Year-end fatigue is real, and everyone deserves a breakaway. But with the astronomical prices of flights and petrol, taking a well-deserved break has become almost impossible.
You don’t have to break the bank. Look around for local gems like the recently opened Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre – OR Tambo, in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg.
Although it’s close to the airport, you still feel like you are away from the hustle and bustle of that part of town, as it’s about 8km away from the noise of the airplanes and ridiculous traffic. The hotel is neatly tucked away between residential houses.
Expect to be greeted by all types of international folk in the reception area, as this is the kind of guests it attracts. The aim, however, is to make it a home for locals too.
Sunday World was invited to particularly check out their facilities, spa treatments and its upcoming Christmas menu.
The rooms are welcoming, spacious and offer a friendly working space with free Wi-Fi. As the hotel is inspired by a Scandinavian way of life, the décor minimalistic and rustic.
I stayed in the Junior Suite – a home away from home with its modern elements – it offers a balcony for a view of the Kempton Park residential area, a king-sized bed, two TV sets that slide in and out of the cabinet, as well as a luxury bathtub, shower and ample storage space.
Amani Spa on the premises is a welcoming indulgence. Imagine a three-hour session of pampering.
First up was the sauna room to sweat out all the bad stuff, a full 30 minutes. The wait may seem a tad overwhelming in the extreme heat but directly after this, I’m taken for a full-on body spoil in the form of the Himalayan Salt therapy massage.
Now, this was just the therapy needed to rid the body of built-up toxins from bad food to bad decisions. The aesthetics of the spa also takes you on a wonderland – as though you were lost somewhere in the tropics of Thailand or the like.
Couples can especially enjoy the Just The Two Of Us three-hour spa treatment, which includes a welcome drink, a private use of the deluxe couple’s suite with someone special, 30 minute jacuzzi, Kurhula Body Ritual, a bottle of bubbly served with breakfast/lunch, depending on the time of arrival and booking confirmation, and a spa gift. There is other entertainment close by, including the Emperors Hotel and Casino, but trust me – you genuinely don’t have to venture anywhere outside the premises.
It has an all-day dining restaurant offering both buffet and menu options, a coffee shop as well as an added feature of the rooftop Level Seven Restaurant and Sky Bar. But be weary, the latter will cost you an arm and a leg, for shooters normally costing R35 a shot.
The best part about this stay, after the spa treatments, must be enjoying cocktails from the pool bar, and sipping them next to the serene pool.
The continuous rain on the day didn’t dampen the joyous atmosphere.
The food is fancy and soulful. It has dedicated this area to screening of the World Cup games from 19 November to 19 December.
For Christmas Day, there is a specially curated menu for families and a Christmas Day set menu targeted at corporates and other groups that require a festive meal created by chef Darshan Chetty.
- Somaya Stockenstroom’s stay has been sponsored by the Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre
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