From an eco-conscious breakaway to a boutique city enclave and an R880-million Jo’burg hotel, you’ll want to check in to one of these brand-new hotels.
Home* Suite Hotel Bristol
Rosebank, Gauteng
Miss your canine companion when you are travelling? This unique spot in Rosebank, Johannesburg, is exactly what you have been looking for – first-class facilities combined with the intimacy of a smaller boutique hotel, complete with a welcome from the resident (adopted rescue) dog.
As the first of six Home* Suite Hotels planned for trendy urban and commercial nodes across South Africa, guests at the Rosebank outlet can expect exceptional service.
Homestyle meals served in the open-plan kitchen, a help-yourself larder for midnight snacks, gym access to Virgin Active clubs in the area, and a totally seamless check-in and check-out experience are all part of the Rosebank offering.
And while it is homely, it is by no means pedestrian. TONIC is the brainchild behind the cutting-edge, cosmopolitan décor.
Lekkerwater Beach Lodge
De Hoop Nature Reserve, Western Cape
This exclusive beach-and-bush getaway comprises seven eco-lodges perched on the eastern coast of the pristine De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Previously used by former president FW de Klerk as his personal retreat, the site was totally rejigged following a fire four years ago. And given its location, an eco-conscious rebuild was key.
“No lodge will ever have 100% zero environmental impact – but we ensured our negative impacts are as low as possible while still allowing guests their creature comforts,” says Colin Bell of Natural Selection, who was behind the undertaking.
A limited amount of cement (one of the biggest emitters of carbon dioxide) was used, electricity is generated from the sun, water is heated by gas and the grey-water treatment plant boasts the latest technology.
Lekkerwater also aims to be entirely free of single-use plastic. In short, it offers a slice of safari-marine living at its absolute best.
The Houghton Hotel
Houghton, Gauteng
It is the ultimate addition to the newly built, exclusive residential Houghton Estate in Johannesburg.
This 68-roomed top-notch hotel overlooks a signature Jack Nicklaus golf course – and when you are not perfecting your swing, you have access to a fully equipped business centre and day lounge, complete with dining and shower facilities.
Each boardroom has a dedicated personal assistant, making business meetings almost a pleasure.
Whether you are ensconced in a 48m² king room – or luxuriating in an 830m² penthouse, complete with private jacuzzi and swimming pool – you will be treated to service that caters to your every whim.
Choose casual dining at Nova Deli, or enjoy a unique haute cuisine experience at the signature restaurant The H.
And as to be expected from a hotel of this calibre that cost a cool R880 million to build, there is a world-class spa and gym too.
Words by Biddi Rorke