Stylish Staycations
Are you hosting friends and family this summer? Want to create an incredible experience, without splashing out? The Radisson Group shares their advice on transforming your home into a luxury hotel – on a budget.
Do your homework
Connect with your guests ahead of time to find out their dietary requirements and what they love to eat and drink.
Would your guests prefer a fresh fruit salad for breakfast, a hearty fry up or a spread of sweet and savoury baked goods?
Would they enjoy sipping on a hot cup of dark roasted coffee or a zesty mimosa?
This way, you can add a personal touch to their stay and elevate everyday moments!
Transform your spare room
For many of us, the spare bedroom is where stuff tends to gravitate, so the first step is simple. “Declutter,” recommends Iva Jaya, Head of Housekeeping at Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga. “Our hotel rooms often feel luxurious because of the sense of space. To achieve this, consider rearranging the room so that your loved ones feel like they’re visiting somewhere new.”
Next, never underestimate the power of good linen. “Investing in high thread count sheets and adding a mattress topper to your bed is the secret to how amazing many luxury hotel beds feel,” she reveals. To add an extra touch of care, spritz your sheets with scented water such as lavender, which is known for its calming properties and iron them before making the bed. It is also important to air out the space to keep your “luxury suite” feeling light and smelling fresh.
Lastly, hotels excel at anticipating guests’ wants and needs, which often include a cool drink and a little something sweet. Treat your family and friends by placing a small chocolate on their pillows and putting a bottle of water on the bedside table.
Amp up the dining experience
Dinner is typically when you catch up on life, reminisce over fond memories and enjoy quality time together. But why not make this occasion that much more special by incorporating a few, simple decorating tips? “Find your most beautiful glasses, cutlery, and porcelain and shine them. If you have linen napkins or a kitchen towel, give them an iron until they’re crisp and fold them into a pattern of your liking. Then wander off into your garden and find flowers, branches, or other plant materials to put in a vase. Finally light some candles, plate the food nicely, and enjoy your dinner,” suggests Slobodan Stefancic, Head Chef at the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton.
Soothing spa zone
According to the Radisson team, it’s surprisingly simple to create a spa-like atmosphere at home. Find a designated area to use as the relaxation space. Bathrooms are popular, but you can also transform the corner of a bedroom or living room with a few simple additions. Prepare the space by making use of calming scents, sounds, sights and delights. Herbal teas and fruit-infused water are calming and refreshing. For a quick treatment, Lerato Tlhame, Spa Manager at Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo suggests wetting two hand towels, infusing them with a few drops of essential oils, and warming them in the microwave for 30 seconds. Place one on your neck and one over your eyes will provide instant relaxation. “If you have more time, try a warm bath with a few drops of essential oils, Epsom salts and a cup of coconut milk to nourish and rehydrate the skin,” she adds.
