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Hyatt Hotels in South Africa Celebrate Culinary Art Recognition for Journey Urchin Restaurant and Room 32

Hyatt Hotels in South Africa has received national recognition at South Africa’s Top Restaurant Awards, with Urchin Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Cape Town named SA’s Top Restaurant, ranked among the Top 10 Overall Best Restaurants (as voted by South African diners), and placed within the Top 3 Fine Dining Restaurants. Room 32 at Park Hyatt Johannesburg was also named a finalist in the Luxury Dining category. Presented by the Restaurant Voice of South Africa, the awards mark 20 years of recognising excellence across the country’s dining landscape. The accolades reflect the collective voice of South African diners, acknowledging consistency, quality and the overall guest experience. At the centre of this recognition are two chefs shaping contemporary South African dining through distinctly individual perspectives. Chef Marcus Gericke of Journey Urchin Restaurant at Hyatt Regency in Cape Town, presents a deeply considered expression of the Western Cape. Drawing from the coastline, its communities and its culinary heritage, the restaurant’s signature nine-course tasting menu, Journey, was developed through an extensive road trip across the province. This process allowed the team to engage directly with farmers, fishers and home cooks, resulting in a menu grounded in lived experience. Each dish reflects a strong sense of place, seasonality and narrative, supported by a carefully curated wine programme and quietly attentive service. Adjacent to the tasting menu, the Navigator Menu offers a more accessible, à la carte interpretation of the Cape’s most recognisable flavours. “This recognition across multiple categories, including the overall award, speaks to the integrity of our entire offering, from our tasting menu to our à la carte experience,” says Gericke. “Our intention has always been to honour the Western Cape through food, telling the stories of its people, landscapes and traditions with clarity and respect.” Gericke’s approach is defined by restraint and authenticity, with a deliberate focus on South African flavour rather than external influence. The result is a dining experience where storytelling is embedded in every course, and every detail is carefully articulated. In Johannesburg, Room 32 at Park Hyatt Johannesburg offers a more intimate and contemporary interpretation of fine dining. Set within a restored heritage property in Rosebank, the 31-room hotel positions the restaurant as its central gathering space — where guests and the city connect over food, fire and conversation. Led by Chef Karel Jacobs, the menu follows a seasonal, ingredient-led philosophy, shaped by close relationships with local farmers and foragers and expressed through a refined, fire-led cooking style. He adds, “Room 32 was created to express a cooking-on-fire style inspired by the elements, a space that feels intentional and personal, grounded and reflective of Johannesburg’s energy,” says Jacobs. “To be recognised so early in our journey is incredibly encouraging, and a testament to the team’s focus on uncompromising detail, flavour-first and experience.” From business lunches and dinners to high tea, weekend brunches and curated beverage pairings, the experience is designed to feel considered and immersive. Recognition as a finalist in the Luxury Dining category, achieved within months of opening, signals the strength of the restaurant’s culinary direction and execution. This moment forms part of a broader evolution for Hyatt Hotels in South Africa, where a focus on culinary identity, local sourcing and experience-led dining continues to shape each property’s offering. At Park Hyatt Johannesburg, this is further underscored by the hotel’s award of One MICHELIN Key in the guide’s inaugural 2025 hotel selection, recognising exceptional quality, design and service. This direction is driven at a leadership level, with a deliberate investment in culinary excellence and global benchmarking at its core. As CEO Hamza Farooqui notes, “This recognition spans both the Hyatt Regency Cape Town and the newly opened Park Hyatt Johannesburg, affirming that world-class dining is not confined to a single address, but is a hallmark of the Millat Group’s enduring hospitality philosophy.” Over the last two years, Millat has invested significantly in training and sending chefs to Michelin-rated restaurants globally to expand their knowledge base. In addition to this, we’ve recently appointed a team of Michelin Chefs to work with our homegrown chefs to ensure they are trained and equipped to curate Michelin-standard offerings across all restaurants in our hotels.” Millat-Group Millat Group–owned Hyatt Hotels are grounded in a philosophy of changing lives through hospitality, supported by sustained investment in culinary excellence. This includes international immersion across leading dining markets such as the UK and UAE, alongside collaboration with MICHELIN Key consulting chefs to ensure global benchmarking in luxury and fine dining. About Millat-Group The Millat Group is a principal-owned and led family office adopting a private equity approach, deploying capital where value arbitrage exists. For more information, visit www.millatglobal.com For more information, visit: Hyatt.com The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. About Park Hyatt Johannesburg | Park Hyatt Johannesburg is a luxurious 31-key hotel located in the vibrant Rosebank district of Johannesburg. This intimate hotel offers an unparalleled blend of modern comforts and timeless sophistication, inspired by Johannesburg’s rich cultural heritage. The hotel features two signature dining venues, including Room 32 and Whispers of Diriyah. Guests can also enjoy wellness offerings, including bespoke treatments, a fitness centre, and an outdoor pool. Park Hyatt Johannesburg is designed to cater to the needs of discerning business and leisure travellers and is part of the Millat Group’s prestigious portfolio. About Hyatt Regency Cape Town Hyatt Regency Cape Town delivers on its brand promise to guests seeking to experience South Africa’s rich and multicultural history. This 5-star luxury hotel boasts of 137 modern rooms with locally curated artwork in the lounge areas, spacious suites, Halal certifi ed restaurants, intimate prayer rooms and a vibrant pool area. Our spaces are designed intuitively, connecting you to all the essentials for business or leisure – everything you need to make personal connections and professional collaborations. This flagship hotel is the first Hyatt-branded property in Cape Town, centrally located in the heart of Cape Town city bowl, at

