TRAVEL

If you’re mulling over where to wanderlust next, we’ve done the ‘hard’ work for you. In a world of abundance, here are our top picks of where to travel to this year – both local and abroad.

Once CORONA is over... Take your pick of these star locations for #20plenty

DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE, CAPE TOWN The perfect location for any oenophile Stay at a Delaire Graff Lodge for a truly sophisticated Winelands experience. The Lodges are welcoming and calm with a gentle and holistic ethos to offering guests an elegant sanctuary. Enjoy light and airy spaces and spacious interiors. We love that each lodge has its own private sundeck with heated plunge pool and guests enjoy access to the lodge bar and private cinema, restorative Spa, Techno gym and gourmet restaurant Indochine. The sophisticated Delaire Graff Restaurant, attached to the winery, is a decor enthusiast’s dream with walls covered in dramatic artworks by celebrated artists such as William Kentridge and Deborah Bell. The newly appointed head chef, Kevin Grobler mans the kitchen, so you can bet you're in for a treat. Chef Kevin spent three years working as the head chef of JAN – chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen's Michelin-starred restaurant in Nice, France. The menu is focused on sustainability and offers à la carte lunch and dinner menus as well as nine-course tasting menu in the evenings, which are of course complemented by an extensive wine list that champions the estates own labels. We absolutely adore Delaire Graff’s exquisite rosé, the Delaire Graff Cabernet Franc Rosé 2019, the flagship Delaire Graff Botmaskop 2017 and the Delaire Graff Cape Vintage 2016. 021 885 8160 1 www.delaire.co.za k reservations@delaire.co.za Q @delairegraff

Hello Joburg • April 2020 • www.hellojoburg.co.za 46 MAURITIUS The perfect location for a trail runner Mauritius is one of the most popular destinations for South African couples, friends, families and groups. Considering that you can reach the island by means of a quick direct flight with Air

Mauritius and that no visa is required, it’s no wonder.  Go for the Heritage Trail Festival (14- 16 August 2020) 25km at Heritage Bel Ombre Mauritius At Heritage Resorts, experience much more than a holiday, discover the quintessence of the exclusive Domaine de Bel Ombre. The natural richness of the landscape, the history of the place and the rich culture allows guests to bask in a wealth of experiences whilst enjoying the refinement and comfort of high-end establishments. The Heritage Trail is coming this year with a new concept! The event will be held on a weekend basis where different activities/workshops and races will be scheduled. 1 www.heritagetrail.mu

 Go for the Tamassa Hotel Mauritius Marathon (19 July 2020) 42km, 21km and 10km at the Tamassa Hotel Mauritius This is a vibrant four-star beach hotel in Mauritius, set in tropical gardens on white sandy beaches with rustling coconut trees and a cobalt ocean. The race will start from Saint Felix Beach. 1 www.tamassaresort.com

 Go for the Beachcomber Trail Run (23- 27 July 2020) 100km over three days The five-star Trail Run in Mauritius is set at Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa and is the perfect base for Beachcomber Trail run with a fully inclusive package. It is a journey of discovery that takes in the splendor of the country and the wildness of its mountains, beaches, fields and grasslands, 1 www.beachcomber.co.za

 Go for the DODO Trail Trooper (5 July 2020) 25km that starts in the Black River Gorges Trailers will run straight to the Radier, 1,200 m ahead. They will then follow a 4×4 track that climbs continuously over 5 km to an elevation of 650 m, through Plateau Remousse and Camphrier. Once they reach a flat section of trail at Macchabée, trailers will keep their left towards the Macchabée Kiosk and onwards to the 7.2 km mark. During this segment of the race, participants will have an opportunity to admire panoramic views over Mauritius’ western region. Runners should stay focused when negotiating the track at Zepol, as the trail reaches an incline of over 30%. 1 www.dodotrail.com

