It’s thanks to the Goodman Gallery that artists like William Kentridge, Sue Williamson, Lisa Brice, David Goldblatt and David Koloane have become highly sought after by collectors in South Africa and beyond – and, since introducing these tastemakers, the gallery has continued to set trends, featuring artists whose work is challenging, thought provoking and disruptive. – www.goodman-gallery.com, 163 Jan Smuts Avenue, Rosebank, 011 788 1113
The first thing you’ll notice about this beautiful, country-style venue is the endless space: picture two acres of magnificent gardens (and fellow guests that include sheep, cows and an emu!) Located in the heart of Fourways, it’s minutes away from key addresses – but, with its own conference facilities onsite, along with the Farm 2 Fork restaurant specializing in organic dishes, there really isn’t a reason to leave. – www.hoopoehavenlodge.co.za, 206 2nd Road, Chartwell, 011 708 1864
As if it’s not enough to have preserved a perfect piece of tranquility in the heart of buzzing Sandton, there is literally not a single aspect of the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa that isn’t heavily awarded, from its fine dining restaurant to its gorgeous spa. It really is the perfect venue for any special occasion, from a romantic getaway to high tea with the girls. – www.fairlawns.co.za, 1 Alma Road Morningside, 011 808 7300
You’d expect a showroom for a brand as elegant and timeless as Mercedes-Benz to be sophisticated – and Mercedes-Benz certainly lives up to expectations. Look forward to expert advice from knowledgeable consultants whose sole aim is to enhance your experience. – www.mercedes-benz.com, Cnr Rivonia and South Rd, Sandton, 011 595 5300
If you’re not able to agree on which movie to see, Movies@Montecasino is your best bet. With 10 screens to choose from, you’re sure to find a film that the whole family will love, whether you prefer Hollywood, Bollywood, or local releases. Bonus: if you pay for your tickets with your Montecasino Rewards card, you’ll get discounts of up to 30%. – www.montecasino.co.za, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, 01 510 7000
Any convention centre servicing Africa’s finance and business hub has to be flawlessly professional, and the Sandton Convention doesn’t disappoint. Offering 22 000m2 of space that can be customized to suit your needs, the venue has hosted a number of prestigious international and local events – plus, with onsite accommodation and Sandton City within walking distance, the location couldn’t be more convenient. – https://www.southernsun.com/sandton-convention-centre-scc, 161 Maude Street, Sandton, 011 779 0000
This beautiful club has been challenging golfers since 1951. Today, it caters to all interests, with a kids’ club, walking trails, tennis courts, swimming pools, a birding society, various clubs (any cinema and bridge enthusiasts out there?) and a choice of restaurants, so there’s something for the whole family. – www.bryanstoncc.co.za, 63 Bryanston Drive, Bryanston, 011 706 1361
There’s something fascinating about watching a crafter at work. That’s one of the reasons why we love a visit to the Crafter’s Shed at the Prison Break Market; the other is the variety of beautiful, quality goods (think leather bags, jewellery and carvings). You can even participate in a class and learn how to master a new skill yourself. – www.prisonbreakmarket.co.za, 10 MacMillan Road cnr Main and Lachlan Road, Glenferness, 082 522 1739
When you have a special garment, you entrust it to only the best. That would be Exclusive Dry Cleaners: with a track record stretching back more than 40 years, owners Theo and George were trained by the International Dry Cleaning and Laundry Institute in the United States, and the tradition of thorough training for all staff members continues. More than dry cleaning clothing, they also look after couture, skins, curtains (with a collection and delivery service) and Persian carpets. You can also have your items tailored, dyed, and assessed for water or fire damage here. – www.exclusivedc.co.za, 33 Baker Street Rosebank, 011 442 7172
Eagle Canyon Golf and Lifestyle prides itself on providing a sanctuary for residents – and, indeed, it’s difficult to find a more peaceful address. While the golf course offers a beautiful backdrop to everyday life, the estate also has tennis and flying clubs and fishing facilities, along with a fully equipped gym, spa and hair salon, conferencing facilities, laundry, car wash and restaurant. – www.eaglecanyongolfestate.co.za, 3 Blueberry Road, Honeydew, 011 795 2799
It takes a real skill to match a prospective buyer with their dream home. Pam Golding Properties’ agents are able to do just this, working with an extensive portfolio of properties and drawing on their industry knowledge to create happy buyers and sellers alike. Small wonder it’s one of the largest – and most awarded – estate agencies in the country. – www.pamgolding.co.za, 021 710 1700
When Gary Player designed a new look for the old Fourways golf course, he created a clear winner. With the Jukskei River as a backdrop, weeping willows, water features, and natural rocky outcrops all conspire to give the Par 72 course a wonderfully serene outlook. Watch out for the prolific birdlife – it’s stunning! – www.dainfern.co.za/golf, 633 Gateside Ave, Dainfern, 011 875 0452
Not a fan of exercise? We bet you’ll change your mind after visiting your nearest Virgin Active. Apart from being staffed by highly knowledgeable trainers and coaches who have a knack for motivation, each club is fitted with the latest equipment – but, if you’re not into weights and machines, you have a pick of classes, from boxing to yoga. – www.virginactive.co.za
