SUITE 1:
AN EDWARDIAN SUITE
by Gill Butler

Suite One has been furnished from an historical viewpoint - the Edwardian traveller's home from home with antique and colonial furniture, and Thomas Baines' prints showing the adventures and impressions of the early visitor to Southern Africa.

The walls are a warm African desert sand colour, reflected in the curtain fabrics, appropriately called "Serengeti". The furnishings are in strong masculine reds, tans and navy, with touches of leather enhancing the old world feeling. The decor contrasts strongly with the more angular architecture of the complex and provides a warm-textured counterbalance to the surfaces of tile and steel, creating the comfort zone sought by the modern traveller.

SUITE 2:
BLURRING CULTURES
by John Crawley Interior Decorators and Designers

The interior design in our "suite two" presents a subtle mix of past military campaign and the raw textured feel of Africa.

Contemporary comfort with a primitive feel of colour, textures, dust, heat. A cheeky mood with the use of "wild life" images - handles on the cupboard doors, skins and hides - faux to capture the essence, acknowledge the culture but with respect to conservation. "Mud" rubbed wash, canvas curtains, metal bed heads - grass-covered floor with flag-stones, - an encompassing of a temporary camp - while sheer comfort in the furniture and furnishings for today's guest.

SUITE 3:
AFRICAN COLOURS
by Joan Young

"In order to execute this scheme, I tried to imagine myself as a visitor to South Africa for the first time. What immediately sprung to mind were the very unique colours of our landscape, so different to those of Europe, the Americas or even Asia for that matter. I wanted the visitor to be reminded of the richness of colour even when outdoors."

"The yellow and ochres are a reminder of the brilliant and constant sunshine here in Gauteng, as well as the gold we mine and the mine dumps, synonymous with our Johannesburg skyline".

"The brown, a rich red brown, represents the colour of the earth which is peculiar to our land - and even visible in the urban areas. The materials, such as the terracotta tiles and the sisal matting, all add to the earthy tones drawn from the example of our glorious landscape."

SUITE 4:
CLASSICAL UNDERSTATEMENT
by Dee Design

A large comfortable suite was chosen for the lounge, with a cream sofa contrasted by ethnic-design cushions in black, beige and cream. The armchairs are upholstered in a cream and black woven fabric to complement the simplistic natural feel of the room.

The furniture is all colonial-English in replica - Adams style - to provide a colonial feel with natural shades that reflect the dust and golden hue of the mine dumps, synonymous with the city of Johannesburg.

African animals such as elephants and monkeys were introduced into certain fabrics to add an element of fun, with black and brown shades providing a stark contrast to the natural colours. A parchment paint technique on the wall adds texture and enhances the rustic feel.

SUITE 5:
ARCHITECTURE MEETS FASHION
by A.C. Bridal - Andre Croucamp and Ian Gandini

When presented with a challenge to decorate a single suite for Ten Bompas, architect Ian Gandini and couturier Andre Croucamp decided to take aspects from both their individual fields and incorporate it into a functional yet opulent room.

Flooring and paint finishes reflect the neutrals of wood, slate and parchment. The gold-leafed fireplace tones in with these naturals, but gives the room a certain opulence. All furnishings are local, fabrics are in silks and although the furnishings are classic in style, they tone in with all the ethno-African elements. The aim was to create a functional yet beautiful room that was both exciting yet peaceful.

SUITE 6:
REKINDLE YOUR FLAME
by Anushka Leroni

This suite offers a cool and calm haven from the searing hustle of South Africa’s bustling business centre. Peaceful tones of arctic grey and taupe, with subtle hints of black, restore the soul and reinvigorate the spirit. The energy emanating from the black and white images of vibrant Sophiatown in its heyday, fires the mind.

To rejuvenate the body, the textures are juxtaposed. The velvety softness of chenille soothes, while the crisp cool white linen revives. Even the frigid lines of minimalist design are rekindled by the fiery warmth of African Rosewood.

While you may not want to leave its tranquil surrounds, your belly will be renewed with fire, when you finally do.

SUITE 7:
TRIBAL INFLUENCE
by Nerina Nicolella Interiors

"My own interpretation of Africa is exciting for me, as I have always been enriched with a strong African influence.
I decided to incorporate all the influences from various African tribes as we have a large number of different tribes and traditions in our country.

