Jozi Under the Sun as Southern Sun’s Ultimate City Experience
The business and leisure hotspot of Johannesburg comes alive under the African sun with Southern Sun’s newest refurbishments. We recently toured the City of Gold, visiting five hotels and their restaurants in just two days! The experience included an exclusive sneak-peak into Jozi’s hospitality scene and some of its world-class properties.
Stop 1: Southern Sun Katherine Street & Kelsy’s Restaurant
Excitedly, we piled onto the tour bus and made our way to Katherine Street for a visit to Southern Sun’s Sunpet branch. They have 122 stylish rooms, where some have been turned into pet-friendly condos. These include hygienic vinyl flooring, a Sealy Posturepedic pet bed and a range of Sunpet amenities. Guests can also browse the Sunpet Gourmet Menu which includes nutritious, individually packaged meals for pets.
Businesspeople who have months of work ahead can stay in the long-term stay apartments and the two conference rooms and boardroom can host from 8 to 50 delegates.
Their newly relaunched Kelsy’s Restaurant was a treat. A delicious spread of pastries and sweet treats welcomed us alongside Signature Cosmopolitans. Furthermore, Kelsy’s offers delicious breakfast buffets, all-day easy dining and an al á carte dinner menu.
Stop 2: Southern Sun Sandton & Skye Bar
Southern Sun Sandton stands tall amongst lush gardens within a concrete jungle. An elevator took us to the 301 newly refurbished rooms. They all boasted Southern Sun’s brand colours of beige, blue, orange and yellow, bidding the former Holiday Inn management farewell. This refurbishment was done in response to the Eclipse Restaurant and Bar’s transformation a year before.
To start the evening on a high note, up and up we went to the panoramic Skye Bar. Here we found a luxurious space, perfect for sundowners overlooking the city. We were treated to three signature cocktails, all paired with canapés prepared by Executive Chef Jonathan Moreno.
This hotel is ideally located adjacent to The Marc Shopping Centre and in close proximity to Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square and the Gautrain Station. It is part of the Sandton Skyline and adds to the alure of a suburb that has become known for its work-and-play attitude.
Stop 3: Sandton Towers & The Atrium
The showstopper during our tour has to be Sandton Sun and Towers, sitting at the apex of Africa’s richest square mile. A comprehensive refurbishment blends modern architecture with contemporary design at this destination. From the lifts and corridors to the suites themselves, everything exudes luxury. The Club Floor underwent a full upgrade, redefining Sandton Towers’ presence when it comes to luxurious leisure.
Further to this, the hotel’s resident restaurant, The Atrium, as well as its Pool Deck, have also had a makeover with enhanced service levels, focused butler training and artistic standouts. One such feature is the installation of Four Winds by renowned South African sculptor, Anton Smit. Art Nouveau enters Sandton Towers with this permanent art fixture, as well as the ode to Greek mythology in the integrated wall design.
Dinner at The Atrium saw us tasting their Health Bowl, Scottish Salmon and Deconstructed Tiramisu during a three-course meal. Each dish was paired perfectly with Jordan Estate Stellenbosch Assyrtiko, Vilafonte Seriously Old Dirt and Boschendal Brut Cap Classique, respectively. We were up until the early hours of the morning soaking in the sounds of the city.
Stop 4: 54 on Bath & Level Four Bar and Restaurant
Our midday meal was served at 54 on Bath, a Southern Sun boutique-style hotel in the middle of vibrant Rosebank. Ten years ago, 54 on Bath underwent a multi-million rand makeover and it continuously searches for ways to redefine luxury and comfort. Of the 75 rooms in total, there are 60 deluxe rooms, 12 executive suites and 3 luxury suites. Each room is individually styled and decorated with the aim of preserving original furniture items whilst also introducing contemporary décor.
The Level Four Bar and Terrace has recently undergone an exciting refurbishment after partnering with Hendrick’s Gin. We enjoyed delicious G&Ts whilst playing some croquet on the bar’s lawn. Also on offer is a High Tea experience on the Level Four terrace, adding luxury and tradition to the hotel experience.
Inside Level Four Restaurant, where a menu and wine pairing had been curated for us, we hid from the sweltering sun. The afternoon was filled with the sound of tinkling ivories by the wonderful Will Sibeko, the resident pianist at Level Four.
Stop 5: Southern Sun Rosebank, Camelot Spa & Fresh Restaurant
Southern Sun Rosebank represents the cosmopolitan feeling of its artsy suburb. Whether you are visiting Johannesburg for business or leisure, this newly refurbed hotel is perfect for all your needs. With its 318 rooms, it stands out from other Southern Sun destinations due to its capabilities to host events up to 300 guests. Other amenities of the hotel also place it into a league of its own – a 24-hour gym, peaceful Zen Garden and an in-house spa.
We were treated to a glimpse of their Camelot Spa offerings, with a gorgeous shoulder massage that left us feeling relaxed and stress-free. Then, Fresh Restaurant arranged a spread of savoury bites and sweet delicacies for us to indulge in. The hotel is also home to The Grill Jichana and Circle Bar & Lounge.
From the luxe lounges of Sandton to Rosebank’s cultural scene, our Jozi Under the Sun experience captured how Southern Sun adds to the City of Gold’s alure. These destinations offer luxurious hospitality experiences to business and leisure travellers alike.
