Cool Spaces: Johannesburg Hotel

WORDS Katharyn Williams-Jaftha PRODUCTION Annemarie Meintjes IMAGES Dook


Fairlawns Boutique and Spa has been refurbished and taken to the next level of whimsical luxury.

Nestled in a lush garden on a quiet street in Morningside Manor, not far from the Sandton CBD, is the five-star Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa. In June 2016, managing director Michael Kewley embarked on a refurbishment of the 19-year-old establishment. It would see him transform a dozen suites, the bistro and the spa into contemporary, chic and luxuriously calming spaces in 12 weeks. “Before, everything was quite heavy and featured a lot of hand-painted technique,” says Michael. “The shabby-chic look was in 20 years ago. But we had to move on and start playing with a fresher feel.”

Instead of throwing everything out and starting from scratch, Michael had a lot of the antiques restored and brought in locally sourced collectibles as to add an eclectic touch to the new rooms. “I’ve taken the old, married it with the new and found a fusion between the decor styles,” he says. Michael drew inspiration from his travels and his love of Asia, but mostly from the fact that Fairlawns is known for its tranquil gardens. “You’ll see florals in the fabrics and real orchids and other plants; I had a lot of fun playing with botanicals. It was important for me to bring the outdoors in.”

Each suite is designed to take guests on a journey – to places such as France, Morocco  and Kenya, among others – and features a dramatic fireplace, a spectacular chandelier, plush furniture, quirky accessories and a grand bathroom. Every bath is different, something Michael says he had the most fun with. “I endeavoured to incorporate element  of surprise, so you’ll come around a corner and see something unusual, like an applegreen-style dresser, a pink spoonbill bird under a glass dome or the strawberry-daiquiri-coloured cake trolley we use for our tea parties, which all stand out in the most unusual areas, and you’ll ask yourself, ‘Why is that here?’” The intrigue doesn’t end there. Fairlawns’ Bali-themed spa features original Balinese tables, bamboo light fittings, wooden chimes that tinkle in the wind and traditional sandstone carvings on the walls – all imported from Indonesia.“The spa used to be very colourful and bright, but I’ve toned it down to be more natural, with a focus on the senses – water trickling over an oversized Buddha head in the treatment area, birds singing in the garden, mood lighting, relaxation pods and, of course, the calming scent of vanilla or lemongrass wafting through the space.”

Last but not least is the new Manor House Bistro, which leads out to a terrace that overlooks the garden. It’s just the place for high tea or al-fresco dining. Some of the playful touches are sugar bowls that look like owls, rabbits or horses; banana-leaf vases; and a flock of porcelain seagulls flying across the bar area. Fairlawns Hotel still has that stately ambience, but now with a touch of whimsy.

Book your stay via fairlawnshotel.co.za.