Check-in was a breeze with swift, helpful and genuinely friendly doormen ready to assist with valet parking and carrying our luggage, and reception smiling sweetly as we’re handed access cards, used to access certain floors of the hotel and unlock the room door. For travellers who arrive early, the hotel offers a business lounge, equipped computer and printing facilities and bathrooms amenities to accommodate the waiting period.
We journeyed up to our suite in the glass elevator, providing us with a glimpse into a world of splendour and breath-taking architecture. The renaissance architecture of the hotel is something of a masterpiece – Every detail, from the creatively positioned koi pond (complete with sculpture) to the romantic courtyard framed by archways spanning the entire seven stories of the hotel, and the spectacular infinity pool in the spa, reinforcing a feeling of romance and grandeur.
Our lovely executive suite was located on the third floor. Decadently adorned with luxurious carpeting, furniture that is both beautiful and functional, a Nespresso machine, two lavatories and two air-conditioning units, the suite offers abundant comfort, not to mention a killer view of the city. Outside our suite door we found ourselves immersed in world of sensory wonder, with an unusual (but very nice) outdoor feeling, as the rooms surround the enclosed picturesque courtyard – it’s what I would imagine it would be like to roam the cobblestone (or in this case, neatly tiled) streets of an Italian city. The fact that the hotel is on Mandela Square further enhances this sentiment as you wonder from one courtyard to the next (this time outdoors), and the bustle of the square surrounds the Madiba statue.
Further to my sensory reference, the spa and gym facilities are the perfect combination for making sure your wellness stays in tip-top shape. The spa offers a range of treatments (definitely make time for the neck, shoulder and back massage), as well as a rooftop lounging area complete with outdoor jacuzzi and shower, and a gloriously heated indoor infinity pool. The gym caters for most gym rats, with cardio equipment, a variety of weights and equipment and yoga balls.
Wellness is not the only thing on the agenda at the Michelangelo – with the hotel being a hub for international activity, it also offers a conference and event venue to cater for business seminars as well as personal functions. The L’Incontro venue, located on the ground level of the hotel, can also be subdivided into two rooms to accommodate a variety of events - everything from formal business conferences to the most beautiful weddings are comfortably executed.
Dinner and breakfast were at the Piccolo Mondo restaurant. Let me start off with saying that the service is impeccable – with every member of staff on duty making the patron their top priority, something I can appreciate.
The chef sent a pre-starter to our table to get us started, this consisted of avocado and mascarpone set on a sliver of brinjal – very different to anything I’ve ever tasted, my taste buds were a bit confused but happily so. For starters we ordered the popular 5 Spiced Duck Breast (Asian rubbed duck breast, glass noodles, broccoli, roasted cashew nuts and sweet sesame dressing) and the Oxtail Crème Caramel (braised oxtail savoury crème caramel, parmesan foam, crispy pulled oxtail salad and galette potatoes). Both were equally delicious, with the duck being the centre of the duck dish, allowing a succulent gamey flavour to dance around your mouth, while the oxtail dish was rich and decadent and perfect for a cold winter’s evening.
Our main course comprised the Pork Belly (braised pork belly, pulled pork open ravioli, sweet potato and apple dauphinoise and roasted apple jus) and the Butter Poached Crayfish (crayfish poached in sage infused butter, rice pilaff and almond snow peas). As amazing as the crayfish was, the pork belly took first place here – I’ve always been a fan of the dish, but this one surpassed any pork dish I’ve had to date. The different techniques that the pork was prepared added subtle differences and textures to the plate, and the sweet potato and apple dauphinoise (a traditional regional French dish based on potatoes and crème fraiche) was the perfect accompaniment.
Our pallet cleanser came in the form of a mixed berry sorbet – the perfect combination of sweet and sour – a delicately fresh burst of flavour. On to dessert – I opted for a slice of baked cheesecake served earlier in the day as part of the restaurant’s Lindt high tea, while my guest ordered the infamous Michelangelo Berry Crème Brulee (signature crème brulee, berry compote and berry salad). There’s no question that the crème brulee won hands down – I’m not a crème brulee person, but this one was to die for – with a production-like presentation of the beautifully appetizing pudding (complete with dry ice special effects), the custard-based dessert was the first that I’ve ever noticed was still warm when it arrived at the table, obviously just-made and oh-so-heavenly fresh. The Piccolo Mondo also offers an exquisite Lindt high tea on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as very popular gourmet evenings once a month.
Breakfast felt more like being invited to a special event, with a full buffet of warm breakfast foods, cereals, fruits and pastries as well as teas, coffee and fresh juices. We were also advised that if we don’t see something that we’d like, we could just place our order, sit back and relax while the chef prepares it for us.
After breakfast had fuelled us for the day ahead, we were ready (not really) to check out and head back home. From my experience, I can say that this African icon of status and splendour is very deserving of the fame it has gathered over its 20 years in existence, but it’s definitely more than the glitz and glamour you perceive – it’s a place where imagination and magic came together for me and sent me home richer for having stayed there.
The Legacy Group is more than a group of hotels; it also offers a loyalty programme in the form of Legacy Lifestyle which offers great benefits through brand affiliates, while the group also pays tribute to those affected by crime in South Africa through the Legacy Group’s CSI initiative, Legacy Pride, as well as Blow the Whistle and supports a number of other charity groups.
