WeeklySA_AdminSPLENDOUR: The hotel group’s posse of strategically positioned hotels oozes seductive city and countryside charm…
By Priscilla Malinga
A whistle-stop at four plush hotels in the space of a single day is a rare treat and heady proposition, especially when all the establishments boast uniquely distinct locations, leisurely style and character.
Last month Southern Sun took a number of journalists for a heady adventure across town – just to showcase their offerings of its four leisure properties – three in Sandton and another, the majestic Mount Grace, out in the in the countryside, approximately an hour-and-a-half’s drive to the countryside West of Johannesburg. Mount Grace, one of my favourite resorts, nestles in the sedate Magaliesburg holiday enclave.
First stop was at the Southern Sun Hotel in Sandton, adjacent to the bustling Sandton City Mall and the Sandton Convention Centre, under the General Manager Robert Jasper. A perfect spot for business meetings whose striking fixture is the unconventional reception area.
When you walk in it doesn’t give you that immediate ‘I’m checking in feeling’ that you would normally experience at other hotels. It’s not surprising because when you go up to the restaurants or the rooms, you are surprised by this architecture that makes the interior somehow seem like you are still outside. It has such amazing views and gives that cave feeling when you’re inside going up looks like the fancy buildings from overseas as seen on TV. It is very international.
The first floor houses the restaurant and an outdoor seating area with amazing city views and comfortable chairs and a pool.
From the alley and the restaurants you can view the rooms easily. I don’t like the idea that people can sit at the restaurant and see exactly in which room you went to. Otherwise this hotel exudes a unique feeling of being outside while you are inside. I wish it had its own parking. Next stop the perennially magnificent Mount Grace resort in the shadows in Magalies Mountains is truly a hidden gem and welcome stopover, which boasts ample parking and breezy drive from the gate to the reception. The surrounding wild lends tranquil and far-from-the-madding-crowd soothing air of calmness.
Here, we are received by Mike Uphof the Southern Sun Ops Director Eastern Northern Region, who says the property has always belonged to the Southern Sun group and was leased out to the another hospitality group for some time during the COVID pandemic, and later took it back, together with other properties.
It was not surprising to hear that the resort’s exquisite Spa has scooped various awards under the group’s wing, including a Traveller Review Award in 2022. The salt floating pool is a must-visit for soul-lifting relaxation, an embalming experience that can be heightened by a massage outside by the garden later. They always offer water and juice for the day visitors and there are various massage options to choose from.
Room options range from standard rooms, deluxe rooms to presidential suites. Both presidential suites and deluxe rooms have private pools. This property is massive with an expansive garden for athe enjoyment of guests for a picnic.
“It is important to book early especially if you are coming for a day,” says Uphof. “Guests should always have access when they want to. It is not fair that they might end up not using the spa because it got fully booked by daily guests,” he added.
A light lunch and palatable cocktails at a garden next to another large pool added to a sedate ambience. On their lunch menu, offerings include a basket lunch option available from R350 upwards, depending on which package fits the size of your family.
Back to the bustle of Joburg’s north, the Southern Sun Rosebank cuts a regal picture in the quiet surrounds of one of the city’s oldest suburbs. Here general manager Madeleine Roux, keeps a beady eye over operations and all things hospitable to arriving guests. The property used to be called the Crown Plaza, and was also acquired by the Southern Sun group during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Here we are welcomed with delectable servings of prawns, lamb, steak, chicken livers and dessert – just some of the scrumptious bites. A wash down of virgin cocktails freshens us up for the next stopover, which is the Southern Sun Hyde Park Corner, where things get posher with an idle swig of champagne tasting and snacks while gazing at the tree-lined northern suburban skyline. Between the sips, we warm to the friendly reception from Robert Jasper the General Manager, who lined up a brief lecture and tasting of Graham Beck’s finest bubbly. The views inside the loft were amazing.
Jasper said that it is a great hotel to unwind in as they serve scrumptious meals throughout the day and are big on entertainment. Every Friday and Saturday night they house in a live DJ to entertain guests and daily visitors. Stunning venue for private meetings and a quiet chill. Good place for fun too and fabulous views to die for.
Last stop back at the Southern Sun Hotel in Sandton, the welcome extends to the rooftop at a secluded area allocated just for us, amid music, food and drinks and great views of the financial hub over orange haze of the sunset. A buffet consisting of lamb chops, pap, vegetables, prawns, salmon, all prepared by the Chef Michael, served to trunk up the mood for a late-afternoon languid chill.
With the festive season beckoning on the horizon, one suddenly realises how Southern Sun Hotel has unravelled its hidden trove of short-distant holiday options that can create unique memories for friends or families hankering for a holiday experience.
