New hotspots for a sweet stay in the hottest city

The lights are back on. Joburg is shining brighter than ever with world-class hotels opening up and innovative chefs energising the culinary scene. But with such a plethora of venues, it can be challenging to sift through the endless options to find that perfect gem of a place – especially if you’re visiting from out of town. Thankfully, we’ve got the inside track for a stylish stay. Here, we’ve picked the most noteworthy openings to have on your radar – whether you’re a new visitor or an old regular looking to make your time in the City of Gold as special as possible.

WHERE TO STAY

SANDTON TOWERS

Get a front-row seat to all the action by checking into this gleaming ‘new’ skyscraper. The InterContinental has been reimagined as Sandton Towers, a vibrant testament to the evolution of Sandton. The hotel is all about shimmer and shine; sky-high luxury with views to match. With direct access to Sandton City Shopping Centre – conveniently linked to the hotel via a skywalk – Sandton Towers is a stylish sanctuary right in the heart of South Africa’s financial hub. The décor might be modern in the grandly proportioned lobby, but nearby landmarks such as Nelson Mandela Square give it the flavour of old Joburg. The mood calms noticeably on the way to the 231 guest rooms and suites, which ooze class with spacious layouts and thoughtful extras. Some rooms are beginning to date, but it’s hard to quibble when the views are so glorious – especially with a renovation currently underway. Our Club Suite’s creature comforts and heavenly bed made us forget the busy world outside. It had a separate living room flush with sunlight to settle down in and even a walk-in closet – a perfect option for longer stays. The hotel isn’t short on amenities either. A pool and fully fitted-out gym, an Instagram-worthy spa, a rooftop bar and two restaurants including Atrium on the ground floor – the home of a well-considered breakfast. Just bring your packed bags and move in. If you’re dining in, check out San Restaurant at the adjoining Sandton Sun, where guests laden with shopping bags from the Diamond Walk assemble for refreshments. Go for the home-style lamb curry on the bone or the grilled salmon punched up with a coriander and lime bulgur wheat salad. Once you’ve done it, more of Sandton’s best restaurants are right outside your doorstep. We love that the service at Sandton Towers is second to none – whether it’s the appearance of your preferred wine in your room, or the concierge offering to use his contacts to secure a last-minute dinner reservation.

Corner of Maude & 5th Streets, Sandton
011 780 5555
www.southernsun.com

WHERE TO EAT

THE POT LUCK CLUB JOHANNESBURG

The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg is the hotly anticipated Dunkeld restaurant from Luke Dale Roberts’ leading hospitality group. The woodpanelled front bears a glossy black paint job, and behind it is a drinking and dining hotspot with a modern tapas menu. The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg is already a favourite for lunch and dinner, thanks to its Oxford Parks location, signature fish tacos, energetic atmosphere and combination of urban elements with industrial aesthetics. But now, it’s set to become our go-to Sunday afternoon destination thanks to the addition of a boozy brunch where the bubbles don’t stop flowing. Firstly, the five-course menu (R850 per person) with Asian touches that’s tailor-made for imbibing. Come for the Bloody Mary oysters, stay for the oozy, gooey and oh-so-cheesy Arnold Bennett. Secondly, the choice. You can enjoy endless mimosas and sparkling wine as well as a DIY Bloody Mary bar with vodka, tomato juice, hot sauce, dill pickle spears, celery stalks, bacon and rim salts (R490 per person). The wine list, meanwhile, ranges from edgy to immediately recognisable. Our favourite thing? Our champagne glass never got below half-full. The menu unfolds in four ‘waves’, followed by dessert. On the savoury side, there’s a Korean fish ssam in a crisp lettuce wrap; a symphony of rich and earthy porcini mushrooms and asparagus atop toasted brioche with hollandaise sauce; and smoked snoek in a crumbly tartlet shell. There’s also leek and ricotta ravioli perfectly complemented by serrano ham – all luxuriating in a luscious barigoule nage – and a brunch main of duck breast infused with apple and vanilla, served alongside Puy lentil cassoulet simmered with vegetables and savoury herbs. For sweeter treats, the pillowy and fragrant madeleines, delicately flavoured with tonka bean, and the ‘peanut butter bomb’ are deliciously moreish (not to mention filling). As if you needed another excuse to fling wide your duvet!

Oxford Parks, 199 Oxford Road, Dunkeld 010 745 3999
www.thepotluckclubjhb.co.za