These girls do it all: interior design, custom-made furniture and handcrafted décor. We love their commitment to women empowerment (the whole team is female) as well as community upliftment through their skills development programmes and training, and sustainability – they only use recycled plastic waste in the production of their furniture. Their extensive experience across all spaces – from commercial to hotels and apartments – is pretty commendable, too. – www.diygirls.co.za, 24 Arklow Road, Bryanston, 010 109 8770
Perhaps you need a little help designing your garden, or maybe your challenge is maintaining it. Whatever you’re looking for, the Landscape Guru can help, with services including sourcing plants, designing irrigation systems, and even installing water features, kids’ play areas and fire pits – always with an eye to creativity. Their specialty? Low maintenance, water-wise gardens – yes, please! – www.landscapeguru.co.za
Best known for its stunning views, there is simply no better place to sip cocktails while taking in the purple-spangled streets during jacaranda season. But don’t forget the luxurious rooms, outstanding service, stunning spa and fantastic food and drinks – all in all, a venue that impresses in every way. – www.fourseasons.com/johannesburg, 67 Jan Smuts Ave, Westcliff, 011 481 6000
We all want Anele to be our best friend! Who can blame us – she’s as talented as she is warm-hearted, and her laugh is simply irresistible. We can think of no one we’d rather hear first thing in the morning (catch her on 947’s Anele and The Club) – and, lucky for us, as one of South Africa’s favorite presenters, we now get to see her on The Masked Singer, too. – www.947.co.za
We love old-skool music, we love a wacky sense of humour, and we love Joburg – so it’s not surprising that we love Hot 102.7 Breakfast, (listen out for it on weekdays 6am to 9am). Every morning, Simon, Parky and Bunny give us a reason to laugh and something new to think about, all while we’re jamming to our favorite songs and staying up to date with the latest news and sports. – https://hot1027.co.za/shows/joburgs-hottest-breakfast-show/
Our automatic go-to and the 2nd year of winning this, HOT 102.7FM broadcasts to the greater Johannesburg area and beyond, and the station’s music format of the very best ‘Old Skool and R&B’ is complemented by a line-up of some of South Africa’s best-known and loved radio presenters – most of them legends of the industry. So, keep your dial to 102.7FM, or catch the best ‘Old Skool and R&B’ on DStv audio channel 822 and streaming all over on www.hot1027.co.za
Montecasino definitely has that ‘oooh’ factor. Because, while we love our city, there’s something incredibly exciting about stepping out of reality and into an Italian village, even just for a few hours. Throw in outstanding entertainment – fabulous restaurants, a casino, theatres and retailers – and it’s understandable why many families love impressing their guests with a trip to this dynamic complex. – www.montecasino.co.za, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, 011 510 7000
There are some who believe that watching the game at Boktown is even better than being at the stadium! That’s because there is so much to thrill and delight every member of the family, from an appearance from the Springbok mascot, Bokkie, to food bars, Djs and dancing. – www.montecasino.co.za, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, 011 510 7000
Pirates might be the oldest sports club in Gauteng, but it’s just as loved today as it was more than a century ago. Sports lovers can take part in eight codes (tennis, bowls, cricket, hockey, road running, rugby, squash and gym) or simply take in a drink at the pub, with its homey vibe. There’s a great play area for kids, too. – www.piratesclub.co.za, 25 Braeside Road, Greenside, 011 646 5025
Did you know that this club got its name because its members had ‘wandered’ over from other mining towns? The Wanderers Club maintains that it remains a meeting place for all Joburg dwellers even today, and with facilities including two cricket ovals, a running track, badminton courts, gymnastics, basketball, Padel, squash and tennis courts, a karate dojo, snooker room, bowling greens, rugby fields and hockey Astro, it’s likely that all sports lovers will pass through its doors at some point. It’s a great venue for hosting private functions, too. – www.thewanderersclub.co.za, 21 North Street, Illovo, 010 541 1250
This giant theatre has hosted some of the most exciting shows to come to South Africa, starting with The Lion King. Since then, the venue has wowed audiences almost as much as the productions themselves, thanks to excellent acoustics and a great view of the stage, no matter where you’re seated. The Teatro is also well equipped for disabled patrons, with ramps and hearing aids for the hearing impaired. – https://www.montecasino.co.za/entertainment/theatre/teatro/, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, 011 510 7472
Is it any wonder Joburgers love Sun City? Not only is it easily accessible (just two and a half hours in the car) but it offers the best of South Africa in one exciting destination, from the beaches at the Valley of the Waves to the Big Five at the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Throw in a range of accommodation options, a golf course and a casino, and you have the perfect weekend getaway. – https://www.suninternational.com/sun-city/, 014 557 1000
Taking the first step inside your nearest Life Day Spa is enough to make your muscles let go of any tension you might be holding, thanks to the keen attention paid to creating a sensory sanctuary. The feeling gets better as you move through your treatments, given by friendly, professional therapists using heavenly products. Look out for the group packages – such a great way to spend time with your favorite people. – www.lifedayspa.co.za