The Ndebele people were my strongest influence as, in my opinion, they are the most creative people and I felt that the strong use of a geometric theme would complement the overall hotel design.

The floor design is derived directly from pattern work used on Ndebele houses.

I decided to combine African carvings from all over Africa into our Western culture by enriching our furniture with their artwork."

SUITE 8:
MODERN COLONIALISM PRODEC
by Floris Marais and Neill Suttie

Colonialism - a period created by the amalgamation of two such diverse cultures that what came out of the period was so unique, yet so diverse, that the concept of African wealth and new opportunities were sold to even the European Country Families. The rich came for the concepts of living an exciting life in Africa. The poor came with the promise of better opportunities.

With the Settlers came their hopes, dreams and also their worldly belongings, which were too complex for their new and more simple lifestyles. For the land was bare, harsh and unfriendly, and simpler and cheaper styles were inspired around their cultures, backgrounds and what was available and affordable.As South Africa is standing yet again at the dawn of a new era, we felt it appropriate to pay tribute to a combination of African and European cultures. The theme for the suites decor is therefore based on Colonialism, combined with the luxuries of modern day living, to create an ambience that can truly be called, South African.

SUITE 9:
ETHNIC TURNS HIGH-TECH
by Luc Zeghers & Associates

Suite Nine combines African colours and artwork with modern minimalist lines, thereby creating sharp contrasts that excite rather than clash. The uncluttered lines of the architect's custom designed furniture bring together the softness of natural cherry wood with slick high-tech stainless steel, symbolising the harmonious marriage of the two incongruent cultures of South Africa. Specially-commissioned paintings by a local artist also illustrates this cross-over between local and western cultures as they move from the natural curves of ethnic expression to the rigid precision of Eurographics

This cross-over is further reinforced by polished marble juxtaposed against raw slate, ethnic reds and ochres offset by cobalt blue and softly-textured cottons that contrast with the sheen of quicksilver silk.

Each suite is equipped with a fax machine, safe and bar; and each has a separate lounge and bedroom, a fireplace, guest toilet, steam bath and plenty of natural light, with access to the outdoors via a ground floor patio or balcony.

SUITE 10:
SOPHISTICATED AFRICA
by Camign Interior Decor

The only non-standard suite and, as a result, special emphasis in the planning stages had to be given to varying zones and circulation areas as the sleeping and sitting spaces were not separated by a fireplace. The headboard and drawer units therefore become a focal point to separate and provide privacy in the dressing area.

Once the architectural concept was established, the selection of materials began to form the aesthetic. The sandy and neutral tones were a direct response to Africa, as well as our intention to create a sophisticated, restful atmosphere.

Each suite is equipped with a fax machine, safe and bar; and each has a separate lounge and bedroom, a fireplace, guest toilet, steam bath and plenty of natural light, with access to the outdoors via a ground floor patio or balcony.

TRANSFERS:
Transfers can be arranged from and to business meetings as well as to shopping centres and airports.

JOHANNESBURG:

HISTORY:
The region surrounding Johannesburg has been inhabited for millions of years. One of the oldest human skeletons ever found was discovered in a cave in Sterkfontein, to the northwest of Johannesburg in 1998. The skeleton, nicknamed Mrs Ples, is one of the few examples of Australopithecus africanus ever found, and is believed to be approximately 3.5 million years old.

Johannesburg, to all intents and purposes the economic capital of South Africa and indeed even sub-Saharan Africa, arose from a dusty and underdeveloped mining town to become a metropolis attracting scores of immigrants from northern african countries to find work in the city colloquially known as eGoli, the City of Gold.

The city is straddled in the middle of South Africa, no harbour or seafrontage to provide wealth, as is the case with other major metropolitan centres in the country, Durban or Cape Town. That Johannesburg became what it is today is testament to the gold rush in the region towards the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth century. Having initially discovered gold in the nearby Eastern regions of Barberton and the area now known as Pilgrims Rest in the 1880's, prospectors soon discovered that even richer pickings were to be had on the Witwatersrand region which now incorporates Johannesburg and the Vaal Triangle.

