High on Life
@Sandton Hotel | Benmore Gardens
A vibey poolside spot with incredible views over the North of Joburg, not only does the @Sandton Hotel Clubhouse have a great selection of wines and beer on tap, but it also offers a fantastic menu of platters, grills and sushi. On Sunday you’ll find DJs winding down the weekend with laid-back jams, plus there’s also an amazing play area for the kids and an on-site spa if you feel like a sneaky mani pedi or massage before your cocktail.
Radisson RED | Rosebank
Upbeat and trendy, located in the heart of cool Rosebank, the RED Roof Bar & Terrace is a lovely spot for sunset sips above the canopy after a busy work day. There’s plenty of seating to choose from – whether you want a quiet corner for two or a table to fill with friends – and stunning 360° views. Cocktails are luscious and instagrammable and the tapas menu provides plenty of snacks to line the stomach.
Alto234 Bar | Sandton
If you’re scared of heights, this might not be the hot spot for you! The highest urban bar in Africa, based on The Leonardo rooftop, Alto234 is exclusive and sophisticated. Signature cocktails, fine wines and whiskies are all on offer – as well as a limited edition Moët Mini Machine where you can order a 200ml bottle, perfectly chilled, with a golden sipper straight out of the machine. But most of all, it’s the panoramic views that stretch as far as The Magaliesberg that you’ll want to drink in.
5101 at Ponte | Hillbrow
Sundowners with a difference! Climb up to the 51st floor of the Ponte building every Thursday and Saturday for drinks at 5101 – entrance is just R15 and a selection of beer and cider quarts are available for R50. 5101 is run by Dlale Nje – an organisation that aims to challenge perceptions through inner-city immersions and experiences – and the event venue with the incredible views that you’ll be drinking in used to be the first floor of Ponte penthouse!
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff | Westcliff
A Johannesburg icon, this luxurious hotel is perched on the edge of the Westcliff ridge, overlooking a sea of lush trees that turns purple with Jacarandas at the beginning of Spring. The best spot to take it all in is at the Flames restaurant, with a wide terrace, delicious casual-yet-refined cuisine and plenty of beverage options. Even better, to get to your sundowners you’ll be driven by golf cart up the hill before being whisked up to the next level via glass elevator – an exciting beginning to a night out!
The Northcliff Boutique Hotel
A relative newcomer to the Joburg scene, and located in the beautiful suburb of (you guessed it!) Northcliff, The Northcliff Boutique Hotel has incredible views! Pull up a seat on the pool deck, in the garden or the restaurant, overlooking a stretch of green lawn that opens onto the view over the city, and take your pick from a great selection of wines. In fact, it’s worth keeping an eye on the hotel’s social media for upcoming food and wine events, with a representative of the estate there to talk you through the wines.