FUSION BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Luxury in the heart of Polokwane
Pulling up to the gates of the Fusion Boutique Hotel was not exactly what we expected. If you have ever been to Polokwane, you will know that seeing a modern, five-star hotel that is all glass and rustic metal is slightly confusing. The hotel is starkly juxtaposed with its surroundings, making Fusion a sight for sore eyes, rising out of the dust.
The entrance hall of the hotel gives guests a tantalising glimpse into the stunning architecture and decor of the hotel – the room is filled with pieces made of glass, metal and wood. The surfaces are all immaculately shined, with vases full of fresh flowers and orchids, making the reception feel like a high-class, luxury conservatory.
Our bags were collected from the car with an old-school luggage trolley in tarnished gold, and seamlessly transported to our rooms. We were greeted with a flute of freshly brewed, fruity ice-tea and a cool towel, as it was stiflingly warm outside. Welcomed and refreshed, we headed upstairs to rest our weary eyes and aching muscles; we were exhausted after spending six hours in the car.
To say that the rooms looked like something fresh out of a Russian, prerevolution palace is no exaggeration. Every aspect of our room was opulent – a gilded hint to the true luxury of the hotel experience. The beds were comfy and soft, made of the finest cotton, with very high-quality pillows, which made for an exceptionally restful sleep. The bedside tables were chandeliers. Genuinely, there were small chandeliers that hung on long velvet chords on both sides of the bed. Our room also featured a balcony, a big mahogany desk, a Nespresso machine, and a mini-bar stocked according to your personal tastes and preferences. Their TV channel selection also left nothing to be desired – DSTV was installed and guests have access to all of the channels.
The bathroom featured a stand-alone bath tub, surrounded by smooth, white pebbles that provided the perfect oasis after a long day. The bath salt and bubble bath had an exceptionally relaxing scent, and to be perfectly honest, it was a fight to get out of the bath – even with the promise of food, which usually works a treat with me. If you are not a bath person, as strange as I think that is, there is also a spacious rain shower and a double sink in every bathroom. It was all made of soft-orange marble, with big, backlit mirrors.
Once dressed for dinner, after hauling myself out of the rejuvenating bath, we all met up in the dining room. Decorated in a similar style to the rest of the hotel, the restaurant brings in a much more pronounced, contemporary feel. Natural elements were brought in to accompany the décor and they even featured a wall covered in framed, tarnished mirrors.
We were seated in a private room, suddenly ravenous, and served wine and water. Our waiter explained the menu, and after we quizzed him about which dishes he would choose. We ordered starters for the table to share, and when they arrived, we promptly tucked into beef Carpaccio and juicy prawns. For mains we selected prawn curry, vegetable-stuffed chicken, and a pan-fried sole dish. All of the meals were fresh and flavourful, with the pleasant addition of having a glass of wine that paired exceptionally well with my chicken dish. I may not have indulged myself, but my travel companions raved about the dessert selection of Fusion.
The morning meal spread was extensive, with the added bonus of a hot breakfast being available to order. We selected the Eggs Benedict and tucked into the most perfectly poached eggs. The platters of fresh fruit added a beautiful pop of colour to the image, and we left the room stuffed to our ears – ready for the road ahead.
Fusion is also the perfect place for a conference event – their state-of-the-art conferencing centre can accommodate as little as 10, and as many as 250 employees and stakeholders. The hotel’s Apprentice Ballroom is also available for weddings and other event functions – all of which will be hosted in style, and treated to the highest level of service from the Banqueting Team.
Staying at Fusion Boutique Hotel is like finding a little piece of heaven in the dusty areas surrounding Polokwane. For more information or to make a booking, visit www.fusionboutiquehotel.co.za.
“In the heart of Polokwane sits Fusion Boutique Hotel, an oasis of sophistication and elegance.”