Escape from reality for the jaded at the dazzling Hyatt
but by no means the only attraction. Before that, Dinna treated us to a favourite starter: crisp pork belly served with smoky chorizo popcorn and rich, sweet candied kumquats.
Dessert was equally exciting, with a medley of miniature sweet treats prepared specially for us in the “open” kitchen. Watching our food being prepared and our chef interacting with his staff enhanced the dining experience with a casual yet professional atmosphere.
The Hyatt has 244 executive suites and, though it places itself as a business hotel offering connectivity, conference facilities and an impressive gym, the décor throughout sets a tone of intimacy and luxury.
To boost its appeal, the hotel has recently opened a high-end cigar bar in the garden area, with an excellent menu and wine choice to complement what has become a niche pastime among many Joburgers.
At the launch, Dominican Republic cigar roller Luis Lopez was on hand to show us how each puff is created. The tobacco leaf is studied as to how it will wrap and roll to create an attractive front, free of veins and dark marks. This is where the label will be placed: an intricate, signature logo denoting the name… such as Robusto, Churchill, Imperial and Ambassador of the La Aurora cigar factory in the Dominican Republic.
Eddie Williams, a civil engineer who designed FNB stadium, is a regular at the Hyatt and a cigar aficionado. “You need to fire up the end of the torch before you even draw – this can take a few minutes.”
Williams showed us how to swirl the newly cut end of the fat, dark tobacco in regular circles to catch the bright flame and make sure it is lodged at the base of the index and middle finger. Warren Dreyer of JJ Cale Tobacconists said Gauteng accounts for 70 percent of the consumption of cigars in South Africa.
After a great night’s sleep, we again enjoyed the comfort of the OneNineOne for breakfast. We were surprised at how different the open-plan restaurant looked. What was a classic evening setting of dark shades lit with huge hanging pendants had been transformed into a lavender palette thanks to the sharp morning sun.
It was back to earth with a bump when we checked out later that day. We had managed to escape reality for 20 hours, spoilt with an over-sized bed, a glorious bathroom and all the luxurious extras one normally only experiences when travelling away from home. The jaded Joburger doesn’t need to go very far for a quick-fix.