Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

In the center of Johannesburg, you’ll find Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, a tranquil urban retreat set among acres of lushly landscaped gardens. The Fairlawns offers an intimate ambiance where some of the world’s most influential personalities converge. The Fairlawns pays special attention to detail and providing exceptional service. Every desired modern amenity is provided in each of the stylish, opulent suites, which are artistically designed in a variety of themes ranging from Eastern influence to French provincial. The hotel offers a variety of excellent dining options to suit different gastronomic preferences. In order to provide the upscale traveler with a delicate balance of elegance and convenience, Fairlawns is located in Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa and the gateway to the rest of Africa. It is only 6 km from central Sandton and 20 km from the Johannesburg city center. Fairlawns, that opened its doors in 1997 and has since earned the nickname “FBH” from managing director Michael Kewley, is a place that takes pride in its history and personality. It is only right that the property, which was once a lavish private mansion, has “herself” turned into the fashionable hotel with an air of eclectic sophistication that Fairlawns is today.

Why stay at the FBH & Spa?

Experience the very best that Johannesburg has to offer when visiting Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa. The FBH & Spa is a 2022 Luxury Garden Spa Global Winner awarded by The World Luxury Spa Awards. 

This award serves as recognition of sustained commitment to service excellence and outstanding achievement in the international luxury spa and wellness industry. The FBH & Spa has won many awards in previous years since 2013. It’s simply an award winning Boutique Hotel & Spa.

Amongst many reasons why you should stay at The Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, here are a few that stand out to us;

  • The original ranch-style house and stables were altered to adopt a more Palladian-style design, that is reminiscent of English buildings from the late 18th century. Everyone may agree that it doesn’t feel at all like one is in Johannesburg, which is only a short drive from the hub of the country’s economy.

  • Twenty Grand Chateau Suites, six Villa Suites, a 240 square meter Maison Spa Suite suited for royalty, and the 470 square meter Villa Moji have been added, making Fairlawns one of the top boutique hotels in the country. To quote the description of a premium country house hotel by Deloitte and Touche:

    “They are small, extremely individualistic business, as opposed to contemporary, purpose-built hotels. They typically have distinctive buildings, are situated in quiet settings on their own grounds, and offer fine dining and hospitality. The atmosphere of luxury country house hotels emphasizes gracious living. Being in one is more of an experience than a functional necessity.”

    The FBH & Spa is dedicated to advancing the global movement of ethical commerce. We are always searching for ways to reduce our carbon footprint and strengthen our dedication to enhancing the quality of our planet. Our contributions to date are as follows:

  • The Grand Chateau Suites’ Grey Water System recycles all of the water into clean, toxin-free water that can be utilized for irrigation.
  • All of the heating in the new Grand Chateau Suites is provided by solar energy.
  • When available, our kitchen uses organic and local ingredients.
  • We diligently recycle things whenever we can, and as proud members of SASSI (Sustainable Seafood), our restaurant is dedicated to offering only seafood that is not in any way threatened.
24-hour Security4 Restaurants to choose fromMobile ConnectivityGym 
Conference CentreBarSecure ParkingLibrary 
Internet Access (Complimentary)Disability ServicesPoolSpa 
Meal on RequestLaundry Service (Available)Business Centre  
Air ConditioningBalcony / DeckBathClothes PressComplimentary Wi-Fi
Dressing GownsEn-SuiteHair DryerHeated Towel RailsHeater
Internet Access (Complimentary)Laundry Service (Complimentary)Lounge AreaMini BarMini Bar (Complimentary)
Pure Cotton LinenSafeSatellite / Cable TelevisionShowerTea / Coffee
TelevisionUnderfloor HeatingFireplace  
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary)Chauffeur ServiceCredit Card  
Room ServiceTravel Desk   
Bird WatchingFine Dining   
MassagesHigh Tea   
Art GalleriesBird WatchingBowls
Child Friendly ActivitiesCultural ToursGame Viewing
General SightseeingExclusive Access to members only into The River Club golf club – 18 holesHealth and Fitness Centre
Historical ToursHorse RidingMini Golf
MuseumsSquash CourtTennis Court

The FBH Rooms overview

Grand Chateau Suite

These 20 suites are the latest addition to the hotel, with two interleading rooms. Again, in true Fairlawns style, each room is individually decorated, echoing the original ideas of the Courtyard and Villa suites, yet with a modern, contemporary twist. The building process and day-to-day energy preservation were key factors considered in the building of this new wing of the hotel.

