By Mari Sciarappa, Project Consultant Monique Lombard, Property Co-ordinator Jay van der Westhuizen, Photography Nic Baleta
Fourteen years ago, a 26 hectare piece of land in Fourways had quite a popular driving range on it. Golfers would pivot their feet and hips in the classic golf swing and get some much needed fresh air. Now, that land lends itself to a different kind of pivot – one that takes the form of a lavish Italian-inspired hotel.
The addition of this upmarket hotel, conference centre and office block development that now expands the already famous Monte Casino began in September 2008. Three years later, the magnificent venue is a Venetian sensation for tourists and guests, offering not only a pampering stay, but access to some wonderful amenities and activities for the entire family.
Some of the great things that you could do here include visiting the bird gardens, the reptile park within the garden, enjoying a few hours at the world-class casino, a highly entertaining theatre, and a movie house with one of the largest cinema screens in South Africa. Spoilt for choice is perhaps a very big understatement. Evidently, just fewer than one million people visit Monte Casino each month, and the facilities serve only to emphasise this.
The five-storey, four-star hotel also has a world-class kitchen, which was “inspired by Italian, Mediterranean and Arabic tastes that have influenced Venetian cuisine, and Punchinellos showcases Southern Sun’s culinary talents, while reflecting the prominent theme of the interconnection between food and dreams”, says regional chef, David van Staden. “The restaurant’s unique open kitchen emphasises this and reinforces our objective for creating a connection with our customers.”
The bedrooms are decorated with chic elegance, bearing only comfort in mind, from ground to ceiling. The Venetian themes echo throughout the hotel, from the bar area to the lounges, the magnificent lighting effects, and even in the wrought and cast iron decorative components and balustrades, implemented by Pas Classic Steel.
The 194-room Southern Sun hotel is perfectly positioned to meet the increased demand for accommodation, as South Africa’s tourism industry booms.
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