SMOKE THE COMPETITION
In a sea of sameness, the Ivy stands out with several fabulous twists. By Elizabeth Sleith
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
There’s a man in a black suit, with the cord of an ear-piece coiling behind his neck. Bodyguard vibes, standing in front of a short bridge. Just next to him, a wistful figure with rusted hair seems to be coming unravelled in the wind. The Burning Man says nothing — it is a sculpture after all. But The Bodyguard takes my name and waves me on.
There is a porter in a bowler hat to take my bag, and a pencil-skirted hostess holding aloft a glass of champers in the shiny lobby. Ready for check-in? I am indeed.
THE SPIEL
The Ivy Villa Hotel and Spa opened this month in Strathavon, a handy spot for Joburg visitors since it’s close to the M1 highway and the Sandton CBD.
It’s a self-proclaimed five-star hotel with 24 “grand luxe” rooms and 20 “grand king” suites. It is also home to a Camelot Spa, and Joburg’s only Reuben’s Restaurant & Bar, where celeb chef Reuben Riffle oversees the breakfast, lunch and supper menu, often with an Asian and Cape Malay twist. Riffle himself is not often there — he has two other Cape restaurants, after all, but he will put in the odd appearance and has trusted people wielding the knives — a sort of “teach a man to fillet a fish” type situation.
Shopping heaven Nelson Mandela Square is just over 2km away, and the hotel offers a free shuttle for guests, leaving every two hours with stops at the square and the Rosebank Mall.
WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE
Despite all that city buzz outside, you wouldn’t know it once you’re in. The layout is reminiscent of a highend townhouse complex, with double-storey buildings painted in soft greys. They’re connected inside by quiet corridors and stairwells; outside by gravel paths, ponds and secret courtyards. There is also an abundance of plant life and trickling fountains, justifying the Ivy’s claim of being “a nature-inspired sanctuary” and an “urban escape”.
A CAUTION
If you like the website hype with terms like “luxurious” and “elegant”, you may feel a tad let down by what your electronic key card lets you in on.
My “executive suite” was roomy, comfy and practical — with a desk and a hairdryer and a TV and wifi that works — but the pod shower, wedge of balcony, and even the microwave in the kitchenette seem much more befitting of a perfectly ordinary business hotel. MD Marc Wachsberger puts this down to the property’s history. The Capital group, a specialist in corporate hotels and business apartments, bought it as a
“hangover from the World Cup” in 2013 and ran it for a few years as the Capital Moloko, a business hotel.
It was only recently that they decided to reposition it as what Wachsberger calls “an anti-business hotel”. The rooms were refurbished with new carpets and linens and such, but the real thrills are beyond.
WHY IT’S COOL
Well, firstly because of that “antibusiness hotel” thing. Calm down CEOs, it’s not that you’re not welcome. It’s just that rather than going for unprovocative and non-descript, the Ivy sticks its neck out with a point of view. As Wachsberger elaborated: “We’re all about personality and experiences”.
Firstly, there are the dogs. Resident Great Danes Duke and Gigi live on the property, and are often to be found lazing on a giant bed outside reception. Unusually, the Ivy is dog-friendly for guests too, with welcome packs for pooches and pet-sitters on call. If you hate dogs, go elsewhere. These dogs are so integral they have their own Instagram account (@theivydanes).
Then there’s the art. No bland landscapes or unfathomable abstracts here. Actually, it’s also a gallery, where the creations of sculptor Anton Smit abound, some looming large in open spaces, others tucked away, surprises waiting in the details on a wall or around a corner. Mainly human, many of his figures have their faces turned heavenward, eyes closed, serene smiles, as if surrendering to some secret ecstasy — a gentle reminder, dear guest, for you to do the same while you’re here. Surrender.
Revel in the service: there is a team of butlers at your beck and call — and they are reachable 24/7 via WhatsApp. Treat yourself in the cigar lounge. Get a massage. What the Ivy may lack in over-the-top room flourishes it more than compensates for if you like your travels quirky, but still coddling.
By January 2020, they will add the villas, with splash pools and personal butlers. But even now, it should appeal just as much to tourists passing through Jozi en route to their safaris as it does to fancy-pants business types. Just do pat the dogs.
Sleith was a guest of The Ivy.