After my recent stay at The Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg, South Africa, I understand exactly why it has such an exceptional reputation. Every detail, from the welcome drink to the moment I left, was carefully thought through and elegant.
Location: This hotel is the ideal option for both leisure and business. While it’s located in the business capital of South Africa—Johannesburg— it truly is an “urban oasis”. Being originally from Johannesburg, I can say the stunning, panoramic views from atop the hillside make it feel as though you’ve escaped the city and entered serene nature.
The gardens on the property are exquisite, with every type of flower—from brightly colored bougainvillea to elegant roses and expertly clipped topiary. A visit to the rose garden, filled with hundreds of roses—the chef of Flames restaurant’s personal favorite spot—overlooking a beautiful canopy of urban trees, is perfect for moments of calm. I highly recommend an afternoon stroll there during the summer months when the roses are in full bloom.
Luxurious Rooms: The 80 (soon to be 117) guest rooms and suites are spread across nine hillside villas. They carry the charm of the property’s origins as private residences, with a spacious, homelike feel and balconies—both private and shared—that open onto panoramic 240-degree views of Johannesburg’s high-rise skyline.
I always love a good pair of hotel slippers, and these were honestly the best I’ve ever worn. The bathroom in my suite was luxurious, with two basins, a deep soaking bath, a spacious shower, and plenty of hanging space.
The mattresses are custom-made for The Four Seasons, and after sleeping on one, I could tell—I haven’t slept that well in a long time. A lovely touch is that each suite also has embroidered pillows, handcrafted by local artisans.
Wellness & Spa: As expected, The Four Seasons Hotel The Wescliff offers state-of-the-art wellness facilities, including a gym with TechnoGym equipment that stays open 24/7, a sauna and steam room, a temperature-regulated lap pool, and a fantastic spa. Above the spa is the city’s only outdoor spa lounge, Après-Spa, overlooking the pool—the perfect spot to relax and order something light to eat between treatments.
I especially enjoyed alternating between the sauna and steam room, cooling off at the specially designed ice station in between sessions.
A thoughtful touch in the gym was the refreshment station, complete with cool scented towels, bottled still and sparkling water, fresh fruit, and even homemade protein bars. Small details like these made the experience feel personal and indulgent.
Dining: One of the most magical parts of The Four Seasons Johannesburg reveals itself before you even sit down to eat. As you ride the glass lift up to Flames, the hotel’s signature restaurant, you’re treated to sweeping views of the gardens below and Johannesburg’s glittering city center — a breathtaking prelude to what’s to come.
At the helm of Flames is Chef Rudi Liebenberg, whose world-renowned, fire-driven style defines the restaurant’s menu. He recommends starting with the crayfish Caesar salad — baby cos lettuce grilled over the flame and topped with bacon bits — followed by the smoky ribeye, served in a simple, perfectly balanced sauce. For dessert, his favorite: a hazelnut chocolate bar filled with cream and nuts. To complete the meal, he suggests a Bordeaux-style wine from the Western Cape.
Flames itself is an experience. About half of the diners aren’t hotel guests but locals who come specifically for the culinary destination it’s become. During my stay, small fires flickered around the terrace, adding warmth and atmosphere on a chilly evening. When I arrived, a blanket was already waiting on my chair — a small but thoughtful touch that captures what makes this hotel so special.
Breakfast at Flames is just as memorable. Open from 6:30 am to 11 am, it caters equally to early risers, business travelers, and those lingering over a slow morning. The buffet is beautifully arranged, with every fruit, cheese, and pastry imaginable, along with a menu of hot dishes made to order. With a barista waiting for your coffee request, a waiter offering a breakfast mimosa, and a view of the lush gardens stretching out below, it’s impossible not to start the day feeling completely spoiled.
Exceptional Service: The service at The Four Seasons is nothing short of spectacular. From the option to check in online before arrival and valet parking, to the complimentary chocolate mousse and coconut treat, as well as a fruit basket and bottles of both still and sparkling water waiting in the room upon arrival—every detail is designed to make guests feel cared for. The 24-hour room service adds an extra layer of comfort.
The staff go to extraordinary lengths to ensure every stay is seamless. During my visit, it was raining as I left the spa, and a staff member immediately offered me a golf cart ride back to my room. When I mentioned that I had planned to walk the grounds, he left and returned almost instantly with a massive umbrella.
Another detail that sets this hotel apart is the flowers. Every single day, all arrangements—at the breakfast buffet, next to the elevators, by the bar—are replaced with fresh ones, a task handled by a staff member hired specifically for it. Their commitment to quality is truly next level.
As I mentioned earlier, the weather was unseasonably miserable during my stay, but I cannot wait to go back on a sunny day and finally experience the pool that teased me from my balcony.