Delaire Graaff

Delaire Graaff Mauritius

THE ONLY WAY TO GET THERE Air Mauritius’ Travel Smart Program entices South Africans to enjoy a holiday at this tropical paradise during the low, cool seasons. Through value added benefits – such as free trips for children, increased luggage allowances, golf bags fly free, and so much more – visitors will get more out of their exotic holiday, making it one they will never forget! What is the Travel Smart Program by Air Mauritius? The Travel Smart Program is essentially a value proposition, which brings the enchantment of an island getaway closer to holiday seekers, as it offers more value for money. Not only are you offered a reduced fare, but also get value added benefits during the low peaks season periods. What are the benefits of the Travel Smart Program?  Business class lounge access when travelling in Economy Class from OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town International Airport.  Vacationers can take on extra luggage. 2x 20kg in economy class and 2x 32kg in business class.  Golf bags fly free. One per person.  Two children under 12 years of age, fly free with two parents (excluding government surcharges and airport taxes, and a maximum of two children per family).  For honeymoon couples, the bride flies free.  Upgrade to business class at check in from R2,500 for departures from South Africa, subject to availability. 1 www.airmauritius.com k jnbres@airmauritius.com

COURCHEVEL, FRANCE The perfect location for a winter ski holiday Book for: 11, 12 and 13 April for Folie Douche Festival Courchevel offers access to the world’s largest ski area in the world, Les 3 Vallées, with 600km of slopes, more than 180 green-blue slopes and more than 140 red-black slopes. For an even more magical 2020 season, Les 3 Vallées is decking itself out in the style of Walt Disney studios’ new animated film La Reine des Neiges 2. 14 fun-packed adventures await you throughout the 3 Valleys ski area. Their winter season runs from 7 December 2019 to 26 April 2020, so really this is your last chance to have guaranteed snow. With 85% of the ski area above 1,800 metres and the largest artificial snow system in France (2,189 snowmakers covering 50% of the ski area), snow is guaranteed from the start to the end of the season. 25 mountaintops are accessible throughout the winter, and the resorts are connected by summits located at altitudes of 2,000 metres and over. Also don’t miss Aquamotion, an exceptional aqua-fun and sports centre offering an unprecedented level of facilities in the mountains and the ice rink, which will be immersed in the wonderful world of Elsa and Anna. Accomodation offerings come in hotels, apartments, chalet styles or there are B&B options too. The cuisine is incomparable and in 2010, Courchevel boasted 7 Michelin-starred restaurants, the highest concentration in a mountain resort and in February 2017, Le 1947 restaurant became the first in Courchevel to be awarded 3 Michelin stars. 1 www.courchevel.com Q @courchevel_officiel

SASEKA TENTED CAMP, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK The perfect location for an adventurous glamper This is one adventure you’re certain to remember. Saseka Tented Camp, the latest addition to the prestigious Thornybush collection, is situated alongside the Monwana River, which sweeps through Thornybush Nature Reserve. All the elevated tented suites within the 14,000-hectare wilderness give guests a full view of the riverbed and are surrounded by some very large and beautiful trees. The sand riverbed presents guests with game viewing opportunities

Courchevel

Saseka Tented Camp

from the comfort of their private decks. Designed and decorated by the award-winning team of Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, Saseka Tented Camp combines natural, sustainable architecture with cutting-edge design. Influenced by the romantic narrative of tented camps from yesteryear, the tents have been reimagined with a gentle nod to nostalgia, but with the emphasis very much on the 21st century design. There are eight luxury 200m² tents, each with their own private deck and pool – perfect for couples looking for a romantic safari experience, where privacy and comfort are a priority. The public space is a celebration of nature! The use of light was key in the design and the extraordinary ceiling, which filters light into the space, imitating the natural dappled light of a tree canopy, is very much a focal point and has been christened the “ceiling for all seasons”. 1 www.thornybush.co.za Q @thornybush_collection

