Decorating trees, singing carols, exchanging gifts and spending time with loved ones, there are so many reasons why ’tis the season to be jolly.
With Red, Green and & Gold the colours of Christmas, it’s no wonder the City of Gold is set to sparkle with amazing holiday festivities and celebrations.
Whether in Sandton for business or pleasure, there is so much to explore.
Managing Director of Legacy Hotels & Resorts, Paddy Brearley, unwraps his favourite places to stay, things to do and sure-fire ways to feel festive in and around Sandton.
The Riverclub Golf Club:
Rated as one of South Africa’s most exclusive and upmarket golf courses. To get a round on this green you need to be invited by a member, or go through the process of becoming a member yourself.
Established in 1967, designed by Bob Grimsdell and upgraded by Rob O’Friel in 1998, the par 71, 18-hole is fairly flat and offers some challenging dog-leg holes.
The course is 6 500m in length, offering a decent walk, although the clubhouse is never too far away. What better way to celebrate the festive season than enjoying a few ice-cold pints in the clubhouse, while enjoying the Club’s famed menu (don’t forget to try their bacon and peanut butter sandwiches!).
Sensational Spas:
It’s been a long year and you’ve earned the right to relax and indulge in pure bliss.
The Michelangelo Spa has amazing packages available for the festive season including the Celebration of Contessa package – a five-hour experience that includes a revitalising Babor facial, heavenly 60 minute massage, classic manicure and classic pedicure before enjoying lunch on the Spa’s beautiful sundeck.
The DAVINCI Hotel & Suites Spa is offering a festive package including a back, neck and shoulder massage, an express deep cleaning facial and hand and foot pressure point massage.
The Theatre on the Square:
Be captivated by the Theatre on the Square located on the Nelson Mandela Square. The 200-seater theatre is home to an array of outstanding productions including plays, musicals, lunch hour and children’s theatre, in addition to numerous corporate events, concerts, industrial theatre and a regular youth theatre training programme in the performing arts.
This festive season concert producer Anthony Yoko, in association with Daphne Kuhn proudly present their annual holiday show Christmas…
and all that JAZZ! This is truly a jazz concert with a difference, featuring the fabulous singer/entertainer Cat Simoni and her boys, comprising the American jazz pianist John Fresk with Graeme Currie on Double Bass and Tony Yoko on the drums plus special guests!
Dine Like A King:
Forget about burning roasts and washing dishes, three of the most renowned restaurants in Sandton – The Maximillien, Parc Ferme and Piccolo Mondo – have the most scrumptious Christmas set lunch menu prepared by their world-famous chefs, with all your favourite festive faire from turkey, gammon and lamb to Beef Wellington, baked line fish and authentically spiced Breyani.
Join phenomenal talent Andre Kempen – one of South Africa’s proficient pianists – at The Maximillien. Andre will be performing until December 15, again on Christmas Day, and thereafter from the 3 January.
The Maximillien also has entertainment lined up for News Year’s Eve with DJ Jerome delighting guests with his diverse style and taste of commercial music including House, Hip-Hop, RnB, Soul, Rock, Kwaito, 70’s, 80’s & 90’s and hits from the 21st century.
Parc Fermé’s New Year’s entertainment will see guests dancing the night away with smooth instrumental based band, East Rising.
Bill Harrop’s ‘Original’ Balloon Safaris:
A Legacy Lifestyle Rewards partner, Bill Harrop’s ‘Original’ Balloon Safaris has been operating as a legally licensed balloon Air Transport Service since 1981.
It is a family business run by Bill Harrop, his wife Mary, and daughter Sarah working in partnership with over 60 full time, part time, contract and casual staff.
Only qualified and experienced professional pilots are employed, and over five-thousand very happy passengers a year are testimony to their professional attitude in entertaining you to one of the most memorably enjoyable experiences of your life.
Bill runs a fleet of six large hot air balloons which can carry between two and eighteen passengers each. So whether it is a romantic balloon flight for two, or a party for 18 adventurers in one of the biggest balloons in the world, or a corporate adventure for 120 plus, Bill Harrop’s ‘Original’ Balloon Safaris is the preferred choice for safe, reliable, quality ballooning.
Get Back To Nature:
If you’re tired of city slicker life, spending a family day surrounded by nature might be exactly what your soul needs. Rietfontein Nature Reserve is about 24km north of the city in the small suburb of Paulshof.
This 25 hectare indigenous green space with its quartzite koppies evokes in all visitors a feeling of being in the country. There is also a beautiful 2.5km circular walking trail that is well maintained and provides a lovely pathway from which to sight the myriad birds that make this reserve home.
Some of the species you may see include little swifts, Cape glossy starlings, sacred ibis, southern masked weavers, rock pigeons, black-collared barbets, Cape robin-chats, mouse birds, greater-striped swallows, fiscal flycatchers and many more. Home to 16 hectares of incredible indigenous vegetation and lovely koppies, the Wilds is the perfect place to take the family for a fun day out.
Enjoy the beauty of nature with infinite flora, fauna and bird life. With running waterfalls and fountains, it provides a gentle respite from the nearby inner city suburbs. At the peak of The Wilds is a sundial that marks a wonderful city skyline view.
Sandton City:
Sandton City is a one-of-a-kind premier fashion and leisure destination. It’s an energetic hub of Afro-cosmopolitan glamour – international shopping with South African flair.
Whether you’re helping look for a present for your little one, needing a new pair of heels for your Christmas office party, or wanting a selection of mouth-watering treats for hungry Christmas visitors, Sandton City has you covered.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to take the kids, Nickelodeon in the City sing-alongs take place daily at Sandton City Checkers Court at 10 am, 1pm, 4pm and 6pm.
Visitors can also join in three daily meet-and–greet sessions, where youngsters can take a picture with their favourite TV character and entrance is free.
With live performances from Dora and Friends, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the pups from Paw Patrol, Nickelodeon in the City takes over Sandton City’s Checker’s Court in the perfect countdown to the big day.
