The Houghton Lodge Evaluate
It’s no secret that I’ve a mushy spot for luxurious lodging and our newest staycation at The Houghton Lodge ticked all the appropriate five-star bins. Considered one of Johannesburg’s latest and most luxurious lodges, the resort has already scooped up the award for Africa’s Main New Lodge 2020 within the prestigious World Journey awards, and is prone to win many extra awards.
Located amongst the plush avenues of the upmarket Houghton Property suburb, the place former President Nelson Mandela spent his previous couple of years, The Houghton Lodge is shut sufficient to the airport in addition to enterprise and buying hubs to be handy, however secluded sufficient to make one really feel far faraway from the chaos that’s Johannesburg.
Whereas many of the metropolis’s different five-star lodges are geared in the direction of enterprise travellers, it differentiates itself by being extra of a way of life vacation spot catering for discerning leisure and enterprise travellers, and locals too. Services on the resort embrace an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course on the Houghton Golf Membership, the world-class spa and wellness centre, a state-of-the-art FitBar fitness center, a working observe, 4 swimming swimming pools in addition to perform and convention amenities.
A powerful spiral staircase dominates the opulent foyer, and engaging artworks adorn the partitions. Good elevators decide which ground you reside on when you scan your card. As Givenchy as soon as stated, “Luxurious is in every element”.
For meals, there’s a selection of two eating places serving contemporary seasonal delicacies – the signature Séjour restaurant and the extra informal Nova Deli. The resort even has its personal herb backyard!
On arrival, our temperatures have been checked, fingers sanitised and particulars famous for tracing functions. After a fast check-in, we proceeded to our room which was so comfy that we have been loath to half with it. As soon as we finally managed to tear ourselves away, lured by the temptation of seeing extra of this stunning resort, we headed to the restaurant for sundowners and a few wonderful sushi. That is once we realized how a lot of a social hub the resort was. There have been buzzing events, social rendezvous, and household meals in progress on the piazza, overlooking the swimming pools and the golf course.
The next morning, we loved a scrumptious à la carte breakfast at Nova Deli, consisting of smoked salmon and cottage cheese bagels, poached eggs with spicy salsa and avocado, hearty oats, freshly baked pastries and refreshing smoothies with names like Babalas Buster, Espresso Date and Inexperienced Monster.
There are 56 rooms, 4 presidential suites and seven grand penthouses of various sizes. The 830 sq. metre Rockstar Penthouse is match for a rockstar – or royalty – and contains 4 bedrooms, a non-public jacuzzi, a swimming pool, a steam room and a butler.
Our spacious room featured a king-size mattress, a lounging space and a working desk. An enormous tv dominated the area reverse the mattress. Plush toweling robes and slippers have been supplied for our consolation, whereas the Nespresso machine saved us adequately caffeinated. Flooring to ceiling sliding doorways opened onto a small balcony and the curtains may very well be opened and shut on the contact of a button. Good know-how sensors additionally decided once we wanted lights and switched them on and off, as required. Must you select to lie in and never depart your non-public sanctuary, then room service is at all times an choice.
The open-plan lavatory had retractable screens which may very well be closed for privateness or opened for extra space, double self-importance basins, massaging and rain showers, in addition to a spacious free-standing bathtub.
The Houghton Lodge could also be positioned in one in all South Africa’s largest and busiest cities, however when you’re inside, it’s splendidly serene and you’re feeling as if you’re miles away from town. We beloved the rooms, the amenities, the meals, the vibe and the park-like setting in Johannesburg’s prosperous inexperienced belt. It’s actually on par with different luxurious lodges we’ve visited around the globe. Whether or not you keep there for enterprise or pleasure, bask in a spa therapy or get pleasure from a meal or sundowners there, simply be sure to expertise this Johannesburg jewel.
For extra info go to The Houghton Lodge or e-book right here.
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