UMNGAZI HOTEL & SPA, EASTERN CAPE The perfect location for an active family Once upon a time Bushmen and Hottentots settled the Wild Coast and so farmlands were established, which later laid the foundations for this modern town. Now it has so much more to offer yet remains unspoiled and untouched. Perched amongst the mountains in the Eastern Cape a short distance drive from Mthatha Airport lies Umngazi Wild Coast Hotel and Spa. This hotel gives us South Africans bragging rights and is where you’ll book a holiday you won’t regret. Brimming with pride, the hotel is situated on a magnificent stretch of the Wild Coast at the mouth of the Umngazi River, 8km down the coast from Port St John’s. It is not the easiest location to get to but worth every kilometre. The same owners have held onto this paradise for 25 years and it was originally created in the 70s for the local community. This establishment was never focused on affluence but rather on restoring and giving back to the community and it is this ethos that still remains. From the dirt road, evergreen lush bush and sky-blue ocean waters disguise the hotel. Inside the hotel is a fantasy, a secluded oasis with river and ocean views, surrounded by raw sunshiny wilderness. You will most probably be surprised at every corner you explore of this property and you’ll also never be far away from a doting waiter. You’ll experience contrasting landscapes, from especially lazy cows dazed on the beach to coastal vistas to the beloved untamed river. We stayed for five nights but we recommend extending to seven. Get up early, make yourself a cup of tea in the room and sit on your private balcony. Each room has a unique view of the majestic gardens, river or ocean and each room has a balcony and outdoor shower. The rooms are beautiful and pristine; they have a beachy feel, a simple and neutral palette designed with space and comfort in mind. Book a garden family room because these rooms are closest to the main hotel facilities and dining areas. Inter-leading rooms are available also catering to families. The truth is this entire resort-like property caters to families but it’s neither kitsch nor campy but rather tasteful and polished and also has an adult’s desires top of mind. There is a kiddies dining area, a daily activity list all included in the rates, an outdoor kiddies jungle gym as well as an indoor kids club and play area, a tennis court, an evening movie club, pool table and darts, board games, a library, walks and hikes all geared towards the little ones, even cupcake making classes, we could go on.. It’s a fairy-tale for the youngsters and a dream come true for mom and dad. Also, there are child minders on tap, available all day upon request at an extra charge as well as for evening babysitting. If junior wants a massage at the pool that can also be organised. For the grownups the food is out of this world exceptional. Cuisine catered for royalty with a la carte 5 course dinners and wine pairings and sensational buffet selections, all included in the daily rate, plus tea is served twice daily with beautifully baked bountiful scones, cakes, homemade rusks, health balls and fresh fruit. But the anchor of the property has to be the spa. With vast and furious views of the seascape this charming seaside spa is a riot of endless beauty. There are only three treatment rooms ensuring the space is always tranquil and exclusive, it’s about relaxation oh and getting a selfie at the loo with a view. There is also a natural pool and showers with everlasting views. The treatments are subtly sensuous with zero noise in the background, not even an air-con roar disrupts this sanctuary, all you’ll hear is the simple hum of the ocean waves. 1 www.umngazi.co.za Q @umngazi HOW TO GET THERE Privately owned and a world-class airline- Airlink services over 55 routes and offers the widest network and choice of flights in Southern Africa and St Helena Island. Airlink is customer centric, reliable and committed to punctuality. Consistently 95% on time across 60 000 flights servicing some 2 million customers per annum. Travellers can also enjoy the benefit of intra-continental style business class service on select routes on the magnificent Embraer E-190. Route Specific Information: Direct scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Mthatha. Book direct on www.flyairlink.com or your travel agent. Airlink will operate independently under its own flight code 4Z from 11 June 2020. Q @fly_airlink DISTANCES TO UMNGAZI CAPE TOWN 1,270km or 16 hours DURBAN 390km or 4 ½ hours EAST LONDON 219km or 3 ½ hours FLAGSTAFF 109km or 1 ½ hours GEORGE 906km or 10 ½ hours JOHANNESBURG 870km or 10 hours KNYSNA 852km or 9 ½ hours PIETERMARITZBURG 1,575km or 5 ½ hours PORT ALFRED 500km or 5 hours PORT ELIZABETH 580km or 7 hours PORT EDWARD 224km or 3 hours MTHATHA 90km or 1 ¼ hours

CLUB MED ARCS PANORAMA, FRENCH ALPS The perfect location for a wellness guru More South Africans are diversifying their holidays and are choosing to visit the French Alps during European summer. We love the wellness travel idea and the mountain biking/cycling community as well as showcasing the diverse, culturally rich and easily accessible destination of France. If you’re one of those travellers increasingly seeking outdoors, wellness and sporting activities activities as part of your holiday, we have just the place! Who doesn’t love an all-inclusive sun resort holiday? It’s no wonder 77% of South African’s are heading to the French mountains. Olivier Hannaert, MD of Club Med Southern Africa, affirms that there has been a marked difference in the way South African travellers book and seek to experience their holiday, with a keen focus on getting more value for their holiday financial investment. With an understanding of the need to offer a year-long mountain experience, the recently launched Club Med Summer Mountain holiday experience in the French Alps offers travellers who aren’t avid skiers, an active mountain holiday in the French mountains in summer. Complete with hiking and biking activities, the offering also ticks vital boxes when it comes to all-inclusive value and getting the most out of a holiday. There are options to enjoy great food, discover the village, go to a local cheese factory, basically enjoy the mountain lifestyle rather than focusing exclusively on the sport of skiing. The days are longer, and activities are diverse: walking, trail running, orienteering racing, rock-climbing and Via Ferrata, cycling (and you can make it easy on yourself with an eBike), golfing and so much more in the most panoramic settings. m 010 500 21 02 1 www.clubmed.co.za Q @clubmed

