Sandton
Description
Sandton is a vibrant, high energy commercial centre in Johannesburg. This prestigious suburb is an exciting hub around which business people, residents, shoppers, and tourists live, work, play, shop, and meet. To experience true luxury in one of the most progressive centres in Africa, book a stay at one of the upmarket Sandton accommodations below.
Named after a combination of two of its suburbs, Sandown and Bryanston, Sandton is one of the wealthiest areas in Johannesburg. A high crime rate in Johannesburg’s CBD in the 1990s caused many corporate offices to relocate to Sandton, which has since become the new financial centre of South Africa and Johannesburg's premier business centre. Sandton has also attracted a lot of the “new moneyâ€, including investment banks and financial consultants, and as a result a considerable amount of the city’s A-grade office space can be found here. Sandton also houses the flagship station of the Gautrain, the rapid rail link that directly connects to OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, and Pretoria.
Aside from being one of the wealthiest business districts, Sandton is also a retail hub where visitors can enjoy a unique shopping experience. From antiques and jewellery to arts and curios, Sandton has it all. Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square are two of the most prestigious and sophisticated shopping complexes in Africa. Together they offer some 144,000 m2 of retail space with 200 shops and 59 restaurants, of which a large number are designer boutiques and upmarket eateries. Formerly known as Sandton Square, Nelson Mandela Square was renamed in March 2004, after the unveiling of a 6-metre bronze statue of the former South African president. They are linked by a skywalk to the Sandton Convention Centre, one of Africa’s largest convention centres. Other upmarket retail and entertainment centres near Sandton include Hyde Park and Melrose Arch.
Health and wellness is another draw card for visitors to Sandton. A variety of fitness centres, gyms, salons, and magnificent spas are on your doorstep. Enjoy the heated vitality pool at Amani African Spa, a massage at The Da Vinci Spa, and signature treatments at the Renaissance Spa at Michelangelo Towers.
Enjoy a break from the hustle and escape to Sandton Central Park, which was opened in 2012. Situated in the heart of Sandton, the park consists of a grassed amphitheatre, sculptured garden beds, indigenous trees, solar powered lights, seating, and a magnificent sculptured reading garden.
Explore the city on various tours and day trips to Alexandra Township, Cullinan Diamond Mine, Cradle of Mankind, Gold Reef City, Lesedi Cultural Village, Pilansberg, Soweto, and Sun City. A Walk and Talk Tour allows visitors to explore at their own leisure with an electronic self-guided system.
As the focal point of Johannesburg's business tourism, Sandton boasts a string of luxury 5-star hotels. Whether you prefer to run with the high-rollers or retreat to a cosy B&B, you can find your ideal Sandton accommodation below.