Exploring South Africa: Robben Island, InterContinental Johannesburg Hotel, and The Raphael Penthouse Suites

Paul | December 16, 2023 | South Africa, Tourism | 2 Comments

Robben Island is an island located in Table Bay, about 6.9 kilometers west of the coast of Bloubergstrand, Cape Town, South Africa. The island is renowned for its historical significance as a place of imprisonment, particularly during the apartheid era.

The island can be reached by ferry from V and A Waterfront at the timings of 8.00 am, 11.00 am, and 13.00 am. Robben Island is a historical landmark in the western cape of South Africa. The must-see historical landmarks in South Africa can’t miss visits to this prison, where the current tour guides are former convicts and where a trip begins with a boat journey from the V&A Waterfront. The island is visited throughout the year.

Key points about Robben Island include:

Political Prisoners: Robben Island served as a maximum-security prison from the mid-20th century to the early 1990s. It was primarily used to incarcerate political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 of his 27 years in prison on the island.

Apartheid Era: During the apartheid era, Robben Island was a symbol of the South African government’s oppressive policies. Many anti-apartheid activists, including Mandela, were imprisoned there for their roles in opposing racial segregation.

FILE – In this March 27, 1998 file photo, Nelson Mandela and former US president Bill Clinton look to the outside from Mandela’s Robben Island prison cell in Cape Town, South Africa. A half-century ago Nelson Mandela was taken as a prisoner to Robben Island, 11 kilometers (seven miles) across the bay from Cape Town, where he would begin serving a life sentence for plotting to overthrow South Africa’s racist apartheid system. (AP Photo/Scott Applewhite, Pool, File)

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Robben Island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 in recognition of its historical significance. It stands as a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

Museum and Tours: Today, Robben Island is a museum and heritage site. Visitors can take guided tours, which often include a ferry ride to the island and a tour of the prison facilities. Former political prisoners serve as guides, sharing their personal experiences.

Fauna and Flora: In addition to its historical importance, Robben Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds and seals. The island’s natural beauty contrasts with its somber history.

Post-Apartheid Era: Since the end of apartheid, Robben Island has become a symbol of reconciliation and forgiveness. Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in 1990 marked a turning point in South Africa’s history, leading to the dismantling of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic, multiracial government.

Visiting Robben Island provides a powerful and educational experience, offering insight into the struggles against apartheid and the resilience of those who fought for justice and equality.

The InterContinental Johannesburg Hotel – A Five Star Hotel close to Nelson Mandela Square

Situated opposite the Davinci Hotel and Michelangelo Towers, the InterContinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers is just 210 meters from Nelson Mandela Square, while the Gautrain station is a convenient 705 meters away. As a 5-star hotel, it occupies a prime location on Maude Street, connected to the Sandton City shopping mall and affiliated with both the Intercontinental Hotel group and Tsogo Sun, ensuring a reliable and reputable stay.

Convenience is further enhanced by its direct link to the Sandton Convention Centre via a sky bridge, offering seamless access for conference attendees. The hotel provides exclusive services for both business and leisure guests, including a Club Floor with 24-hour butler service for all penthouse suites. Additionally, guests can enjoy modern amenities such as a fitness center, a spacious outdoor swimming pool surrounded by an impressive cycad collection, an exclusive boardroom, a Business Center, and a health and beauty spa at the Sandton Sun Hotel.

The Atrium Towers restaurant stands out with its uniquely South African breakfast buffet, complemented by an A la Carte hot section and an authentic Japanese buffet. Lunch and dinner options are available with an a la carte menu. The restaurant also offers a selection of imported and local teas, specially ground coffee from Africa and Europe, and a light snack menu. Recognized with the Excellence award from Diners Club, the Atrium Restaurant and Jazz Bar serve as popular venues for guests and locals alike to unwind after a busy day.

Hotel Services

Laundry & valet (same day)
Safety deposit box
Shoeshine
Turndown service
Guest relations desk
The concierge offers a range of services
Doctor & Dentist on-call (24 hours)
Secure underground parking is available
Babysitting facility on request

Sport and Leisure Facilities

Outdoor swimming pool
Gymnasium
Sauna & Steam Baths
Health and Beauty Spa, which is at the Sandton Sun Hotel, linked to the hotel via a skywalk
Nearby: Golf, Squash, Tennis

Amenities

Air Conditioning
DVD player
Ensuite private bathroom
Full DSTV Bouquet in each room
Hairdryer
Housekeeping
In-room safe
Internet Access
Mini bar
Tea and coffee making facilities
Telephone

Facilities Available at Sandton Sun & Towers

Boardroom Facilities
Conference venue
Gym
Hotel Bar
Lounge
Nearby Casino
Nearby golf course
Nearby Spa
Outdoor patio

The Raphael Penthouse Suites – A Prestigious Five Star Hotel in Johannesburg

The Raphael Penthouse Suites, a prestigious five-star hotel in Johannesburg, is renowned as one of the city’s most exclusive accommodations. Nestled in the chic suburb of Sandton, it boasts opulent penthouse suites at the heart of the iconic Nelson Mandela Square in South Africa.

Positioned adjacent to the Michelangelo Hotel, the Michelangelo Towers, and the DaVinci Hotel & Suites, this distinguished establishment proudly holds membership in the Legacy Hotels & Resorts hotel group in South Africa, ensuring top-notch quality.

Situated in close proximity to Sandton’s city center and a mere 50 meters from the Liberty Theater on the Square and the Sandton Civic Art Gallery, the hotel provides a central location ideal for both business and leisure travelers.

The suites, ranging from 78 to 500 square meters, offer discerning guests a host of luxuries, including splash pools, terraces with views of Nelson Mandela Square, indoor courtyards, private gyms, secure parking, and dedicated concierge services.

Guests at this Sandton hotel in Johannesburg can enjoy amenities such as high-speed internet access in air-conditioned public areas, peruse complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and avail themselves of 24-hour room service.

Spread across four floors, the spacious suites present a choice of contemporary or classic decor. Each luxurious suite features a balcony with views of the indoor atrium and murals, fully equipped kitchens, comfortable sitting areas, and optional amenities such as baby cots and in-room babysitting services, available upon request.