The Palazzo in Monte Casino, Johannesburg, has been described as one of the most beautiful hotels. Words like these are often just thrown around. So when I was given the opportunity to stay at the Palazzo, I wanted to see for myself if these words were a true description. Without keeping you on the edge of your seat until the end of this, I will tell you now that the Palazzo is the most beautiful hotel.
From the moment you enter the hotel, exquisite Italian style architecture welcomes you. As you walk in, you cant help but stop and stare at the beautiful entrance hall that celebrates old world charm. Everything about it gives you the feeling of being in the heart of Tuscany. A chandelier, a huge bouquet of flowers and a table full of welcome drinks and snacks further extends the glamorous welcome.
Arrival
We arrived at the Palazzo on a Saturday just before check-in at 2. Without wasting precious time lounging around, we spent a little while exploring and admiring the grounds, while sipping on our complimentary cocktails. The Palazzo boasts a ginormous swimming pool which is surrounded by the most beautifully manicured Tuscan-styled gardens. The sun loungers by the swimming pool looked so tempting. We gave in to the temptation, lay on the loungers and absorbed the winters sun while watching the glistening bue swimming pool. This was nothing short of bliss!
I could explore the gardens and laze by the pool all day. On a winters day it was perfect, so I can only imagine a glorious summers day pool side.
Our Suite
The clock striked 2, so we finally checked into our suite. And what a suite it was! The room was ultra spacious with beautiful finishes and modern touches. From a lounge area, to a dining room table, a nespresso machine and a separate guest toilet, it was more than we imagined. All of this plus a Victorian king sized bed ready to sink into, it felt like a dream. We were also treated to complimentary macarons and a bottle of wine to devour.
And thats exactly what we did. We opened the wine, snacked on the macaroons and enjoyed the robe life all afternoon until it was time to get ready for dinner.
Dinner
Dinner time came round and off we went to Medeo Restaurant in the Palazzo itself. Medeo is a sublime and sophisticated restaurant that oozes opulence. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu that incorporates flavours and nuances of the Mediterranean.
We were treated to an incredible 3 course dinner. It was hard to choose off the menu as we were so spoilt for choice. For example, how you can choose just one starter when the options are either cauliflower textures, crisp calamari, springbok tataki, clam and mussel chowder, sweet corn soup or truffle risotto arancini? Well we settled on the crisp calamari and a sweet corn soup.
Dinner was beyond amazing and the service was impeccable.
Without saying too much, I will let my photos do all the talking 🙂
Good Morning
Morning rose and we woke up from our absolutely peaceful slumber in the most comfortable cloud … I mean bed. We made Nespresso’s, opened up the curtains and were graced with a magical view of the magnificent pool area from our windows.
Could life be any more perfect?
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it is my most favourite meal of the day. At the Palazzo we feasted on breakfast fit for a king and queen. The variety of fresh fruit, cereals, mueslis, pastries, cheeses, breads, juices as well as hot breakfast options was mind blowing. I settled on fresh fruit and yoghurt, some pastries with my morning coffee and a plate of eggs benedict done the perfect way.
Looking out of the double volume arched windows onto the magnificent landscaped gardens made for an even more enjoyable breakfast.
Mangwanani Mobile Boutique Spa at The Palazzo
The Palazzo is home to a mobile boutique spa that offers a range of therapeutic wellness treatments. The treatments are available either at one of the four gazebo’s positioned pool side, or in the comfort of your own room.
After breakfast we made our way to the pool area. I enjoyed what could possibly be the best head, neck and shoulder massage I have had in my life. The therapist had me feeling super relaxed and stress free, and it was just what the doctor ordered before check out and heading home.
We had the most luxurious nights stay, topped with the most exquisite food at the Palazzo.
Nearly 3 weeks later and I am still savouring the luxury and relishing in the beauty of what is definitely the most beautiful hotel.
You can visit their website here for more details.
*Thank you to Tsogo Sun for the nights stay. All opinions are my own.
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