last week i was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to visit the oft-overlooked south african city of johannesburg, and witness first hand the regeneration and revitalisation of this former gold-rush town once ominously dubbed the “most dangerous city in the world.”

that portentous accolade seemed a world away from the vibrant dynamo of a city that i encountered, a-buzz with creative energy, entrepreneurial spirit and a brimming sense of pride and achievement. i’ll be posting some of my highlights from the trip over the coming days, but first up i wanted to share with you this wonderful peech of a hotel that served as a home-from-home for the duration of my time in joburg.

located in the upscale neighbourhood of melrose, the eco-chic peech hotel does contemporary style with a quirky african twist, combining indigenous décor pieces, such as tribal masks and blesbok skins, with the latest in modern comfort and technology. there are sixteen bedrooms and suites located in the main house and garden annexes, all offering the perfect space to unwind and relax away from the hectic hustle and bustle of the city.

i must say i absolutely adored my room, with its comfy king-sized bed bedecked in crisp white sheets and soft feather-filled duvet, and the spacious bathroom with decadent hans grohe raindance walk-in shower. i had a desk to set my laptop up to work, as well as an ipod docking station that allowed me to play my obligatory south african themed soundtrack on a loop each morning: paul simon’s graceland (quite possibly my favourite album of all-time).

but it’s not all upscale glamour without consideration for its surroundings; the peech is a fairtrade in tourism certified hotel, conforming to specific criteria including fair wages and working conditions, fair distribution of benefits, ethical business practice, and respect for human rights, culture and the environment.

owner james peech strives to create a sustainable and carbon-neutral environment for guests and staff through innovative environmental management, ongoing community investment initiatives and local procurement. there are solar-water geysers servicing the entire property, and drinking water is filtered on site and served in (incredibly stylish) refillable glass bottles that help reduce the use of plastic bottles on site. in addition, rain and grey water from baths and showers is processed and recycled for use in the lush and leafy gardens, as well as the newly-established herb garden.

the peech also had a number of spaces ideal for conferences and intimate gatherings, and while i was visiting played host to an open house run by kopano motsoeneng a.k.a. strictly kp, showcasing fashion from local jozi designers, full of the vibrant colours, patterns and creativity that i saw in abundance across the city throughout my stay.

there’s plenty more to come my friends, stay tuned!

[icon name=”location-arrow” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] the peech hotel, 61 north st, johannesburg 2196. 

[icon name=”handshake-o” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] fabric of my life was hosted in johannesburg by south africa tourism.