ANANTARA MEDJUMBE ISLAND RESORT, MOZAMBIQUE The perfect location for a scuba enthusiast Ensconced on a tiny private island in the remote Quirimbas Archipelago off the northern coast of Mozambique, Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort takes full advantage of its idyllic location. Showcasing incredible tropical nature, the resort has a distinctive African island identity with customised furniture, textiles and accessories, including traditional wax printed capulana fabrics that were sourced from local markets. You’ll find just 12 Beach Pool Villas that all open onto a pure white shoreline. This is the ultimate remote destination for couples, honeymooners and divers. All guests staying at the resort will enjoy allinclusive benefits including accommodation, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner with free flow beverages comprising a select range of nonalcoholic drinks, house wines, local beers and

Club Med Arcs Panorama

dhow sailing lesson, there are brilliant coral reefs, striking underwater topography and a startling abundance of marine, which promises some of the world’s most magnificent diving. If this doesn’t tickle your fancy, go on a boat trip and search for turtles, dolphin and or whales. 1 www.anantara.com Q @anantara_medjumbe

Emdoneni Lodge

Emdoneni Lodge

house spirits, as well as a host of non-motorised water sport activities and an in-room mini bar. So, leave your wallet behind because this is an allinclusive piece in paradise! Of course, there’s also a lovely spa in an intimate beachfront villa that begs to be enjoyed. Culinary experiences are tailored to guests’ liking and served with extraordinary views. At Jahazi Restaurant, guests create their own breakfast from international and island flavours. Casual luncheons and elegant dinners present gourmet Mozambican, seafood and western dishes in chef’s signature three-course set menus, which vary daily. Or opt for the romance of a personal chef crafting your ideal menu, savoured in villa privacy or on a quiet stretch of beach, at sunset or under the stars. And what would an island holiday be without water sports? They offer water skiing, wake-and knee-boarding, and teach new skills in a

51Hello Joburg • April 2020 • www.hellojoburg.co.za EMDONENI LODGE, KWAZULUNATAL The perfect location for a solo explorer Some people say that KZN has become over cooked and overdone. Well, we are here to introduce you to an affordable hidden gem, a privately owned, multi-award winning 3-star lodge with an abundance of wildlife and natural vegetation, situated on a small game farm in Hluhluwe, close to the Hluhluwe/ iMfolozi Game Reserve. Just a two-hour drive from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport is where you’ll find yourself tucked away far from commercialisation and instead enveloped by wild sycamore fig trees and the occasional snorting of zebra. There are no frills or trappings just a lovely little lodge surrounded by nature. The rooms are basic and humble with everything you need, a fridge, tea and coffee station, a comfy bed and immaculate linen. You’ll get an African feel and appreciate the authentic touches like being serenaded by Zulu dancing shows around the blazing fire. We recommend booking in a traditional African style rondavel. Bucket list ... tick! As a solo traveller you won’t ever be boredThe lodge offers the Emdoneni Spa, because you needed an excuse to be pampered, unforgettable African safaris with Heritage Tours & Safaris, guided and non-guided walks, beach strolls to visit the bat caves, relaxing boat cruises on Lake St. Lucia, and cultural excursions. Also enjoy hikes, whale watching (seasonal) and bird watching with over 530 bird species in South Africa’s first world heritage site, the Isimangaliso Wetland Park. It is in this protected landscape where you might spot a rare lifer, only 50 breeding pairs in South Africa exist, the critically endangered Southern banded snake eagle. But an absolute must-visit is the 25-year-old Zululand Cat Conservation project on the property. Their mission is impressive; they fight the threat of endangerment. All the cats have been rescued and were previously orphaned or injured. No petting is allowed, no touching of animals and these majestic creatures are rehabilitated and given the best possible care. There are African wild cats, caracal, cheetah and serval. With “Okuhle esikwenzayo Kwanele”, Zulu for “Only our best is enough” as their motto, it’s no wonder this lodge makes for an unforgettable vacation. m 035 562 7000 1 www.emdonenilodge.com Q @emdoneni

