Celebrating a 40th Wedding anniversary in Johannesburg afforded Lana and I to visit and stay at the delightful Fairlawns Boutique Hotel in the Sandton suburb of Morningside Manor.
The function was to be a luncheon and with timing fairly tight – we flew SAA to Johannesburg from where we took the Gautrain to Sandton. What a slick operation that was. From the depths of the underground we emerged to be met by our chauffer and luxury sedan transfer to the Hotel. What a splendid hotel tucked away amongst beautiful gardens. Formalities by the warm welcoming staff and we were checked into the luxurious Manhattan suite. All the 40 suites here are themed. A quick freshen-up and our vehicle was ready to take us to the party.
On our return the duty manager gave us the opportunity of seeing the various suites and facilities offered by the Hotel. Royalty and Presidents have been hosted here and all ones needs appear to be well catered for in this beautifully decorated retreat .
From a superb Conference Centre, fully equipped gym, really excellent a la Carte Restaurant and wine cellar, to the most delightful Spa. I really liked the out-door facilities of the Balinese Spa all set in a forest with bamboo trees and tinkling water. Magnificent. What an ideal wedding venue.
We learnt that the wing we were in was actually only recently built and finished in time for the Soccer World Cup June 2010 - although one would think is was part of the 40 year old infrastructure. So well does it blend in. Powered by solar panels on the roof, all the mod-cons are there but not connected to the National Grid ! Good for them. Modern building filled with beautiful artifacts and antiques decorated in a rather opulent style – home away from home?
To the gym or should I go for a swim in the pool? Up early and to the tea station on our floor. Machines all set for 24/7 refreshments. Tea and then we ambled down into the gardens. So lovely having a breakfast out on the deck, the sun warming and the gardens glowing. Too quickly we were back in the car, down the escalators to the depths below Sandton City and the rapid transfer back to the Airport. With facilities like these and a hotel of this stature one could confidently host the World’s finest.