The public area on both levels creates a cosy atmosphere with lounges and large sandstone fireplaces. A lift provides easy access to the second level, and the environment is wheelchair-friendly.

Tree House Studio

Named for its positioning in the treetop canopy, this two bedroom family suite is the latest addition to the Fairlawns offering. With its state of the art kitchen, lounge and dining room, this suite is ideally suited to longer family stays.

Courtyard Suites

These 12 newly refurbished Courtyard Suites are so called as the U shape of the Palladian buildings forms an elegant courtyard graced by a formal garden. These suites are all individually decorated 60 sqm suites with beautiful hand-painted techniques, high corniced ceilings, sumptuous fabrics, and custom-made classical furniture. The spacious bathrooms are fully equipped with granite vanities, large separate showers and baths. Working fireplaces enhance the romanticism of the suites.

Maison Spa Suite

Previously known as the Presidential Suite, this elegant 240m2 residence comprising 3 bedrooms, a study, a kitchenette, guest cloakroom, dining room and lounge, as well as a separate private entrance. The main bedroom boasts a huge bathroom with a 1.8m diameter jet bath, steam shower, separate toilet and bidet, large walk in closet. There is a balcony overlooking the gardens and pool as well as a juliett balcony in the second bedroom. Ideal for families or dignitaries travelling with staff or wishing to entertain privately.

Villa Suites

Unlike the Courtyard Suites, the 84 sqm Villa Suites relate to some aspects of South African history and honour such distinguished men and women as Emily Hobhouse, Jan Smuts, Nelson Mandela, Harry Oppenheimer and Mahatma Gandhi.

Three of the suites have balconies, the others open onto an oak-shaded terrace. Some have guest cloakrooms, all but one have separate lounges, and all are equipped with double basins, bidets, separate showers and jet baths, towel warmers, as well as under-tile floor heating in the bathrooms and all with working fireplaces.

Villa Moji

Previously known as Maison de Ville, this private villa residence is one of the most beautiful, romantic, and exclusive private hotel villas in Johannesburg.

With glass doorways opening from the three suites onto the private gardens, heated swimming pool, alfresco dining room and lounge, the perfect setting to enjoy the sunsets and fine Johannesburg climate, historical touches, fine art collection, Persian carpets, and moulded fireplaces set the mood.

With all the luxuries and services of the hotel, this magnificent private villa, your home away from home. Once you have checked in, you will not want to check out.

The FBH Rooms visuals

The FBH Spa

Rejuvenate, relax and restore

In the stunning bamboo forest gardens of Fairlawns’ Balinese-style Spa, rejuvenate, unwind, and restore. A team of skilled therapists will help you regain your natural calm and well-being using a variety of therapies and unique Asian-inspired treatments. Your journey to rest and repair begins in five indoor treatment rooms with enhanced mood lighting. After your treatment, the Balinese Gardens are the ideal place to relax. With a rim flow jacuzzi, steam room, waterfall, showers, and relaxation pools. Heated pool, 4 outdoor salas can be ordered while making a reservation. Choose from a selection of facials for men and women, travel therapy services like a Jet Lag Massage, or the ideal manicure and pedicure combination.

