Find peace from city buzz

SERENITY: AN INTIMATE AND ELEGANT HOTEL HIDDEN IN THE QUIET SUBURB OF MORNINGSIDE IN SANDTON

When in need of tranquillity, head to Faircity Falstaff.

Just a stone’s throw away from the busy and extremely lively Sandton city, nestled in the peaceful area of the commercial and residential suburb of Johannesburg, Morningside, is a hotel that provides the true epitome of serenity, a space that allows one a sense of calmness, enabling one to relax, escape the nine-to five buzz and just be.

Driving through the gates that open slowly from both sides is an attention to detail I think was deliberately implemented, rather than the usual gates that open in one direction. I thought to myself “nice touch”, feeling like I’m entering a space that will grant me the most peace for the weekend.

After being politely directed to the reception area, the sound of birds and the cool breeze of Joburg was all my senses could enjoy. Pleasant, I must add.

And then the smile that brightened my day even more appeared: efficient as ever, the receptionist checked me in promptly, and offered to take my luggage to the room, as I was starting to enjoy the stylishly decorated reception area with its vintage look.

The décor, that is not too far from homes that most of us have lived in, provides familiarity and allowed me to feel further relaxed.

Walking up the stairs to the deluxe room that was to be my home during my stay, I couldn’t help but notice the green around me. “Home sweet home,” I whispered as I walked into the room that was furnished with mostly wooden furniture that look like it was bought ages ago.

Taking off my shoes and experiencing the soft carpet I wish to have in my house one day when money allows, I threw myself on the big comfy bed, covered in soft white sheets. Pure comfort, I kid you not.

Laying there I noticed the

earthly green curtains that forced me to touch it – and the material was not a disappointment at all. The luxurious curtains gave the room just the right amount of lavish feel it required, and the snug two chairs in front of the bed allowed the area to have enough room to move around.

Just when I was about to explore the balcony, I remembered that I had requested a hotel shuttle to Sandton City, and dashed out to find it waiting. The trip was pleasant and the driver proficient, making the drop off and pick-up easy. In no time I was back at the hotel.

Before heading to dinner, I thought: “Why not take a long warm bath first?” Tucking oneself in that big bathtub is a luxury any woman deserves once in a while – and there I was enjoying the bubbles, drying myself with a heated towel and slipping into the soft white gown hanging on the side of the bathtub.

After putting some decent clothes on, dinner was served, and the beauty of the dining area matched the palatable taste of the food nicely. Simplicity is one word that can describe this side of the hotel.

Though there is a lot of antique pieces used to decorate the space, nothing about the décor or food is overdone.

It is just perfect, with the easy-to-understand menu, a bartender who is generous with drinks, and a cook that serves just the right portion of delicious food. Rump steak, mash potato and red wine sauce are what I enjoyed.

Back at the room, it only made sense to relax on the balcony and enjoy a mojito and a cheese platter.

Appreciating the sound of silence and looking at the sparkling pool downstairs was just what I needed for the night. Stress-free and with no distractions, I could clearly see the beauty of the hotel; 33 standard rooms, three executive rooms and five deluxe rooms of beauty and elegance – an environment one needs to experience to explain.