break, from soft robes to slip into after a dip in the stand-alone bathtub to cosy armchairs to recline on after a day exploring the nearby city, to a bed fit for royalty that provides a relaxing night’s sleep. Useful additions included a large desk to work at if needed, Wi-Fi, a room safe, minibar, a large TV, laundry service, air con, lift, and more.
The rest of Fairlawns Hotel’s accommodation is made up of 12 newly refurbished and artfully decorated Courtyard Suites; six 84spm lavish Villa Suites; the lofty Tree house Studio with kitchen, lounge and dining room which sleeps four; the home-from-home Maison Spa Suite with stunning décor; and the secluded, spacious and stunning Villa Moji, with its private pool, terrace, formal lounge, kitchen, study and more.
Food
From elegant breakfasts to make any morning a pleasant one to luscious lunches and delightful dinners, the food and drink offering at Fairlawns is certainly a superior one.
There are four locations on-site to enjoy some top-quality victuals, from Muse Champagne Room and terrace to the casual dining venue with eclectic décor, Manor House Bistro, to main restaurant Amuse-Bouche, with a private dining room, Into The Woods.
Amuse Bouche was where I enjoyed two breakfasts and dinners and each time I dined there, I was looking forward to returning to taste more delights from the menu. The elegant space features a chequered floor with white clothed tables, pillars and cool, modern chandeliers, while large windows overlooking the grounds and pool made for a scenic backdrop. Diners can enjoy the indoor space or the terrace to enjoy meals, and I can recommend both.
Breakfasts are a thing to be celebrated, at least that’s how I felt every time I was seated for my first meal of the day at Fairlawns. Continental delights are brought out on tiered cake stands and consist of delicious fresh fruits, moreish granola and yogurt pots, muffins, cheeses, crackers and croissant, while juices and hot drinks are in good supply. Hot dishes from the kitchen can be ordered, if you have space left, and include the like of Eggs Benedict, avocado on rye and a full English.
Dinners were a delight, especially when paired with some succulent South African wines, as recommended by the sommelier. Beautiful flavours oozed from the starter of prawn tortellini, which was complemented with lemongrass essence, trout caviar, air-dried prosciutto and fennel, while a main course of seared duck breast with burnt carrot and orange, sweet potato puree, grilled courgetti ribbons and a jus proved utterly delicious. Desserts pleased the palate too with the Azelia – 25% roasted pistachio, molten lava cake, burnt chocolate soil and honeycomb gelato – proving to be a hit.
Spa
After a day exploring Johannesburg, you’ll want to head straight to the elegant Balinese-style spa to unwind in the serene surroundings. Aiming to relax and rebalance guests, therapists work their magic across a range of treatments, from facials to massages, body treatments, manicures and more. As well as treatments, enjoy a dip in the pool (indoor and out) or explore the Balinese gardens and discover a jacuzzi, relaxations pools, steam room, and waterfall.
The spa building stands alone, past the pool and tucked away behind the tall trees, offering a peaceful haven to take some time for yourself and be blissfully pampered. The moment you check in, the relaxation begins with a zen interior coupled with the invite to change into soft robes and cushioned spa footwear.
I enjoyed a delightfully relaxing massage in one of the covered wooden structures in the bamboo forest garden, which only served to add to the relaxing vibes. With water features, birdsong, plush foliage and, of course, the expert hands from my spa therapist working their magic on my back, shoulders, legs and arms, I was left in a tranquil state.
To do
Johannesburg is brimming with activities to do and sights to see, from the UNESCO listed archaeological area of the Cradle of Humankind 50km north of the city, Gold Reef City Theme Park and Johannesburg Zoo for families, while Mandela’s House – the former residence of the historic leader – as well as the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct offer glimpse into the city’s recent history.
Bordering the Johannesburg’s mining belt is Soweto, the southwestern township created in the 1930s when the white government started separating black people from white. The area has developed and grown over the years and holds significant historical importance with notable points of interest such as the Hector Pieterson Memorial – a moving tribute to the schoolchildren who lost their lives in a protest march of June 16th, 1976.
The best way to get around and gain insight into the area is with Lebo’s Soweto – where you can tour the area with fun, friendly and knowledgeable local guides who allow you a glimpse into what Soweto is all about. Lebo’s is also a backpacking lodge in a peaceful spot which serves delicious food outside in a lovely setting, while guests of the lodge can enjoy yoga in the serene surroundings too.
While touring in our motorised tuk-tuk, I learned of some of the struggles that the region has faced and is still facing while zooming around and wandering the streets, stopping at points of interest including the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Nelson Mandela’s old house in the township.
Our group also stopped off to sample a local delicacy of beef cheek and pap – a stiff maize flour porridge similar to the texture of polenta – from a local vendor, and stepped into a traditional medicine shop, while learning that sage is a treatment for many complaints.
Warm welcomes were received, this wasn’t a microscope being pointed, cameras in faces type of tour, it was a welcoming, sensitive look at how differently people live in differing places, leading to some interesting conversations while driving around; a brief, informative showcase of the beauty of Soweto, all displayed by three wonderful individuals from Lebo’s.
Getting there
The busiest airport on the continent of Africa, O.R Tambo International Airport is one of the few in the world with scheduled passenger direct flights between all six inhabited continents.
I travelled to Johannesburg from London Heathrow via Doha, and though there are direct flights that take just over 10 hours, on this occasion I was occupying a seat in the Qsuite, so I was more than happy to make more of the journey in these luxurious surrounds. A business class cubicle to myself with incredible features such as seats that turn into beds, the Qsuite is the crème de la crème of air travel.
Even turbulence doesn’t bother you when you’re reclined with a glass of Bordeaux, watching the latest blockbuster release, with all surrounding sound blocked out with your headphones. Add to that some delightful meals (prawns with a pineapple salsa, lobster, steak, salmon, cheese board), your own pyjamas from The White Company, luxury toiletries from Castello Monte Vibiano, privacy, plenty of space, the comfiest quilt and a chair that boasts an array of positions, and you have quite the recipe for a plane journey to beat all others.
In a nutshell
A place with so many facets, Johannesburg is a city certainly worth visiting, and Fairlawns provides the ultimate spot for a getaway that will remain etched in your memories for years to come.
Factbox
A Grand Chateau Suite can be booked from R7700 per night, which (at the time of publication) works out to just over £400.
Qatar Airways offers daily flights from London (Heathrow and Gatwick) to South Africa (Johannesburg and Cape Town). From Heathrow to Johannesburg, flights can be booked from £790 economy and £3,895 business.
Address: 1 Alma Road, Morningside, Sandton, Johannesburg
Tel: 27 (0) 11 808 7300
Email: reservations@fairlawns.co.za
Website: fairlawns.co.za
See snippets of my travels on Instagram @tashheard_food_travel
All hotel imagery supplied by Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa unless otherwise stated
