Joburg gets a luxury addition with Park Hyatt Johannesburg
With its doorstep in Rosebank, Park Hyatt Johannesburg is set to debut in November 2024, ushering in a new era of luxury stays in Joburg. Park Hyatt Johannesburg is located on the site of the former Winston Hotel. This boutique property, with just 31 keys, promises a personalised and sophisticated experience for both business and leisure travellers. Developed by Millat Group, it joins its portfolio of Hyatt properties in Cape Town, Sandton, and Rosebank.
As Hyatt’s most luxurious brand, Park Hyatt boasts only 45 properties worldwide, in iconic cities like New York and Paris, and exotic locales like the Maldives and Saint Kitts. Park Hyatt Johannesburg aims to redefine luxury hospitality with spa-inspired bathrooms, bespoke dining, and a design celebrating Johannesburg’s cultural heritage. Every detail, from keyless entry systems to Egyptian cotton linen, has been curated for unmatched comfort and elegance. Guests can enjoy personalised pillow and bath menus, luxurious bathtubs and showers, and private lounge areas for relaxation.
Note: The Park Hyatt is distinct from Rosebank’s Hyatt Regency, which remains closed since the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, and is under separate ownership.
voco is now Hyde Hotel
What was voco Hotel The Bank in Rosebank is now a Hyde Hotel by Ennismore and Kasada. Hyde Hotel is their first property in Africa and Ennismore’s debut in the city. Featuring 131 rooms, including 31 suites and a gym, one of our favourite hangouts Proud Mary, and a branch of Workshop 17, the hotel will undergo a soft renovation to align with Hyde’s bohemian spirit, showcasing art installations and spaces for music and creative collaborations.
Originally launched as a club on Los Angeles’s Sunset Strip, Hyde is known for its free-spirited, festival-like atmosphere. This ethos will be woven into every aspect of Hyde Hotel, offering a welcoming, laid-back environment for both locals and visitors.
Houghton Estate’s 10 2nd Avenue gets a reboot
The luxury boutique hotel 10 2nd Avenue Houghton Estate is set to elevate its status as one of Johannesburg’s top accommodation spots, with new management by Dream Hotels & Resorts from October 2024. Dream Hotels plans to enhance the hotel’s offerings while maintaining its charm and elegance. Although the property will continue to operate as usual until February 2025, guests can look forward to subtle enhancements and personalised touches throughout this period. Located in the heart of Houghton, this serene 16-room estate offers easy access to key business hubs and attractions, making it ideal for leisure and business travellers.
Dream Hotels & Resorts, with over 28 years of experience and 21 properties, including Blue Marlin Hotel in Scottburgh, Peninsula All-Suite Hotel in the Western Cape, and Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa in the Cape Winelands. Their “One Guest” approach focuses on exceeding expectations and offering tailored holiday solutions for families exploring South Africa. With plans to enhance its facilities, including fine dining, event spaces, and luxurious suites, Dream Hotels seeks to cement 10 2nd Avenue Houghton Estate’s reputation as a premier destination for upscale travellers in Joburg.
Champagne breakfast with a view
With spring here, Southern Sun Hyde Park is a great destination for a view of Joburg's tree-filled suburbs. Elevate your morning with their Champagne Breakfast With a View. Hosted at the elegant Island Bar, this à la carte breakfast, complete with a bottle of Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial (for a booking of four people), offers a chic start to any day. From 09:30 – 11:00 daily, enjoy delectable breakfast options and panoramic views of Hyde Park and the Sandton skyline from the serene pool deck. The menu features indulgent choices like smoked salmon and poached eggs, avocado ciabatta, and classic full English breakfasts.
For R425 p.p., guests can savour the morning in luxury. Perfect for groups of four to 20, with one bottle of Moët for every four guests. Reservations are required, so gather your loved ones, colleagues, or friends and start your day with a toast to style and sophistication.
Balalaika Hotel celebrates 75 years of excellence
The hotel’s history is believed to have started with Gerard Le Grand, a British royal marine officer, who established the Good Hope Tea Garden on the site. Over the years, the Balalaika has evolved alongside Sandton, blending modern luxury with its historic charm. Recent refurbishments have ensured it continues to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers.
The Balalaika Jubilee competition runs from Thu, Oct 1 – Thu, Oct 24 on Facebook and Instagram. Participants can enter by sharing a memory photo with the hashtag #BalalaikaJubilee. The grand prize winner will be announced on social media.
D&D Concierge Consultancy set to elevate guest relations
We've worked with the former head concierge of Palazzo Hotel Montecasino Deon Prinsloo, who heads up the South African Concierge Forum, since the start of Johannesburg In Your Pocket 11 years ago. Over that time we have curated specialist experiences for concierges, and been united in our belief that the position of concierge as city ambassador should never be underestimated.
Now Prinsloo, along with concierge Kagisho Ditira, have launched D&D Concierge Consultancy, South Africa’s first of its kind. With 53 years of combined guest relations experience, they offer consulting, training, and hosting services to elevate the industry. They will also manage the South African Concierge Forum and partner with Edith Venter Promotions for future events.
Recognised for hosting annual Concierge Conferences, Prinsloo and Ditira continue to attract participants nationwide. Upcoming conferences include Cape Town on Wed, Sep 18, and Johannesburg on Wed, Sep 25. Under the D&D Concierge Consultancy brand, they will offer guest relations consulting, training, and inspiring talks. They aim to nurture the South African hospitality industry by sharing their expertise. We are cheering them on.
Travellers to look out for: Shér Khan and Aziza Domingo
Shér Khan and Aziza Domingo are a dynamic couple. They're also content creators who bring their travel adventures to life through engaging and vivid storytelling on their Instagram page @the.sher.khan. The duo, a lawyer and a teacher, balance their serious work with wonderful local adventures, a love of travel, and a passion for storytelling. From savouring fresh seafood in Mozambique to navigating challenging 4x4 trails, they capture the essence of each destination. Their content not only highlights the beauty and excitement of travel but also provides practical tips and insights for fellow adventurers.
With December travels in mind they recently shared three essential sanctuaries near Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape that are part of the South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance, dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of rescued wildlife. Put them on your itinerary. Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary offers a peaceful forever home for majestic apex predators, allowing them to roam free in natural habitats. At Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, visitors can experience the world’s first free-roaming, multi-species primate sanctuary, providing a stress-free haven for rescued monkeys. Birds of Eden, the world’s largest free-flight aviary, features over 3,500 birds of 220 species soaring through a breathtaking forest canopy. Make sure to follow them for more.
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