Why do we go on holidays? Perhaps to take a break from the stresses of work, to shift focus from responsibilities to leisure activities, or to explore more of our domestic and international surroundings. But vacations don’t always have to be overseas trips when South Africa has so many locations to reset, unwind, and explore. For the month of October, House & Garden SA will dedicate Travel Tuesday to different staycation cities throughout the different provinces with guides made by locals, for locals.
For the second instalment, we are going to be exploring Johannesburg, the city of gold. Most South African travellers from Gauteng tend to swarm to coastal towns during peak holiday times, but a staycation should be scheduled for those in-between months. While Johannesburg is known for its ‘work hard, party harder’ culture, there are many staycation activities that are steeped in luxury and leisure. You just need to know where to find them. The Cape Town Staycation guide spans different price brackets, Johannesburg is a place that suits those with a taste for the finer things in life.
Brunch at the Luxurious Four Seasons Hotel, Westcliff
Few places in Johannesburg offer unprecedented views, delicious food, and a luxurious escape from the manic energy of the city’s streets. But, if you travel up the cliff of the affluent neighbourhood of Westcliff, you’ll find yourself at the foot of the Four Seasons Hotel, where you can enjoy a divine brunch spread on Sundays. The act of going to brunch in itself can be a hedonistic adventure where champagne-fuelled mimosas are poured, while sweet and savoury flavours collide under the sun. Why not treat yourself and amp up your staycation brunch plans?
Book a romantic picnic in the orange groves
A day trip out to the Hartbeesport area usually includes family-friendly activities like going up the cableway, safaris, and sweet treats overlooking the water. But, the hidden gem of Hartbeesport is Almost Orange, a tapas and wine restaurant where you dine amongst the orange groves in a Tuscan-style villa. Manifest Italian summers with delicious citrus fruits by booking a curated picnic in the blushing orange groves of Almost Orange for yourself and a friend or partner. Leisure activities outside are hard to come by in Johannesburg, and this is a truly unique activity for any staycation itinerary.
Visit the Beautiful Galleries at the Keyes Art Mile
Johannesburg has no shortage of cultural destinations, nor world-class luxurious restaurants. But few come close to the Keyes Art Mile that has made its place known, standing tall on the corner of Jan Smuts in Rosebank. Here’s how to make the most of a trip to Keyes Art Mile: Your first stop should be at the famous Circa Gallery, where the latest works from local artistic talent is on full display. Here, you can also snap pictures throughout the extremely ‘Instagrammable’ corners, ramps, and rooftop garden. After you have nourished your mind with beautiful artworks, take the lift up to Marble for either a drink at their exquisite bar area or sit down for dinner, and enjoy their award-winning meat offerings. To wrap up the night, head down to Pantry by Marble, where you can pick up luxurious desserts, soft serve, or snacks to take home with you.