WORLD LEISURE

AMBRE, A SUN RESORT The all-inclusive, adult-only Ambre welcomes adults 16 years and up. The resort is set along a tranquil beach between Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce on the untamed east coast of the island. It faces the widest lagoon, catches sunrise and instantly warms up guests to its light and rhythmic ambience. Expansive and open to interaction, cool and cheerful, Ambre is the perfect young-at-heart getaway for carefree holidays. This is the place to refresh, mix and mingle, burst out laughing in good company, enjoy discoveries together, connect and reconnect. m +230 401 8188 1 www.ambremauritius.com

LA PIROGUE, A SUN RESORT Having undergone a full transformation, La Pirogue is hipper now than ever. The resort weaves privacy into an intimate nest with the unrivalled charm of its cosy and unique thatch-roofed bungalows in a lush coconut grove on the flamboyant sunset coast. Here, guests revel in the exquisite feeling of stepping from one’s very own island home straight into the gardens and onto an endless beach and vast lagoon. m +230 403 3900 1 www.lapirogue.com

LONG BEACH, A SUN RESORT With its bold, island-chic and vibrant offer, Long Beach calls out to highspirited families and couples with a passion for the now, seeking energetic times or relaxation. This unique resort faces an extensive seafront along the famous Belle Mare beach in the delightful coastal village of Belle Mare and offers a wealth of facilities and activities strewn across the property, allowing guests a real sense of exploration. Here, possibilities for fulfilling times go far and wide, creating that unique feeling of being positively filled with energy and longlasting memories. m +230 401 1919 1 www.longbeachmauritius.com

SUGAR BEACH, A SUN RESORT Sugar Beach is an accommodation experience at its best with rooms and suites in the iconic, plantation-style ‘Manor House’ and widely spread out in separate luxurious Creole-style ‘Villa Houses’ across the delightfully landscaped gardens and along the beach. Soft colours and natural materials used in the rooms combined with tropical elegant designs enhance the harmony of plantation elegance and timeless chic. m +230 403 3300 1 www.sugarbeachresort.com

Immerse yourself in the beauty of The Islands of The Seychelles

AVANI RESORT Avani hotels are perfecting the balance between work and play, design and function, service and privacy, laid-back and lavish. The city of Seychelles and its resort destinations pulse with life, emanating from the buzzy social spaces and extending throughout the hotels. Authentic, sustainable dining nourishes guests and stylish, comfy rooms are where dreams are made. Avani Resort invites you to discover a holiday in perfect balance. 1 www.avanihotels.com

COCO DE MER HOTEL AND BLACK PARROT SUITES Beauty, safety, peace, tranquillity and quality. Surrounded by nature, this hotel is named after the unique Coco de Mer Palm tree which, although extremely rare, occurs in abundance in the tropical forests surrounding the property. This modern four-star hotel lies in over 200 acres of natural beauty on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Expect spacious grounds, comfortable rooms, private location and a friendly atmosphere offering spectacular views of the surrounding islands, forested mountainsides and glorious sunsets. 1 www.cocodemer.com

CORAL STRAND HOTEL Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel is a luxurious 4-star property located 10.7km (6.7mi) from the centre of Mahe Island. Local places of interest include Beau Vallon Beach and Sainte Anne Beach. There are 131 well-appointed, air-conditioned rooms at Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel. Guests of the hotel can make use of the room facilities that include climate control, coffee/tea maker, in-room safe, direct-dial phone, balcony and speakerphone. Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel offers a cafeteria and daily breakfast is available for an additional charge. There is also an Indian restaurant, that serves distinguished dishes of local and international cuisine and seafood as well as a famous pub with a draft beer as well as signature cocktails. 1 www.cocodemer.com

EDEN BLEU Eden Bleu Hotel is situated on Eden Island, only 5 minutes from the International Airport and 5 minutes’ drive to the capital Victoria. The hotel neighbours Eden Plaza, Seychelles only purpose-built retail centre. Its medical services, pharmacies, supermarket, shops, boutiques, nightlife, bank exchange, ATM and SPA provide plenty of choice if you need to pick up a few essentials. It's also an ideal place to plan and book leisure activities as a number of diving, fishing and charter operators have their offices here. 1 www.edenbleu.com

MARK YOUR milestone Make sure this one is the most memorable yet

The struggle to figure out what to do for one’s birthday is enough to send even the savviest of Joburgers into an existential tailspin. It’s your birthday and you can cry if you want to, but we’d recommend organising a stellar celebration instead! Don’t settle for a quiet dinner with friends or drinks at your local – check out our brilliant birthday ideas for celebrating in Joburg instead.

