Romance doesn’t always mean Victorian-style furniture and canopied beds (although some of these romantic places to stay in Johannesburg do just that!), romance also comes as refined, understated elegance.
And so we’ve handpicked a mix of romantic places to stay in Johannesburg that ooze romantic idyll, nostalgia and charm for those of you for whom an escape cannot be less than a liaison; an affair of the heart.
The most romantic places to stay in Johannesburg…
Winston Hotel, Sandton
Whoever decorated the Winston knows a thing or two about the effect of understated colour – the hotel is just the right blend of modern colonial and contemporary for one’s heart to lift and one’s senses to expand.
It’s Romance from start to finish. Choose from French Boudoir or English Country when it comes to your choice of room, which all come with teak floors, high ceilings and en-suite bathrooms.
Morrells Manor House, Northcliff
Indulgence is the only word we could think of to describe your Morrells Manor experience. There is a play on French sophistication, luxurious period pieces with a gentle colour swatch and elegant communal spaces.
The gardens are beautiful, and the Cape Dutch homestead perfect for the spacious, light-filled rooms that contribute to the lavish experience.
Aquanzi Lodge, Fourways
The honeymoon rondavels at Aquanzi Lodge are a welcome surprise with their African flair and attention to detail – with elegant four-corner mosquito nets and Persian rugs over cool tiles.
Attractive too is the rich bird life, despite being close to the major centres of Bryanston, Midrand, Rivonia and Sandton.
Foxwood House, Sandton
It’s the ancient trees, thick foliage and hidden garden paths of gardens nigh on 100 years of age that are the real attraction at Foxwood House.
That and the beautiful manor house and peaceful and opulent room options that include garden suites, a theatre and a private restaurant. Definitely romance here.
Burkleigh House, Randburg
The large sun-filled veranda that opens out onto lush lawns and an acre of gardens is an attractive addition to French-style, understatedly elegant, bedrooms that combine period furniture, gentle touches of colour, and modern finishings.
A mahogany cupboard in the dining room is believed to have belonged to Cecil John Rhodes.
Lethabo Estate, Lanseria
You want to reserve the Rock Pool’s master bedroom ASAP for its bedside fireplace, period furniture, artwork and candles. It flows out onto a wide wooden deck to a private rock pool and Koi pond water feature with wrap-around views of the whole reserve.
There’s also a jacuzzi with its own glass ceiling through which you can see the night sky.
De Hoek Country Hotel, Magaliesberg
It doesn’t matter which of the luxury suite options you choose at De Hoek Country Hotel because the combination of the attention to detail and the magnificent grounds work their charm on you, regardless.
Michael Holenstein’s food, with an emphasis on French cuisine, is excellent, as is the wine selection.
Q on First Guest house, Parktown North
There is something about the understated colour palette and emphasis on your experience, rather than the furnishings, that makes Q on First romantic, in a quiet kind of way.
Eight of the rooms overlook the treed garden, whilst you may want to take a closer look at the presidential and executive suites for decadence.
Phefumula Country Retreat, Maanhaarrand
These romantic little cottages lie in amongst the Magaliesberg hills, their carefully decorated rug-strewn floors and fireside open-plan layout perfect for country-style downtime.
There is little to disturb your weekend away from it all.
Accolades, Midrand
The Bridal suite at Accolades is perfect for romance and aptly named, if you’re after a couple of days with no disturbance at all.
The other eleven suites also offer plenty of style and romance.
Annabel’s of Bryanston
You might be in the heart of Sandton, but Annabel’s rooms are airy, large and individually decorated to give you a sense of privacy that the lush gardens only add to.
You’ve got private entrances, four-poster beds, and communal areas to use, or not, as you choose.
Peech Hotel, Melrose
This trendy ‘chic’ boutique hotel has only 16 bedrooms and suites and its own Bistro (which means you need never leave the premises) for a contemporary take on romance set in amongst trees and an indigenous garden.
The splashes of colour, mosaic tiles and wallpaper add to the retro, modern feel but do nothing to diminish the romance.
Budmarsh Lodge, Magaliesberg
You’re not going to want to spend terribly much time in your bedroom, despite the antique furniture, jacuzzis and fireplaces, what with picnics on the lawns, high tea under the oaks and the gardens.
Dinners here are apparently an experience.