Park Hyatt Johannesburg Featured In Time’s Annual List of The World’s Greatest Places

Today, TIME reveals the annual list of the World’s Greatest Places, which highlights 100 extraordinary destinations to visit and stay. To compile this list, TIME solicited nominations of places including hotels, cruises, restaurants, attractions, museums, parks, and more from its international network of correspondents and contributors, as well as via an application process, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences. Park Hyatt Johannesburg was featured as one of the exciting new places to stay. As shared by TIME in its feature on Park Hyatt Johannesburg: “Though there’s a big brand behind it, the boutique property doesn’t lack personality. Housed in a mansion from the 1930s and designed by Johannesburg-based interiors whiz Stephen Falcke, its 31 slick rooms and suites are outfitted with green tub chairs, marble-topped credenzas, Ndebele-patterned throws, and glass-encased bathrooms. Room 32, the hotel’s restaurant, has quickly become a favorite among locals—particularly for high tea, where a treasure chest reveals tiny bites tucked in drawers, from bunny chow to venison carpaccio, served on a terrace overlooking a heated pool framed with greenery” Read more here See the full list Set within the vibrant Rosebank district, Park Hyatt Johannesburg is a 31 key luxury hotel housed in a meticulously restored 1930s colonial mansion. The property reflects the architectural influence of Sir Herbert Baker and blends heritage detailing with contemporary refinement, offering guests a serene, residential style retreat defined by art, design, and quietly confident service. The hotel’s 31 guestrooms and suites are thoughtfully appointed with king size beds, marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, bespoke Ndebele inspired design accents, and curated South African artwork. Culinary experiences are anchored by Room 32, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Hamza Farooqui, CEO of Millat Group, owners of Hyatt Hotels in South Africa, commented: “To be recognised by TIME as one of the World’s Greatest Places is a humbling moment for our team and for South Africa. From the outset, our responsibility was to restore this landmark with care, build a team that reflects excellence and integrity, and create a product that honours both global standards and local heritage. This recognition belongs to the people who brought the vision to life every day. For us, true luxury is not excess, it is intention, authenticity and service delivered with heart.” Atef Soliman, General Manager of Park Hyatt Johannesburg, added: “This recognition by TIME reflects the dedication of our team and the strength of the Park Hyatt brand. At Park Hyatt Johannesburg, we are committed to offering refined, personalised service within an environment that feels residential, intimate, and culturally connected. To be included among the world’s most extraordinary places to visit and stay is an honour that inspires us to continue setting new benchmarks for understated luxury in the region.” Park Hyatt Johannesburg is the luxury brand’s third destination in the African region and continues to position Rosebank as a leading address for discerning global travellers seeking immersive design, culinary excellence, and meaningful connection. For more information, click here About Park Hyatt Johannesburg – Park Hyatt Johannesburg is a luxurious 31-key hotel located in the vibrant Rosebank district of Johannesburg. This intimate hotel offers an unparalleled blend of modern comforts and timeless sophistication, inspired by Johannesburg’s rich cultural heritage. The hotel features two signature dining venues, including Room 32 and Whispers of Diriyah. Guests can also enjoy wellness offerings, including bespoke treatments, a fitness centre, and an outdoor pool. Park Hyatt Johannesburg is designed to cater to the needs of discerning business and leisure travellers and is part of the Millat Group’s prestigious portfolio About Park Hyatt – Park Hyatt hotels provide discerning, affluent business and leisure guests with elegant and luxurious accommodation and offers them highly attentive personal service in an intimate environment. Located in several of the world’s premier destinations, each Park Hyatt hotel is custom designed to combine sophistication with a distinctive regional character. Park Hyatt hotels feature well-appointed guestrooms, meeting and special event space for groups, critically acclaimed art, food and beverage programs, and signature restaurants featuring award-winning chefs.

