When the hustle and bustle of life gets too much, there is always a peaceful sanctuary to retire to within the city

St Andrews Boutique Signature Hotel & Spa in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, opened its doors less than six months ago and already it has become a sought after venue for business executives and out-of-towners looking to explore the city. By Denise Mhlanga

It is located close to the highway, the city, Sandton and the O R Tambo International Airport. Guests are treated to the beautiful view of the Gillooly’s Lake while relaxing either in the comfort of their rooms or the lush Zen garden.

Being a signature hotel, attention to detail is very pronounced in the décor in each of its rooms, all have stone or gem names ranging from Diamond, Pearl and Tanzanite. Tadej Peric, the general manager of St Andrews says instead of buying a whole lot of furniture for its current functioning 16 rooms, décor and furniture in each of the rooms was carefully thought of adding all the little luxuries to resonate with its signature style.

Of the 16 rooms, three are different from the others as they open from the outside with their own private entrance, a marvellous Gillooly’s Lake giving guests the much needed privacy.

The Pearl room has a bath in the middle of the room, with bright yet elegant colours chosen for the décor. The décor differs from each of the rooms giving each room character and energy of its own.

The hotel will add 30 more rooms in June and it caters for conferences, small intimate parties, wedding venues and targets corporate personnel, high profile people who prefer privacy and luxury without being in Sandton.

Peric says the superior suites have been specially decorated to suit the needs of the busy traveller. The rooms are spacious, and sport an Afro- Chic style with opulent yet minimal intriguing décor. The three storey hotel has been constructed with a green philosophy which includes eco-friendly air conditioning, underfloor heating and a chemical-free pool.

The conference room caters for 30 people and the rooms have personal work stations and 24 hour wireless internet connection. Trent’s restaurant in the hotel accommodates up to 60 people for fine dining and up to 80 when buffet is served. The burgundy colour décor creates a relaxing ambience for dinners in the restaurant.

Chef Rico Carlinsky prepares innovative South African cuisine and says his food always compliments the main dish and brings out natural flavours.

Speaking of spa guests, he says they are health conscious so dishes such as smoked chicken salad, seafood pasta and beef fillet are popular spa lunch dishes. After my spa treatment, I was treated to a delicious meal with a starter of prawns served with aromatic herbs, yoghurt and chilli, with an oriental twist on the palate. The main course, was rock cod with Chinese noodles, courgette spaghetti, Cape Malay curry sauce and sun dried tomatoes.

For day visitors and hotel guests who need pampering, the Healing Earth Spa has a selection of treatments to soothe both body and mind. The spa takes a holistic approach to restoring the natural balance between body, mind and soul through the use of organic skin and body care products. Spa manager, Marelise Lamont explains that all spa products used contain no artificial colours, chemicals or other harmful ingredients.

Healing Earth spa is decorated in earthy colours such as browns to resonate with their natural healing concepts. It has single treatment rooms for guests who need absolute privacy and offers double treatment rooms for couples.

Treatments begin with the signature welcoming ritual which is designed to encourage relaxation and grounding with African techniques, such as Egyptian Midline foot pressure and Body Palming.

It offers a variety of treatments including facial hydrating treatment, glow and radiance facial, Pinotage Rituals, organic hand and foot touch, reflexology and manicures among others. During my visit to the spa, I was treated to a 90 minute long Healing Earth Signature Massage, the Pure Being Body Balance. This unique massage is designed to assist with body detoxification, reduce the feelings of lethargy and tiredness and reduce tension headaches and stress levels.

With the luxury accommodation, the decadent food served at Trent’s restaurant and unforgettable spa experience, there is every reason to visit to St Andrews Boutique Signature Hotel & Spa. For further information, contact (011) 453 4242 or visit www.st-andrewshotel.co.za

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