What it is

A hotel that feels like your own private estate, manicured gardens et al.

What it isn't

Party-ready. The property is frequently called an “oasis,” and we like it that way.

What we think

As far as big city respites go, it doesn’t get much better than this former horse farm, once owned by South Africa’s diamond barons, the Oppenheimer family. Rooms are fitted with all the comforts of your (dream) home, including rain showers, underfloor heating, thick pours of sherry, and amenities from South African sustainable toiletry company Charlotte Rhys. In the leaf-decked outdoor Balinese spa, under a bamboo-shrouded pagoda, guests bounce back from their flights with jetlag recovery massages. The Terrace restaurant proffers equally restorative meals, from blueberry cured salmon to scallops in braised turnip puree.

You're here because

In a faraway land, you want to feel very much at home.

The Moment

You’ve awoken from lionesque slumber just in time for breakfast, and what a breakfast it is: croissant gratin with black forest ham and brie, and cointreau rolled outs in maple syrup and orange slices. You’ll save calories on your return flight.

Restaurants & Bars

The Terrace Restaurant - International cuisine, local produce, personalized dishes available, award-winning wine list

Victoria Tea Lounge - Overlooking the romantic gardens and offering delicacies and delicious cakes

Champagne Terrace - Ideal for lighter meals and oysters and champagne

Location

Within the tony Sandton suburb of Johannesburg, approximately 25 minutes from the airport.