Culinary & other Experiences

Amuse-Bouche Food and Wine

The Fairlawns’ dining experience is intended to be tastefully sophisticated casual. The romantic, Italian-inspired ambiance of the terrace restaurant is enhanced by the candlelit tables and soothing music. But the finer touches, such lovely linen, china, and silverware, are an essential part of the experience. The delicious meal at Amuse Bouche is matched with wines from our Diamond Award-winning wine selection.

Manor House Bistro

Manor House Bistro offers more relaxed outdoor dining in a modern atmosphere that appeals to a variety of trends.

Some of your favorite café-style dishes are served in the beautiful yet warm and inviting restaurant. Not to mention the tea wagon providing scrumptious sweets with a Strawberry Daiquiri.

Enjoy a traditional with daily morning and afternoon tea service. Champagne and sparkling wine are also available by the glass.

The Terrace

While enjoying your meal or a sundowner on the Terrace, take in the tranquillity of the lush, rolling meadows.

"Into the Woods" Private Dining Room

Up to 12 guests can have a spectacular dinner experience in Into the Woods, our private dining room, which is decorated to resemble a Birchwood forest.

Muse Champagne Room & Courtyard

One of Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa’s latest additions. Our champagne room and adjacent Courtyard, which are brought to you in partnership with the French Champagne house Perrier-Jouët, are a delectable fusion of the elegant and modern, drawing inspiration from nature. The adjacent Courtyard is the ideal setting for sundowners in the late afternoon. You can enjoy an African sunset while hearing the garden’s birdlife.

MUSE features a distinctive Casse-Croûte menu in addition to a diverse selection of designer cocktails.

High Tea in the Woods

The motifs and colors of European tea rooms with a South African twist are the inspiration for Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa’s Tea in the Woods venue. This venue, which was recently redecorated by one of our own, Michael Kewley, proudly displays South African brands like Jenna Clifford, a renowned designer, and Ardmore Design Fabrics, which are used for the upholstery. The couch and two chairs’ upholstery has been given an amazing touch thanks to the usage of Sabie Forest Delta fabric, a Couture Print on Linen provided by Exquisite Cuts. A specifically created wallpaper with a Birchwood Forest motif emphasizes the Tea in the Woods concept and connects in with the lovely gardens and sprawling lawns that guests can see while taking their tea.

The ambience outside Tea in the Woods is made even more tranquil by the sound of water falling in the fountain. The cuisine for morning and afternoon tea is amazing in its own right. The current menu, which was created by Executive Chef Gareth Jordaan and Head Pastry Chef Christopher Berg, offers a variety of subtle savory nibbles and sweet experiences that highlight the best in local produce. The loose-leaf tea menu, which features thirteen exceptional teas from Morocco, Japan, Africa, and, of course, South Africa, was created in partnership with Terres d’ Afrique. And if you want to add a little excitement to your afternoon, choose Champagne or South African sparkling wine, which have been carefully selected to complement most palates. You could also enrich your experience by including freshly crafted tea cocktails created by a mixologist.

Boardrooms

The 48 square meter Protea Boardroom has a horseshoe arrangement and French doors that open to balconies with views of the verdant Balinese Gardens. There is accommodation for up to 14 delegates in the Protea Boardroom. The main hotel building is where the Business Suite is located. With stunning views of the Fairlawns gardens, this 35 sq m location may hold up to 10 guests in total solitude.

Conference Rooms

For conferences or banquets, aloe is perfect for larger crowds. Up to 30 delegates can be accommodated in this 126 sqm light, airy space, depending on how it is set up, and it gives peaceful views of the gardens.

Strelitzia

Our treasure is Strelitzia. This 150 square meter space has sophisticated finishes, soothing lighting from chandeliers, and beautiful views of the serene Balinese garden. For more small, elegant business or private events, such as breakfast presentations, formal dinners, and cocktail parties for up to 30 people, Strelitzia is the perfect venue.

Are you ready to start planning your Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa exclusive experience?

To create an itinerary just for you based on your travel wishes, get in touch with one of our Africa Safaris Specialists.

Inquire & Book The FBH