Friday, 13 March 2015

A SANDTON ESCAPE
Friday, March 13, 2015

A SANDTON ESCAPE



Nestled in the lush suburb of Morningside Manor in Sandton, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa is recognised as one of the most beautiful, romantic and exclusive hotels in South Africa.

Fairlawns is one of Johannesburg’s best-kept secrets, where guests are treated like royalty, and their privacy is of utmost importance. With its air of relaxed exclusivity, the hotel is a five-star home away from home set in an environment of peaceful isolation. However, despite the city seeming far away, the major business and shopping centres of Sandton lie close by, and can be reached by car in a matter of minutes.

The initial vision of owners John and Anna Thacker was to create a unique luxury hotel where guests would feel embraced by the elegant grounds, service and ambience without losing the flexibility that they consider the raison
d'être of Fairlawns. “Thinking like guests rather than like hoteliers” is the Thacker motto.

 Villa d’Este on Lake Como in Northern Italy and Easton Manor in Surrey, England were the inspiration behind the hotel’s predominantly Palladian architectural style. A timeless classic sporting modern facilities, Fairlawns has been awarded numerous accolades, including Best Luxury Wellness Spa in South Africa in 2014; one of the Top Three Luxury Hotels in Sandton and the Top 23 Hotels in South Africa in 2014 (as rated by TripAdvisor global travellers); World Luxury Hotel Awards Best Luxury Hotel Spa in 2013; and Andrew Harper’s Recommendation for 2013. The hotel’s wine list was named Platinum Diners Club Wine List of the Year in 2012 and 2013, and Diamond Diners Club Wine List of the Year in 2014.

     The hotel’s 43 opulent suites and Presidential Suite complement the grace and beauty of its exterior. Each suite measures approximately 84 m•, while the Presidential Suite, which has its own private entrance, occupies 240 m•. Accommodation in the Presidential comprises a bodyguard bedroom, upstairs guest and master bedrooms, study, and separate lounge and dining room.

 Each suite, no matter what the theme, is tastefully appointed and spacious – hallmarks of the Fairlawns tradition. From bespoke furniture to thoughtful architectural detailing, the entire property is a labour of love, and it shows. The eclectic mix of old and new, stylish and practical; creates an aura reminiscent of stately old English homes, French chateaux, or Tuscan villas. The hotel’s exterior exhibits the balance and sense of proportion typical of Palladian buildings, and brings together the rich variations of décor styles within the suites themselves, which vary from the Florentine Suite to the African Suite, with a host of unexpected surprises in between.

    The fact that Fairlawns was built on the original home of the owners adds to the air of gracious hospitality present in every building on the sprawling property. An Oppenheimer residence prior to being purchased by the Thackers, the hotel has a “welcome home” feeling that encourages guests to relax at the end of a long business day or sightseeing tour – the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner while listening to the birds returning to their “headquarters” on the property.

     Fairlawns accommodates both local and international corporate and leisure guests, all of whom seem to regard the hotel as their private sanctuary when in Johannesburg. The delectable cuisine on offer at the Terrace Restaurant and the pampering treats presented at the Balinese Spa are also available to day visitors. While the Meeting and Banquet Centre provides the perfect venue for productive business gatherings, the private Bali-inspired Spa gardens offer a restorative escape for those wanting to disappear from it all for a while. Golfers are never disappointed, as the hotel is in partnership with the nearby Johannesburg Country Club, which offers two world-class courses.

Fairlawns launched its Private Villa Residence and new Victoria Tea Lounge as part of its 2014 expansion plan.
For further information and reservations call +27 11 804 2540/1/2, email reservations@fairlawns.co.za or visit www.fairlawns.co.za

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