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Sandton City is turning up the magic this festive season with its most enchanting experience yet. Say hello to the City of Enchantment, a brand-new holiday world that will transform the iconic centre court into a whimsical wonderland filled with shimmer, joy, and festive flair. Think Santa photos, extended shopping hours, breathtaking décor, and beautifully wrapped gifts… all in support of the SPCA.
Hyde Park Corner officially opens the festive season on Thursday, 13 November 2025 with an elegant tree lighting ceremony featuring exceptional entertainment, Champagne and seasonal splendour.
The public celebration begins at 5.30pm in Centre Court, where audiences can enjoy performances from Swing City, featuring Graeme Watkins and Nathan Ro, who will deliver a soulful set of timeless favourites. The Soweto Gospel Choir brings their signature South African sparkle to the evening, whilst Mzansi Ballet performs quintessentially festive and enchanting scenes from The Nutcracker, Teddy Bear’s Picnic and The Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book.
I first visited Sun City in 1989. I was 15 years old and my mom had just passed away.
My Uncle Lennie and Aunty Sylvia and his family took me along with them on their family vacation to Sun City. I had never been on a holiday before, let alone on a plane!
So I was beyond excited to get away from the reality of life without my beloved mom, even for a week. These vintage archival images are what I remember Sun City looked like.
Sun City in 1979Sun City Hotel in 1979
36 years later and I was invited to experience the newly revitalised Sun City Hotel.
Sun City has had “nips and tucks” over the years, but last year Sun International set about giving the famous entertainment and leisure area a complete facelift so gone is the drab, and back is the dazzle.
A few select media and influencers were invited by Sun City to experience the newly re-imagined Sun City Hotel for one night. We met at the Maslow in Sandton, and 3 hours later, we arrived at the Sun City Resort in the North West Province of South Africa.
The Luxurious Marble Circus is set to transcendify guests into a world like no other. With musical and theatrical performances on the main stage and tucked into a host of happical spaces, guests can expect a rhythmic rendezvous of sensational surprise.
From the moment guests step into the circus dreamscape, they’ll be serenaded by soulful sounds and sustained by swizzle-stick splendour. Fanciful fare will be available to forage, sip and savour, while drifting through a decadent world of rhythm, revelry and artistic delight.
In a city where culinary ambition is on the rise, Park Hyatt Johannesburg has quietly – and confidently – opened the doors to Room 32, a refined dining destination that blends fire-cooked cuisine, South Africa’s proudly local craft beverages and rich architectural heritage into one immersive experience.
I had the distinct pleasure of attending the exclusive opening of Room 32, an intimate affair curated for a select group of influencers, content creators, and members of the press. The afternoon was a culinary indulgence, featuring an exquisite tasting of starters, mains, and desserts from the restaurant’s full menu. Each dish was a masterful expression of flavour and finesse – an elegant preview of the gastronomic excellence that Room 32 promises to deliver.
Cushioned inside the newly restored Sir Herbert Baker landmark in Rosebank, Room 32 is the only communal space in what is now the world’s most intimate Park Hyatt – a 31-room sanctuary of understated luxury. The restaurant is not just a nod to fine dining; it’s a statement of intent.
Room 32 is where the story of food begins and lingers long after the last bite. The kitchen speaks through the freshest offerings. Every dish is crafted with respect and curiosity; every flavour layered with intention. Dining at Room 32 is more than a meal; it’s a shared moment, where culinary art and heartfelt hospitality meet.
“Room 32 was born from a desire to create a space that feels both grounded and elevated,” says Mitch Gemmell, General Manager at Park Hyatt Johannesburg. “In a hotel defined by privacy and discretion, this is our invitation to indulge in the city’s finest and classiest cuisine.”