Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg & Environs

rooms

Built into the hillside, this luxurious hotel resembles a chic village woven with courtyards, fountains and gardens. The rooms and suites are found at various levels across the collection of nine buildings and offer views over the courtyards, gardens and out across the leafy canopies below. Some rooms have views of the zoo, spot animals wandering in and out of the trees and hear the lions roaring at sunrise to get you in the safari mood!

All recently renovated, rooms are chic, contemporary and decorated with modern Africa in mind. The Superior Rooms offer the luxuries of a 5 star stay along with large beds and opulent bathrooms. Choose from the Deluxe Rooms or slightly larger Premier Rooms to enjoy a private terrace or balcony – the perfect spot for an aperitif or nightcap to enjoy the city glittering below.

There are a variety of sophisticated suites too. One Bedroom Suites have separate living and bedroom areas while the Panoramic View One Bedroom Suites also boast a private terrace from which to enjoy the views.

facilities & activities

There are two sparkling pools to enjoy; a heated lap pool for the energetic and a large family pool on a sun drenched terrace with fabulous views out over the city. A state of the art health centre complete with gym equipment, sauna, steam room means you can work out whilst soaking in the vistas of the cityscape. And it's open 24 hours a day for anyone suffering from jetlag or just the super fit. Take a slow meander through the eight acres of lovely manicured gardens, dotted with elegant fountains and courtyards, or explore the enormous park next door (helpful staff will give you route maps).

For a little luxurious pampering then the destination Spa will do the trick. Sumptuous treatment rooms, delicious treatments and a unique outdoor spa from which to relax and enjoy the views, cocktail (or, ahem, a freshly squeezed juice) in hand.

Centrally located, all of Johannesburg’s rich attractions are on the doorstep along with over 30 of South Africa’s top golf courses, world class shopping malls, safaris, game reserves and the Cradle of Mankind, a UNESCO world heritage site featuring some of the earliest human fossils ever discovered.

dining

It’s hip and happening in this urban retreat. Vibrant and colourful from breakfast through to nightcaps at the Lounge Bar, the cuisine is local, fresh and seasonal. The show stopper is Flames, which boasts the best views of the city from its spacious terrace along with live cooking, succulent grilled fare and delectable South African wines.

For innovation and a dash of romance head to View (closed on a Sunday and Monday night), which competes with Flames for spectacular views over the city and its fresh seafood and locally sourced meats. Intimate Cellar Door offers a menu of the best regional wines and platters of cheese and meat – perfect for an aperitif. For a quick bite then there’s street-side Westcliff Deli, pick up a coffee and sweet treat or fresh salad and sandwich to take on your adventures. And when you've seen the sights, ticked all the boxes and soaked in all the views then an extensive in-room and delicious dining menu will see you fed, watered and tucked in before you know it.

family

Four Seasons excel at keeping children happy and after they’ve opened their welcome pack of a miniature doll, child sized bathrobes, toiletries and a welcome gift, then the complimentary Kids For All Seasons programme, for ages 5 – 12, creates adventures and fun (always with an educational twist) within the lush and extensive grounds. The concierge is very helpful with ideas and itineraries for city explores and further afield, carefully tailored to all ages and stages. There is also a lovely children’s corner which is stuffed full of books, cards and toys when the organised playing is done.

There are healthy children's menus readily available in the restaurants and the in-room dining is a great option after a long day. There are also complimentary wipes, toiletries and nappies for the smaller ones.

Some Premier Rooms and One Bedroom Suites have built in sofa beds ideal for children sharing while cots can be added to all rooms and suites (on request).

location

The hotel is found just 30 minutes from Tambo International Airport (depending on the traffic) and provides a great pre or post safari stop off.  For just a little whisper of the wild to come the hotel is conveniently located overlooking (and next door to) the vast Johannesburg Zoo. Johannesburg itself is fast becoming a cosmopolitan and lively destination, with elegant shopping areas, great cafés, hip restaurants all found within a few minutes drive away.