DURBAN
The
Oyster Box
2
Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga Rocks; 031 514 5000
The Oyster Box
This
luxurious hotel, with amazing views over the ocean, is all about old-school
glamour. There are three bars to relax in and enjoy – Chukka Bar, Lighthouse
Bar and, our favourite, Oyster Bar.
Spotted A getaway fit for royalty, the
hotel has hosted a number of royals including Her Serene Highness Princess
Charlene of Monaco, Prince Albert II, Prince William and Prince Harry, as well
as fashion royalty, Naomi Campbell.
What to
wear Something nautical, a large hat and dark sunglasses.
When to
go Many say any time of the year is the best time of year in Umhlanga, but we think it’s best to give the peak periods
in Decem and January a miss.
What not
to do Don’t sunbathe topless. We suggest classy flats over rubber
slip-slops – save those for the beach.
Larney’s Café
Gateway
Theatre of Shopping F223, Umhlanga Rocks, 031 566
3410; larneys.co.za
Neil Roake’s trendy Italian espresso bar next to the Cinema
Nouveau is perfectly positioned for arty types who want to enjoy great coffee
before catching a show. It’s laid-back with cheeky décor and funky music.
Spotted Her
Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco, plus many local celebs.
What to
wear To appeal to the arty crowd, avoid anything too tight,
sequined or attention-seeking.
When to
go It’s open from
8.30am daily and closes at 7pm on Sunday, 8pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30pm on
Friday and Saturday.
Your order
Coffee, of course, with something sweet and indulgent.
What not
to do Don’t expect to spot celebrities the first time you go.
Become a regular and you’ll soon see a familiar face or two.
JOHANNESBURG
Neighbourgoods Market
72 Juta Street, Braanfontein;
neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za
Neighbourgoods Market
This
Saturday morning market is one of Jo’burg’s favourite weekend outings.
Spotted Flash Republic’s Tamara Dey, three-piece rock band Shadowclub,
and Chiano Sky.
What to
wear Dress down in
cool floral dresses or high-waisted shorts, fedora
hats and ankle boots. Don’t forget your Wayfarers.
When to
go It’s open every Saturday from 9am to 3pm but the best time
for celeb spotting is from lunchtime onwards.
Your
order Sample the
local produce from the market and sip on &Union craft beer.
What not
to do Don’t give up if you struggle to find parking and, if you do
spot a famous face, do not act like a groupie.
SAXON
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
36 Saxon
Road, Sandhurst, 011 292 6000; thesaxon.com
Saxon Boutique Hotel
This hotetl is as excusive as it gets. Each room comes with its
own butler, the spa is luxurious and the gardens are beautiful.
Spotted This is where former president
Nelson Mandela worked on his autobiography, Long
Walk to Freedom. It is also rumoured to be where
Oprah Winfrey makes herself at home when she visits SA. Other guests have
included Bill Clinton and Charlize Theron.
What to
wear Make an effort
but don’t go over the top. The Saxon is not about showing off.
When to
go Any day, any time.
Your
order Dine like a
star in the kitchen at the chef’s table with its crisp linen and crystal ware,
off a menu created especially for you.
What not
to do Speak loudly. Think tranquillity.
PIGALLE
MELROSE ARCH
Shop
HL48, High Level Street, 011 481 6000; pigallerestaurants.co.za
It’s all
about sophistication and glamour, luxurious de1cor and delicious food.
Spotted Kim and Khloé
Kardashian dined here when visiting SA last year.
What to
wear A cocktail dress with a pair of heels.
When to go Dinner.
Your order
The Pigalle Platter, a delicious combo of prawns and
langoustines.
The fillet is good too.
What not
to do Try not to
take pictures using a flash, it’ll ruin the glamour.
TASHAS
LE PARC
Upper
Level, Hyde Park Shopping Centre, 011 325 5008; tashas.co.za
Tashas Le Parc
Enjoy a
Parisian-style courtyard with its bakery, patisserie and ice cream.
Spotted Jo’burg girls Lee-Ann Liebenberg and Jen Su.
What to
wear Keep it casual and chic, although you can get away with
flats if you insist.
When to go
Brunch, lunch or dinner.
Your
order The eggs are delicious, but if you feel like something
sweet, try the gorgeous patisseries.
What not
to do No tantrums
in the queue: the wait will be well worth it.
THE
SANDS
58 Wierda Road East, Sandton, 072
340 0091
Reminiscent
of a Las Vegas poolside bar but with a Jo’burg twist
plus hip hop, house and Afro-pop beats.
Spotted Bonang, rapper AKA, The Twins Hlelo
and Ntando Masina, L-Tido, actress Samkelo Ndlovu and American R&B sensation Trey Songz.
What to
wear Go big, go
bling. Wear your heels and dare to go body-con.
When to go
Every Sunday night for their Sunset Boulevard parties.
Your
order Champagne and
cocktails.
What not
to do You won’t get away with ordering J.C. Le Roux here.
THE POLO
LOUNGE AT THE WESTCLIFF HOTEL
67 Jan
Smuts Avenue, 011 481 6000; westcliff.co.za
Tea in the “Polo Lounge”
This luxury
hotel overlooks the city and Jo’burg Zoo.
Spotted
Sting, Robbie Williams, U2, Pharrell Williams,
Richard Branson, Snoop Dogg, David Gray, Mariah Carey
and Will Smith.
What to
wear Your designer jeans and a laid-back sweater or jersey.
When to go
Afternoon tea or cockyails.
Your order Enjoy delicious afternoon tea with
a selection of scones, cakes and finger sandwiches.
What not
to do If you cosy up inside, don’t
forget to admire the view.
