Mantis, a leading conservation-focused hospitality group with luxury hotels, eco-lodges, waterways and impact experiences located across the globe, is now welcoming international guests to Vivari Hotel and Spa by Mantis, which is located in a leafy valley in Featherbrooke, Johannesburg.
The hotel is close to some of Johannesburg’s best cultural landmarks and attractions including the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site, where fossils of some of the earliest known life forms on Earth have been found, dating back at least 200-million years. The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is also close by and home to a total of 600 game representing 25 different species. Guests can enjoy game drives and spot four of the big five (with the exception of leopard), as well as hippo, cheetah, crocodile and wild dog. Adjacent to the hotel is the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, a nature reserve that is home to an abundance of wildlife and around 240 bird species – including a pair of breeding Verreuax eagles.
Paul Gardiner, CEO, Mantis Collection said: “Johannesburg is a rich melting pot of culture, intriguing history and incredible landmarks, and the hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the city. In addition, this boutique hotel provides guests with a unique blend of wellness, holistic health, nutrition and aesthetic beauty. We look forward to welcoming international guests to Vivari Hotel and Spa by Mantis.”
Set in an expansive, tranquil, eco-estate, Vivari offers an integrated approach to wellness incorporating five elements: holistic health, nutrition, fitness, spa and aesthetic beauty. Relaxation and rejuvenating treatments range from classic body rituals (including hot stone and Swedish massage) to signature rituals centred around meditation, and focused on the deep interconnection between the mind and body.
The hotel has a total of 48 rooms and suites (including the presidential Crown Suite), all set within lush gardens. Designed to provide an atmosphere of comfort that fuses simplistic elegance with luxury, the décor includes soft and textured fabrics, natural woods, leather and marble with accents of steel and copper. Winding stone paths and walkways encourage guests to explore and lose themselves in the natural surroundings; among enormous pecan and cycad trees and manicured lawns dotted with water features. As the hotel encourages free movement of small animals, guests might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of exotic wild birds or even a tortoise.
The spa facilities include eight treatment rooms, four of which have their own private bamboo garden. All spa and hotel guests have full access to the hydrotherapy suite, which includes a steam room, an ice fountain, a heated vitality pool and an infrared sauna cabin for relaxation and recovery. Guests also have access to a swimming pool, yoga studio and gym.
Restaurants and bars include: Brambles Restaurant which follows a farm to table ethos and serves seasonal menus with ethically sourced produce; the Pécan Pool Bar offers fresh salads, wholesome sandwiches and hand-stretched pizzas straight from its clay pizza oven; and the rooftop bar offers a selection of classic and signature cocktails alongside speciality beers and other beverages.