A connected and curated Ramadan experience awaits at Hyatt Hotels South Africa

This Ramadan, Millat-Owned Hyatt Hotels South Africa welcomes guests to honour the sacred experienceof the holy month through a carefully curated journey of Iftar, Suhoor and Tarawih dining experiences across Cape Town and Johannesburg. Designed around moments of pause, gathering and shared ritual, this year’s Ramadan offering is more connected than ever. From Hyatt Houses Sandton and Rosebank to the culturally layered streets of the Bo Kaap to a newly introduced Najdi-inspired dining experience at Whispers of Diriyah in Park Hyatt Johannesburg, each table has been set with intention, care and a deep respect for tradition. Across all participating hotels, halal menus, dedicated prayer facilities and carefully considered spaces support both spiritual observance and meaningful hospitality throughout the month of fasting and reflection. “Ramadan is not just a moment on the calendar for us, it is a responsibility,” says Nicolaas van der Walt, Director of Culinary at Hyatt Hotels South Africa. “Every menu, every space and every detail has been designed to honour the holy month with authenticity and care. From heritage-driven flavours in Cape Town to the cultural depth of Whispers of Diriyah in Johannesburg, we have created experiences that are intentional, respectful, grounding and genuinely communal. This is hospitality that listens first, and then serves.” Iftar, Suhoor and Eid al Fitr at Hyatt Regency Cape Town: At 126 Cape Kitchen and Café at Hyatt Regency Cape Town, guests are invited to experience a daily Cape Malay and Indian inspired Iftar buffet priced at R350 per person, alongside a full Suhoor breakfast menu available at R350 per person. Rooted in Cape Town’s culinary heritage and set within the historic Bo Kaap neighbourhood, the experience brings families, friends and communities together around comforting, generously prepared dishes. Guests may choose between buffet and à la carte options, children under 12 dine at half price, and group booking discounts make this an inviting setting for family gatherings, corporate groups and community occasions. The holy month culminates in a joyful Eid al Fitr Celebration Buffet priced at R695 per person, a festive expression of heritage, gratitude and togetherness. Introducing Whispers of Diriyah at Park Hyatt Johannesburg: A defining addition to this year’s Ramadan offering is Whispers of Diriyah at Park Hyatt Johannesburg, an immersive cultural dining experience inspired by Diriyah, a city shaped by earth, memory and tradition. Designed as a cultural destination, the space draws guests into Najdi culture through scent, sound, texture and story. Walls are wrapped in soft, earthy Najdi fabrics, while floors are layered with authentic Saudi carpets and Sadu textiles that echo the geometric language of ancient Arabia. The Iftar experience, created by Chef Isra and developed in consultation with cultural specialists, is rooted in shared dining and quiet luxury. The halal menu honours provenance and authenticity, beginning with cold mezze including hummus, mutabbal, muhammara and baba ghanoush, alongside fattoush salad and harira soup served with fresh Arabic bread. Hot selections follow with cheese rokaq and vegetable samoosas, kabsa chicken, jarish, lamb goursan and lamb hamiees. Desserts feature Umm Ali, luqaimat and seasonal fruit. The Iftar menu is priced at R985 per person, with a family-style sharing menu available at R800 per person. Guests are welcome to use the on-premises prayer room and are invited to return after Tarawih for a refined dessert and coffee ritual featuring baklava, basbousa, mohalabia and other desserts, served with Arabic coffee. Kadak and mint tea at R395 per person. For Suhoor, guests are encouraged to rise gently to a nourishing pre-dawn offering at R550 per person, designed to restore, sustain and prepare the body for the day of fasting ahead. A complete Ramadan offering at Hyatt House Sandton and Rosebank: Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton and Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank present a warm and inclusive Ramadan dining journey for both in-house guests and the local community. Both hotels will offer a daily Iftar buffet at R365 per person, a Suhoor breakfast at R195 per person, and a post-Tarawih dessert and tea menu priced at R99 per person. To mark the close of the holy month, an Eid al-Fitr Lunch Buffet will be served at R495 per person. Menus reflect abundance and familiarity, with dates and refreshments served at sunset, cold mezze such as hummus and mutabbal, build your own garden salads and comforting hot mezze. Suhoor offerings balance nourishment and ease, featuring seasonal fruit, yoghurt, cereals, pastries, savoury sandwiches and hearty vegetarian options. Both Hyatt House hotels operate Halal-certified kitchens and provide dedicated prayer rooms. Soft lighting, communal tables, family-style seating and a daily Chef’s Ramadan special revealed at sunset create a spiritual yet celebratory atmosphere that welcomes diverse guests.Ramadan dining experiences will be available daily throughout the holy month, with planned service dates from 17 February to 19 March 2026, subject to official moon sighting. Advance reservations are recommended, as many services are expected to fill quickly.In the spirit of generosity, 10% of all food revenue generated from these Ramadan dining experiences will be donated to the Gift of the Givers Foundation. Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of Gift of the Givers, says: “True impact is created when purpose-driven organisations come together with sincerity and action. Partnerships such as this demonstrate how shared values can translate into real, life-changing outcomes for communities in need. Through the support of Millat Group and Hyatt Hotels South Africa, moments of celebration are transformed into moments of hope that extend far beyond the table. It is collaborations like these that remind us of the extraordinary good that is possible when humanity leads the way.”