The town was initially much the same as any small prospecting settlement, but as word spread, people flocked to the area from all other regions of the country as well as from North America, the UK and Europe. As the value of control of the land increased, tensions developed between the Afrikaaners, who controlled the region during the nineteenth century and the English, culminating in the Anglo Boer War of 1899 to 1902. The Boers lost the war and control of this province, known as Transvaal, to the English.

When the British declared South Africa a Union in 1910, this paved the way for a more organised mining structure. The South African government instituted a harsh racial system whereby blacks and indians were heavily taxed, barred from holding skilled jobs and consequently forced to work as migrant labour on Johannesburg's growing crop of goldmines.

The regulations of apartheid were abandoned in February 1990, and since the 1994 elections, Johannesburg has, in theory, been free of discriminatory laws. The black townships have been integrated into the municipal government system, and to some extent, the suburbs have become multiracial.

GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE:
Johannesburg is located in the eastern plateau area of South Africa, known as the Highveld, at an elevation of 1753 metres. The city enjoys a dry, sunny climate with the exception of occasional late afternoon downpours from the months of October to April.

Temperatures in Johannesburg are usually fairly mild, with the average maximum daytime temperature in summer of around 27°C, dropping to an average maximum of around 20°C in winter. During the winter, the temperature occasionally drops to below freezing, causing frost. The annual average rainfall is 600 mm to 800 mm, which is mostly concentrated in the summer months.

Johannesburg's relatively dry climate has not stopped local residents and the city council from planting an abundance of trees, and the city prides itself on having the most planted trees of any city, or about six million, which has created a forest-like appearance, especially in the lush northern suburbs.

The different suburbs of Johannesburg are generally categorised by compass direction, as different areas of the city have greatly different personalities. Since Johannesburg is such a large city, there is great variety in the suburbs that comprise it. While the Central Business District and the surrounding areas were formerly highly desired wealthy areas, they have lost their former reputation after migrants took over abandoned buildings, and the crime level rose accordingly. The suburbs to the south of the city are mainly lower-class residential suburbs along with some townships, although most suburbs in the South tend to be extremely large and undistinguished.

The northern and northwestern suburbs have become the centre for the wealthy, containing the high-end retail shops as well as several upper-class residential areas including Houghton, where Nelson Mandela makes his home. The northwestern area in particular is vibrant and lively, with the mostly-black suburb of Sophiatown a hotbed of political activity and the Bohemian-flavoured Melville featuring lively gathering places and nightlife. Auckland Park is home to the headquarters of the South African Broadcasting Corporation and the University of Johannesburg.

To the southwest of the City Centre is Soweto, a mostly black urban area constructed during the apartheid regime specifically for housing African people who were then living in areas designated by the government for white settlement.

TOURISM:
Johannesburg is a transit point for connecting flights to Cape Town, Durban, and the Kruger National Park, hosts touristic attractions in and around the city, and is geographically close to rural game lodges and similar tourist attractions. Consequently, most international visitors to South Africa pass through Johannesburg at least once, which has led to the development of more attractions for tourists. Recent additions have centred around history museums, such as the Apartheid Museum and the Hector Pieterson Museum. Gold Reef City, a large amusement park to the south of the Central Business District, is also a large draw for tourists in the city. The Johannesburg Zoo is also one of the largest in South Africa.

Because Johannesburg is the economic and business hub of South Africa, it remains quite tourist friendly aside from issues such as crime. It features a variety of world-class hotels, shops, malls, restaurants and casinos, as well as safe drinking water, adequately maintained roads and infrastructure on par with other major global cities. English is spoken everywhere as a primary language.

The city also has several art museums, such as the Johannesburg Art Gallery, which features South African and European landscape and figurative paintings. The Museum Africa covers the history of the city of Johannesburg, as well as housing a large collection of rock art. The Market Theatre complex attained notoriety in the 1970s and 1980s by staging anti-apartheid plays, and has now become a centre for modern South African play writing.

There is also a large industry around visiting former townships, such as Soweto and Alexandra. Most visitors to Soweto go to see the Mandela Museum, which is located in the former home of Nelson Mandela.

The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is 25 kilometres to the northwest of the city. The Sterkfontein fossil site is famous for being the world's richest hominid site and produced the first adult Australopithecus africanus and the first near-complete skeleton of an early Australopithecine.