In August 2022 I got to experience world-class, 5-star luxury right here in Johannesburg, at Four Seasons The Westcliff. This hillside gem overlooks the Rosebank and Johannesburg CBD skylines.

MY VERDICT: LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION TO CELEBRATE A SPECIAL OCCASION

AN EXCLUSIVE HILLSIDE ICON, REBORN

High up on the rocky Witwatersrand is where you’ll find us. Despite being in the middle of South Africa’s largest city, our Westcliff Hotel feels like a chic hillside village, with nine sun-splashed villas woven with courtyards, fountains and gardens. Take a ride up our glass elevator to meet friends for seasonally inspired dishes at Flames, visit our destination day spa that captures the serenity of the region with its nature-inspired treatments, or simply step out onto your room’s balcony to enjoy a quiet moment as you admire the endless treetops that stretch out before you.

For me, Four Seasons The Westcliff is the type of accommodation that perfectly (Read *PERFECTLY*) suits a special occasion like a milestone birthday, anniversary, and even honeymoon. I definitely see it as more "adult" accommodation - so a couple or adult family members as it's a lot more sophisticated and personally I wouldn't want to deal with kids running around when I'm having a "spoil yourself" weekend. However, it is 100% family-friendly.

The Westcliff has 117 rooms each with its own balcony and is home to the fine dining Flames Restaurant.

Here are some of the top facilities I made use of during my stay:

· Valet parking services – I always feel like a VIP when I can get my car valeted so loved this little touch.

· Getting transported around the property in a golf cart through the cobbled streets.

· Breakfast buffet and dinner at the Flames restaurant – It’s perched on the hill and to get there you take a glass elevator. Once you get to the top the restaurant has the most stunning 360-degree views.

· Indulged in the complimentary treats – baked goods and a refreshing fruit basket, I couldn’t resist.

The Room

I stayed in the King Garden Suite Deluxe Room with the most stunning view of the Rosebank skyline to the left and the Johannesburg CBD Skyline to the right. It also overlooked the pool and reception area. In terms of views, this was honestly one of my favourite views at any Johannesburg hotel, like ever. Other than the skylines, it really looked more like I was in Europe than SA.

The word I would use the describe the actual style of the room is more like "presidential" which is funny because I didn't even stay in the actual presidential suite. To better explain this, The Westcliff gives you an old luxury aesthetic and feel. Think Great Gatsby 1929 vibe. Right down to all the little details in design of the room.

There’s also a fully stocked mini-bar in the room. We also got an extra warm welcome with a fruit bowl, welcome card and treats. A+ for the personal hospitality!

This is where I found the bathroom of my dreams! My room had the coolest symmetrical bathroom with loads of storage space, drawers and compartments, a double sink with each sink on opposite sides of the room (Perfect HIS & HER setup), bathtub and walk-in shower. It's hard to describe but check out the pictures below to get a better idea of the setup.

Each room has a large balcony with a lounger and outdoor furniture. Whether it was day or night, the view from the balcony was priceless.

The Facilities

Do yourself a favour, and take the time during your stay to explore the property because The Westcliff is huge and every inch of the property has personality. Not to mention, tons of photo opportunities around every corner!

You can take a cart to your next destination or just explore on foot. There are beautiful courtyards and open spaces to explore and they truly make you feel immersed in nature and art.

One of my favourites is the courtyard outside the Aracadia Ballroom, where you’ll find a pretty fountain and beautifully manicured lawns.

On three lush hectares (eight acres) overlooking an urban jungle below, Four Seasons offers your guests a hillside oasis in South Africa’s biggest city. Plan a meeting or event in our 19th-century style mansion before treating guests to a “braai” (barbecue), or visit our outdoor spa lounge. Complete each day in one of our spacious rooms or suites, all of which open to a garden terrace or balcony.

We had a view of the main pool from our room and while I didn’t take a dip during my stay it was so tempting to in the balmy Johannesburg springtime. However, I did get my vitamin D by lounging on the terrace and enjoying the peacefulness.

The spa is such a highlight worth taking at least an hour or 2 to explore during your stay. As a hotel guest, you get access to the spa and enjoy the stunning outdoor area. I’ll get more into that later. Next to the spa, you’ll find a fully equipped gym for the fitness folk.

The Food

The options for food include the renowned fine-dining Flames restaurant, light main courses at Après-Spa as well as the extensive in-room dining menu. If you’re feeling like doing something a little more out of the ordinary, you can opt for one of their culinary experiences: the urban jungle culinary experience is a classic South African braai, the most exciting seat in the house involves getting to know your chef while enjoying food paired with an exclusive view of the city in The Cellar Door.

NB. My review of FLAMES restaurant will be live on 19 September, check back in then!

The Spa

As a hotel guest, you have access to stunning spa facilities.

The Westcliff is also home to Après-Spa – the only outdoor spa lounge in Johannesburg – where you can grab a lounge chair and make the most of the sunny skies and sweeping views of the city. There’s also a bar onsite for you to grab a drink or light bite to eat. The outdoor spa also has an adult-only 25-metre lap pool.

Overall impression

Overall, my stay at Four Seasons The Westcliff felt like an international getaway and I can’t believe it’s just 25 minutes from my house. While it is pricier than your standard hotel stay, it’s also worlds above in attention to detail and truly exudes luxury and world-class hospitality. I’ll no doubt be back for the famous Sunday brunch at Flames restaurant and will be back for another stay at the hotel when I’m celebrating a special occasion.

To book your stay or find out more about Four Seasons The Westcliff Johannesburg, check out their website.

Don't forget to check back in on 19 September for a review of Flames restaurant!