Drink cocktails like a movie star Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, crazy cats and acrobats … get dolled up and go for fancy overpriced cocktails at The Gentlemen’s Arthouse. This boutique artisan cocktail bar used to be a bathhouse complete with water closets, but behind the absinthe-green velvet curtains lies a transformed space with green-tiled urinals, cathedral-style windows and an impressive art collection. Flag down a white-jacketed waiter and order the Gentleman’s Persuasion (R250) made with Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve and a hint of Talisker, sweetened with homemade barley honey and bumped up with chocolate bitters and sesame seed oil. Make someone else pay though, obviously. It’s your birthday after all. Miriam Makeba Street, Newtown 010 592 1911 www.gentlemensarthouse.com Instagram: @gentlemensarthouse

Hello Joburg • April 2020 • www.hellojoburg.co.za 54 Settle in for dinner with a view The City of Gold, we think you’ll agree, is a babe. And even more so at night, so demand to be taken to Higher Ground Restaurant for a three-course dinner in the sky hosted by Sky Dining. Anything presented at a height of 50m is bound to make a longer lasting impression than on than it would on terra firma. They’ll wink coquettishly at you as you dine in the twinkling lights and chow down on special birthday grub – think a smoked salmon stacker, pepper-crusted fillet and frozen cheesecake. The dinner costs R975 per person, but if you’re on a budget you can go for a champagne breakfast instead. This includes a breakfast wrap, seasonal fruit, muesli and yoghurt, baskets of muffins, juice, coffee and tea as well as two glasses of bubbly. 40 Peter Place, Lyme Park 011 024 3433 www.sky-events.co.za Facebook: @skydiningsa

See a film in a weird place You shouldn’t settle for your average cinema trip on your birthday – not even to the ultraluxurious Cine Prestige with reclining leather chairs, snack trays and waiters. Instead, check out The Bioscope Independent Cinema, where you’ll find old cult classics, discover small films from other parts of the world and, most importantly, watch South African cinema past and present. You’ll experience what it was like to watch a movie back in the day on Louis Botha Avenue at the Astra or Royal Bioscopes in a beautiful art-deco building – except you’ll be sitting in repurposed car seats. But still, you don’t get that at your local Ster-Kinekor. Oh, and bonus: You can take any food and drink from adjoining lobby bar and pizza parlour, Chalkboard into the bioscope. Words Candice May Images Supplied

GAUTRAIN

With 10 stations and more than 10 supporting bus routes, step off Gautrain relaxed, into a city of progress and promise.

Gautrain is your golden link to explore the endless opportunities of Gauteng

Its superb location, free secure parking, and a complimentary shuttle service to the Sandton Gautrain station as well as Sandton City every 30 minutes, make The Maslow Hotel a fantastic and convenient place to meet. Business meetings in Johannesburg are made less humdrum when they’re made at The Maslow Sandton. Set amidst a tranquil oasis garden in the heart of Sandton’s financial district, The Maslow combines prime location, state-of-the-art amenities, and premium service. conferencing & events

Yet, considering where it is, The Maslow Hotel is surprisingly peaceful. The tranquility of its garden belies the hustle and bustle outside in the street. Even if you’re there for work, it won’t feel like you’re working.

Part of Sun International, The Maslow Sandton is a specialist business hotel boasting 12 separate, private meeting rooms which are aptly named after renowned 19th century entrepreneurs. The rooms can accommodate between eight to 20 delegates for seminars, management meetings, and workshops.

And, forget dull meeting food. Sumptuous food options are available from the dedicated lunch and lounge area leading onto the oasis gardens that offer alternative break away zones for meetings and dining.

Meeting in JOBURG IS TRENDY … when you do it at The Maslow Hotel

The Lacuna Bistro also has a glass-enclosed private dining room that can accommodate up to 20 guests. Bespoke menus can be designed on request.

