Johannesburg, Joburg, Jozi – these are all the names of the city that actually stands as my first love. Is it even possible to be in love with a city? To feel so passionate about it that you’d defend it to the death in a street fight? Well, that’s how I legitimately feel about this place. And like any love, it has its flaws and messy parts and slip-ups, but it’s never changed how I feel about ‘here’.

So with that little snippet about the intimate relationship I share with this city, you can only imagine how excited I was when firstly it was announced that a major international hotel brand was making a major investment in developing what was already a Jo’burg icon, The Westcliff. And then secondly, the fact that they threw down a proudly-Jozi-centric video about the destination that focused on the INNER CITY. Not the ridiculous circus that is Sandton or the drawcards that are the shopping malls or the gated suburbs. It was a celebration of the streets and heartbeat of my first love. Like a proud girlfriend, I watched as this major hotel chain decided to show off the rough edges and super chic aspects of my lover simultaneously.

I was invited to spend a night being absolutely spoilt at the Four Seasons Johannesburg last week and to be honest, what a spoil it was! My visit began with a walk around the property as the sun was heading towards the horizon. I had last visited The Westcliff (which has been completely transformed) a few months before it closed, but at that time, the only thing going for it was the view. Both the restaurants options, the service and the general look of the place was in serious need of some TLC. The view is just as spectacular as it has always been, but with the added flair of finesse of the Four Seasons’ touches, it was impossible not to fall in love with the hotel all over again. Here are my top favourite things about the hotel:

My room

I hardly ever write about rooms. For me, a bed is usually a bed, but this was another level room. The Four Seasons Johannesburg’s beds are specifically-designed for the hotel chain and are basically like a cloud had sex with a marshmallow and then sprawled itself out for the lucky humans that get the chance to experience this love child. Seriously, it’s that good. The bathrooms, although I didn’t take a photo, are absolutely massive, and scream opulence. For me, the small touches made the rooms. For instance, the tray of macarons that were waiting for me (Move over Lauderee) and thoughful touches like the USB charging ports on the desk. Plus, the view from my bed was every bit as glorious as you can imagine.

The View

Well yes, the view, but the View too! This is the fine dining restaurant that sits atop the hotel, looking down over my kingdom of Jozi. We enjoyed an incredible meal that blended a great selection of fresh seafood, the rich flavours of French food and some innovative fusion. The tables are set simply, the service is relaxed yet efficient and of course, the view out of the restaurant ain’t half bad either. I wish I had written down everything that I ate (I usually do), but I was having such a great time with my fellow travel bloggers that it sorta slipped my mind. An indication of how great it was perhaps? This is fine dining at its best, the price tag is… significant… but I’d actually be comfortable to pay it for a very special occasion, perhaps the next time I turn 30 even.

The Spa

There is absolutely nothing better than an impeccable spa within a hotel. This is certain not to disappoint. I enjoyed one of the Spa’s signature massage treatments, but I’m not going to put up too much about this because I’m heading back for Global Wellness Day and will need to do the Spa justice with a standalone review.

Breakfast

Other than the fact that it’s the most important meal of the day, breakfast done right can make or break a stay at any hotel for me. The Westcliff used to do these crazy, opulent breakfasts and then it all fell apart towards the end. I’m so frikkin’ happy that Four Seasons Johannesburg has brought back the elegance and creativity that belongs in such an incredible breakfast setting, Flames restaurant. This experience made me so happy and I’ll definitely be heading back for special breakfasts with my mom and friends in the near future.

Westcliff Deli

This is one of the best surprises about the ‘new Westcliff’. This small deli, that can be accessed right off the street, serves delicious pastries, sandwiches, quiche, cake and salads throughout the day between 06:00 and 20:00. The prices are reasonable for the quality you’re getting (about R70 for a salad prepared freshly in front of you) and the ambience makes this a great spot for a quick bite or to take clients and friends out for lunch when in the area. Do it, if only for the Mille Feuille.

The decor

The hotel is filled with beautiful artworks, prints, sculptures and generally-amazing finishes. This is a decorator’s dream and worth the trip to the hotel just to see all the small touches, as well as the large ones.

My stay at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg was by their invitation, as with all my posts, editorial control remains with me.