Editor’s Introduction
Staycations have become one of the most exciting ways to rediscover the cities we live in. They offer the thrill of travel without the long flights, the packing lists or the logistics. For this issue of Previdar Travel, we explore one of Johannesburg’s most enchanting hidden gems. Nestled in the leafy suburb of Houghton, Villa Simonne Boutique Hotel invites guests to travel the world without ever leaving the city. With suites inspired by global destinations and cinematic eras, it offers the rare ability to step into another place, another time and another mood. In this cover feature, we discover why Villa Simonne has become the ultimate destination for the modern staycation.
There are moments when the soul craves travel. The romance of distant cities, the glamour of another era and the thrill of stepping somewhere new. But sometimes the most memorable journeys do not require a passport at all. Tucked away in the leafy suburb of Houghton, Villa Simonne Boutique Hotel offers a rare kind of escape where the world comes to you.
Villa Simonne Boutique Hotel | Supplied
At first glance, Villa Simonne feels like a storybook mansion hidden within the city. Set among lush gardens and tranquil terraces, the boutique hotel exudes an old world glamour that feels far removed from the rush of Johannesburg life. Yet its magic lies in something even more unexpected. Every room is a destination in itself.
Step through its doors and you begin to realise that this is not simply a hotel stay. It is an experience of travel, imagination and design woven together.
Villa Simonne Boutique Hotel | Supplied
Villa Simonne is home to 17 individually themed suites inspired by some of the world’s most iconic cities and eras. Each space is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, blending art deco flourishes with theatrical décor to transport guests beyond Johannesburg. One evening you might fall asleep beneath the opulence of the Great Gatsby Suite where the roaring twenties come alive in gold accents and vintage glamour. The next morning you could wake up in Marrakesh, surrounded by rich textures and warm Moroccan tones.
There are also suites that evoke far flung destinations such as Bali, Mykonos, New Orleans and Venice. Each has been carefully curated to spark the imagination and create the feeling of travelling across continents in a single weekend.
The beauty of Villa Simonne’s concept lies in the way it invites guests to play. Choosing a suite becomes part of the adventure. Are you in the mood for the drama of Moulin Rouge, the Mediterranean charm of Mykonos or the timeless elegance of Florence? Each stay feels like stepping onto a cinematic set.
But the experience extends far beyond the rooms.
Outside, the hotel unfolds into a collection of intimate spaces designed for indulgence and relaxation. Guests can spend the afternoon beside the tropical pool terrace, sip cocktails in the Gatsby Piano Lounge or wander through the expansive gardens that frame the property like a private oasis in the city.
It is this layered environment that makes Villa Simonne ideal for the modern staycation. Everything needed for a mini escape exists within its walls. There are quiet corners for reflection, romantic settings for couples and social spaces where friends can gather late into the evening.
The location itself adds to the charm. Situated in historic Houghton, a suburb known for its heritage homes and leafy streets, the hotel feels secluded while remaining just minutes from the energy of Johannesburg’s cultural hubs such as Rosebank and Sandton.In many ways, Villa Simonne captures the spirit of travel itself. Discovery, curiosity and wonder. It proves that adventure is not always about distance. Sometimes it is simply about stepping into a new world, even if that world exists just across town.
For those seeking a break from routine without leaving the country, Villa Simonne offers something rare. The chance to travel through places, cultures and eras within the span of a single stay. A weekend here is more than a getaway. It is a journey around the world, one suite at a time.