In addition to the private meeting rooms and the colourful Incubator Room, The Maslow Sandton also boasts a vast conference centre with a multi divisible ballroom and auditorium. The ample conference centre is an inspiring location, with space and facilities, to accommodate up to 420 people. The conference centre offers a selection of carefully planned menus to suit client requirements.

It’s business unusual at The Maslow Sandton

The Maslow Sandton is a new class of hotel, positioned to help guests to balance business and leisure. The concept for the hotel was inspired by the psychologist Abraham Maslow and his well-known hierarchy of needs. From the outset, the team at the hotel has applied Maslow’s straight forward approach to

understanding customers’ needs in its service philosophy to deliver an absolutely seamless experience from check-in to check-out.

The contemporary design and urban vibe of the public areas, guest rooms and services at The Maslow Sandton are specially curated to accommodate the spirit of the business traveler. Guests can while away a few hours in the comfortable Wayfarer Lounge while reading the complimentary daily newspapers and enjoying a selection of complimentary teas, coffee, muffins and fresh fruit. There

is also a rejuvenating rain forest shower, fresh clean towels and luxurious bathroom amenities where to wash away fatigue after a long trip or freshen up before a late flight.

Delegates can stay over in sumptuously appointed rooms, and have access to The Maslow’s alluring bar, trendy Lacuna Bistro, a techno gym and the award-winning Africology Spa. Corner of Rivonia Road and Grayston Drive, Sandton m 010 226 4600 1 www.suninternational.com E @themaslowhotel D @themaslowhotel Q @themaslowhotel

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Conference Centre

160 Seater Auditorium 23 Flexible meeting rooms 3 Executive boardrooms Video conferencing 120 Bedrooms Complimentary Gautrain shuttle service

INTERCONTINENTAL At the country’s only luxury airport hotel, you can expect nothing less than the crème de la crème. A short walk from the arrival’s hall, the InterContinental touts 138 impeccably appointed rooms, including two lavish suites, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the tarmac – but you’ll never hear a plane take off or land thanks to excellent soundproofing. Clear your head at Camelot Spa, where you can opt for massage therapy or a specialised skin treatment while taking in awe-inspiring views of Joburg – the best balm for a busy day – or enjoy the sleek, indoor heated swimming pool, hydro bath and steam room. After some pampering, head to Quills Restaurant, where an 18-metre porcupine mobile suspended from the ceiling sets the tone, while the spirit of Africa is reflected in authentic dishes like slow-cooked springbok shank infused with an apricot and almond merlot jus, and chicken galantine stuffed with pistachio nuts. Jones Road, OR Tambo International Airport, Kempton Park m 011 961 5400 1 www.tsogosun.com

SOUTHERN SUN Set directly adjacent to the airport, the Southern Sun is both an architectural marvel and a biz traveller’s dream. With direct pedestrian access and stacked with 366 comfortable and tastefully furnished en-suite rooms, the hotel is hardly Plan B material. A continental breakfast buffet of fresh bread and pastries, cheeses and cold cuts freshens every morning, and dinners are prime time for Mediterranean-themed dishes at Bernoulli’s Restaurant, from angel hair pasta tossed with diced crayfish tail to pan-fried duck breast fillet served on a sautéed warm vegetable salad followed by homemade blueberry pie topped with whipped cream. Sneak to Caroline’s Day Spa & Salon for a hydration facial, aromatherapy massage, back wrap or hot oil hair treatment and you’ll feel as good as new before that big meeting. Jones Road, OR Tambo International Airport, Kempton Park m 011 977 3600 1 www.tsogosun.com

PREMIER HOTEL A mere 2.7km from the airport, the Premier Hotel is pretty swanky for what could easily be another mediocre highway hotel. The 275-room hotel, buffeted by sprawling gardens, looks and feels a little like a tropical oasis – but with better amenities. Take a dip in the pool or, better yet, treat yourself to an Evolving Hammam package at Evolve Day Spa - a signature ritual based on old Turkish baths - that includes a full body cleanse and exfoliation in the hammam room plus a back, neck and shoulder massage. Before you crash, take some time to mingle at the bar and then take the party to the warm and welcoming Kubatana Restaurant for a dinner of high-end African fare. 73 Gladiator Street, Rhodesfield, Kempton Park m 011 393 8000 1 www.premierhotels.co.za

HELLO ONLINE For more on dining out visit our website on: www.hellojoburg.co.za