Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa

A neo-classical stately home complete with balustrades, immaculate lawns, gilded moldings and fountains, Fairlawns, which was originally built by the Oppenheimer family and is still lived in by the current owners John and Anna Thatcher, has successfully retained its relaxing park-like ambiance and palatial peacefulness.

Resembling more of a sprawling English countryside estate than a hotel in Johannesburg’s business district of Sandton, Fairlawns is a regal sanctuary in this busy city with a Balinese spa to boot.

There are 40 individually-designed suites range from a monochrome Manhattan bedroom to the Ryokan-themed Kyoto suite, the earthy colours of terracotta-wash and deep browns in ‘Marrakesh’, the flashy Miami suite, to the Louis XVI-style Viennese bedchamber. Further accommodation includes a two-bedroom studio and the private Villa Moji.

The restaurant features an award-winning wine list and high-tea on one of the many terraces is a fitting way to see the afternoon in.

A convenient 20 minutes-drive (or 25 kilometres) from the international airport, Fairlawns makes a stopover to a lengthy stay in Johannesburg feel very enjoyable and exclusive.