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There’s nothing Joburgers love more than a getaway. As much as we love the city for its opportunities and liveliness, we also know that the pace is relentless, so breathers are mandatory. Just an hour away from the city lies The Riverside Sun, and it feels perfectly built for this moment.
Sitting on the banks of the Vaal River in Vanderbijlpark, this Southern Sun property is one of those places that quietly exceeds every expectation. From the outside, it’s unassuming, neat, classic, and professional. But the moment you step through to the gardens, you realise you’ve traded the city’s frantic energy for a world that moves at the speed of the river.
The poolside prelude
The resort’s layout is a masterclass in utilising its best asset: the water. The gardens are manicured and lush, with rolling lawns that lead directly to the river’s edge.
We kicked off our stay with lunch near the pool. Large enough to get properly lost in, the pool area anchors the resort’s leisure offering. For families, there’s a dedicated kids' play area on the grass, nearby, that promises to keep little ones busy while you rediscover what quiet sounds like.
After lunch, we retreated to our rooms for a short reset. The accommodation here is designed for real-world travel, from Deluxe rooms with king-size comfort and river views to Family rooms that actually fit a family. That hour of downtime with my window open, overlooking the pool and the river, and soft jazz wafting through the air was exactly what the doctor ordered before the afternoon’s main event.
The element of surprise
If you think you know what a river resort looks like, the Wine Cellar at Riverside Sun will make you think again. It was, for me, the most unexpected feature of the stay. Tucked away from the bright sun, the cellar is moody, dark, and beautifully appointed with low lighting and rugged brick walls.
We spent an afternoon immersed in a wine-and-chocolate pairing, a sophisticated, sensory experience led by a sommelier who knows her tannins. Moving from a crisp Sauvignon Blanc paired with zesty white chocolate to a bold red with chilli-infused dark chocolate felt like a secret escape within an escape.
It’s the kind of space that invites long, lingering conversations, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the property.
After a quick refresh, we headed to the water for a sunset cruise with Liquid Lounge. There is something about seeing the Vaal from a double-decker boat that shifts your perspective. Whether you’re on the open-air upper deck or behind the glass below, it’s the ultimate way to watch the day fade.
Fireside magic
Returning to the shore, the property had transformed. We were greeted by a beautiful bonfire at the Island boma right on the riverbank. There’s nothing quite like the crackle of a fire at the water’s edge to make you forget your inbox exists.
This led to a candle-lit dinner outdoors on the lawn under the stars. For private and group dining, the property’s range of venues, including the wine cellar, the lawns and the Island, allow menus to be tailored entirely to the occasion.
The food, led by the legendary Executive Chef Amina, was world-class and thoughtfully prepared, a testament to her 37 years of expertise. It wasn't just a meal; it was a curated experience that felt personal and responsive to the setting.
Riverside rituals
After a hearty complimentary breakfast buffet, we ended our stay with a final body-and-mind reset along the riverbank. The hotel works with a mobile spa partner to bring treatments directly to the most atmospheric spots. There is something profoundly healing about having a massage outdoors where the soundtrack isn’t a spa CD, but the actual sound of nature going about its business along the Vaal River.
If you only do one thing at the Riverside Sun, I highly recommend a mid-morning foot massage on the bank of the Vaal River in the crisp autumn air.
The verdict
Riverside Sun proves that the best escape for Joburgers isn't necessarily the furthest one. By stripping away the travel fatigue of a five-hour haul, you get more time for what actually matters: the connection and the quiet.
It’s a property that doesn’t try too hard to impress; it simply does. Whether you’re there for a wine pairing in the cellar or a sunrise coffee by the boma, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve been away for a week, even if you’re back in the city in time for Monday morning traffic.
Also read: The 6 best big group getaways near Johannesburg
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