Take the leave you desperately need this January and stay local
The Takeaway
- Our top staycation spots in Jozi to break the January blues.
- The Cliffside is nestled in nature, blended with raw beauty and within an eco park alongside a mountain reserve.
- The Leonardo Hotel, apart of the legacy hotel chain, which is already exceptional in itself.
- The Catalyst delivers what a customer values and offers exceptional service.
- Hyatt House is a home away from home.
These wildly popular staycations will feed your wanderlust and give you a chance to take that leave you were hoping for in December but Boss Man said NO! Try again and enjoy one of our selections is year.
There’s a worldwide pandemic, numbers are soaring but that doesn’t mean you cannot stay and laze and still be content. Plus petrol is more expensive than ever and these places are all within 20 minutes from your home.
You don’t have to stay at home, rather stay in a fancier home where you don’t have to do the dishes and make the bed. It’s a win-win.
Here are our top staycation spots in Jozi, which have inspired us:
The Cliffside
for the VIP traveller
Where: A sanctuary in Northcliff
What we love: The question is what’s not to love about this little slice of paradise?
You know that brand new shiny bright hotel smell? Well The Cliffside has that and so much more, this brand new pod in the mountains surpasses all expectations. Firstly it is small and exclusive with only five bedrooms, secondly it has been constructed within the mountains, in the innermost part of the rocky hills, not only is it magnificent but respectful to the environment too.
You are nestled in nature, blended with raw beauty, summer sunshine and within an eco park alongside a mountain reserve. Yes, of course there are natural internal walks available throughout the property but you’ll also have VIP access to the reserve for a hike up the mountain, sunset cocktails or sunrise coffee?
This intimate hotels design is impactful but still remains simple, it has a restaurant on site but instead we enjoyed dinner under the stars in our room with a view. The food is absolutely spectacular and can only be enjoyed by hotel guests, so sorry Joburgers you cannot visit for a lunch or dinner as it is exclusive use only. The food is reason enough to visit, the best smashed avo on toast we have ever had and a cauliflower steak that could melt hearts (and taste buds). Yip this is a bucketlist staycation, surrounded by dramatic scenery, five star service, a sauna, swimming pool and a location where you can pretend you’re in the Kruger, the bird life here is excellent. They have even created a rooftop deck on the property ideal for sundowners and bring your binoculars. Yes this hotel delivers wow experiences in spades.
It is here where you can enjoy your time off as much as you need, work from the deck or work downstairs in the exclusive boardroom, or work from your very own desk in your room with a view of the city. The WI-FI throughout the property is superb.
Instead of thinking, what can we do for everyone, this hotels focus is on,what can I do for this guest right here, right now.
Good to know: This location was once a sacred place inhabited by hunter gatherers 500 000 years ago, this hotel resonates with history and was once an old family home that has been preserved and carefully constructed within its natural habitat.
The Leonardo
for the discerning hodophile
Where: A soaring vision in Sandton.
What we love: They have transformed this derelict stretch in Sandown into a revolutionary project, The Leonardo Hotel, apart of the legacy hotel chain, which is already exceptional in itself. They’ve masterfully created a city oasis. This majestic luxury hotel has transformed Maude Street into something else entirely. Not only does this hotel epitomize glamour but it also delivers in food, service and hospitality. We bet 8 out of ten guests return.
A genuinely warm welcoming smile awaits you upon arrival as your luggage is taken care of. The very best first impression! The main lobby is iconic, mainly radiating elegance and comfort. Having checked in you’ll notice the lift glides gingerly from floor to floor and then you arrive at your suite. It will take your breath away, a magical extra special touch of swans on the bed, what a thoughtful gesture for honeymooners or lovebirds , a sizeable modern kitchen, a lounge, a panoramic view made of dreams (especially during a Jozi storm) and a bed constructed out of the perfect combination of clouds and marshmallows.
You have the option to dine at the stellar Aurum Restaurant, utterly breathtaking, however we preferred to order in and watch the ominous azure sky and lightning storm approach, with a bottle of bubbles.
Yip this is Sandton’s diamond.
Good to know: Inside the hotel is also the exquisite, highest rooftop bar in Africa called Alto234, the 234 is because it is 234 m high and you will not find a better sunset view in Jozi, hang onto this view.
The Catalyst
for the avid business traveler
Where: A homely hub in Sandton.
What we love: If you’re a frequent business traveler who enjoys an affordable, deluxe hotel, The Catalyst is just for you. Why work from home and stare at the matching, familiar wallpaper when you can visit this newly opened boutique style hotel, which ticks ticks all the right boxes and yes the WIFI actually works.
If you focus on the subtlety of a check in and elevated customer service with a smile, this spot is for you. It is simple luxury, no bells and whistles but still beautiful. The rooms are apartment style with a mini kitchenette, a lounge, a lovely view and a bed that will spoil you rotten. It’s a relaxing home away from home kinda ambience.
This hotel delivers what a customer values and offers exceptional service. Youll see this when you dine/ We recommend visiting their only restaurant, Kashew Restaurant, on site because it is just so pretty, book a table outdoors not only covid friendlier but dining outside on the deck cannot be beaten. You’ll find a friendly, well engaged waiter whose service offering is that of a five star hotel. Oh and the food is delicious too.
Good to know: There is even a spa on site, open from 8am-8pm, an unparalleled journey of relaxation and tranquillity awaits you.
Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton
for the millenial nomad
Where: Quiet, tree-lined suburb of Sandton.
What we love: This ‘Aparthotel’ as they call it on their website consists of one and two bedroom, self-catering apartments with luxurious finishes and all the mod cons you would expect from a high-end establishment in any major city in the world. The difference here is that Hyatt have hit the nail on the head when it comes to convenience, comfort and accessibility. There is a 24 hour coffee shop (The H-Market) and minnie grocery store where you can get a bunch of essential food items and a bottle of wine. This is definitely a first for us. Winner!
The hotel has a contemporary interior with a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. This might sound silly but we fell in love with the quirky images on the passage carpets, making them fun and interesting.
The Pizza de Resistance has to be the massive treehouse style deck in the back garden with two dedicated Pizza Ovens. This is the ideal place to have end-of-the-day cocktails with a hubbly bubbly in hand (yes they have them onsite).
The Aparthotel’s restaurant, called The Medley is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a cosmopolitan menu with all the local South African favorites as well. We’d suggest going for the fillet, medium rare of course!
Good to know: We can confidently say that Hyatt House is like a home away from home and should you choose them for your next hotel stay, you will not be dissapointed. Situated in the heart of Sandton and a 5 minute drive from the M1 highway, Rivonia Road and the JSE, you can’t beat the location.
