Fairlawns Boutique Hotel sports new, contemporary look

According to its managing director, Michael Kewley, “Fairlawns was one of the first five-star boutique hotels to be opened in Johannesburg. It has grown from a staff complement of 13 to just over 100 today. Originally the Oppenheimer Estate, Fairlawns still exudes a park-like ambience with huge trees and prolific birdlife, but now boasts 40 suites, a presidential spa apartment, two restaurants, a Balinese spa, a conference centre and a fitness centre.”

Kewley opted to retain most of the hotel’s antiques and furniture but these have been given a fresh transformation with paint and rich, luxurious fabrics.

Restaurants and cuisine

The Manor House Bistro is the new all-day, a la carte restaurant featuring rich velvet touches, intricate and bold tiles, and a unique Strawberry Daiquiri Cake Trolley inspired by The Ritz in London. Amuse-Bouche, the property’s flagship restaurant features modern cuisine prepared in Africa with a French influence in a spectacular fine dining setting. Both restaurants overlook the rolling green lawns and are open to the public to enjoy.

Fairlawn’s “Into the Woods” 12-seater private dining area features huge glass windows which overlook the hotel’s immaculately manicured garden. The outside is brought inside through ceiling to floor wallpaper depicting a green Birchwood forest.

An oasis of calm

The Balinese spa is an oasis of calm. It now features a new unisex sauna, mood lighting in the treatment rooms and a new manicure and pedicure lounge. The spa has also introduced a ‘Tan Can’ and offers Clarins as a product.

Conference centre

At Fairlawn’s conference centre, more relaxed furnishings have been introduced. “We have noticed that our conference delegates prefer plush armchairs and couches instead of the usual formal seating arrangements,” says Kewley.

The conference centre has taken a more modern stance. It has been fitted with latest conference technology, the majority of the furniture is also new, with some key items upcycled for the new space. The landing area has also been refurbished, making for a refreshing cocktail experience between breaks for delegates.

The suites

The 40 suites at Fairlawns each have a different theme and have been named accordingly. For example, The Africa Suite is now called ‘Savannah’ and features cork walls and raw metals - a modern take on afro-chic. The Empire suite is now known as ‘Azzura’ due to the beautiful blue shades used throughout the suite.

Further upgrades

“We are currently upgrading the gardens and pool area. The upgrade will be completed later this year, just in time for the launch of our Mad Hatters tea parties and Spring picnics, Lazy Days and Lawn Blankets. There, guests can enjoy private gazebos, croquet, picnic blankets and a harvest table the last Sunday of every month,” says Kewley.

Kewley concludes: “We look forward to welcoming guests – returning and future – to our sanctuary in the city. We have no doubt that they will be delighted with our evolution.”