Millat Group Brings Skift Megatrends To Africa For The First Time, Positioning South Africa At The Centre Of Global Tourism Intelligence

The Millat Group has secured South Africa as the host of the first-ever Skift Megatrends event on African soil, marking a major strategic win for the country’s tourism and hospitality sector. The partnership will see the global launch of Skift’s Africa Megatrends 2026 delivered at sunrise on Table Mountain on 27 January 2026, providing industry leaders with exclusive timely access to the world’s most influential travel intelligence report. Skift Megatrends is widely regarded as the annual compass for the global travel industry, shaping strategies for airlines, hotel groups, tourism boards, investors, technology companies, and policymakers. The 2026 edition analyses the forces that will define travel behaviour, market performance, and investment flows in the year ahead. This includes the economic and social mega shifts influencing consumer expectations, the next phase of AI adoption in travel, the redesign of destination strategies, and the structural changes reshaping hospitality and aviation worldwide. The Millat Group played a decisive role in securing the event for Africa, positioning South Africa as a global stage for new ideas, investment conversations, and executive-level tourism leadership. The partnership aligns with Millat’s strategy to elevate Africa’s visibility in global tourism and connect the continent to the most advanced insights and trends shaping the international marketplace. Hamza Farooqui, Founder and CEO of Millat Group, said the partnership is a milestone for the continent. “Millat is proud to bring Skift Megatrends to Africa for the first time. This is more than a launch event. It is a statement that Africa belongs at the table where global tourism strategy is shaped. The findings in this report guide the decisions of the world’s leading travel companies and now those insights will be delivered here, on our soil, in our time zone, with African leaders in the room. We want the continent to have direct access to the intelligence that influences investment, innovation, and opportunity. Millat is committed to building an African tourism sector that is competitive, globally connected and geared for growth.” Skift’s report offers deep value to the African market at a critical moment. As global travel demand recovers and competitive pressures intensify, tourism boards and private operators require high-quality data to understand shifting traveller behaviour, the rise of experiential itineraries, new digital booking patterns, supply chain disruptions, and the evolving economics of hotel development. For African destinations, this intelligence helps refine marketing strategies, identify growth corridors, re-engage long-haul markets, and strengthen local investment pitches. Rafat Ali, CEO and Founder of Skift, said the setting is symbolic. “Launching Megatrends 2026 in South Africa reflects the energy, ambition, and leadership we see coming out of the continent. Millat Group has been instrumental in making this possible and we look forward to unpacking the major themes of the year ahead with their partners and stakeholders.” The sunrise launch atop Table Mountain will be attended by over 100 senior decision makers from across Africa’s travel, hospitality, and technology sectors. Skift’s editorial and research leaders will present the 2026 Megatrends findings, followed by a discussion on how the trends apply specifically to Africa’s tourism growth trajectory in 2026 and beyond.

Park Hyatt Emerges In South Africa With The Opening Of Park Hyatt Johannesburg

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of Park Hyatt Johannesburg, marking the luxury brand’s third destination in the African region. Set within the vibrant Rosebank district, celebrated for its cultural richness and urban vitality – Park Hyatt Johannesburg offers a refined, residential-style experience where thoughtful design, immersive art, and warm hospitality come together in perfect balance. “We are extremely proud to open Park Hyatt Johannesburg, extending the legacy of the Park Hyatt brand to Rosebank,” commented Mitch Gemmell, general manager, Park Hyatt Johannesburg. “Our team is dedicated to offering deeply personalized service and thoughtfully curated experiences, delivered with meticulous attention to detail and the essence of modern luxury hospitality in every interaction.” Local Heritage & ArchitectureThe hotel elegantly preserves its architectural heritage, blending classical and contemporary elements inspired by colonial residences. Originally constructed in the 1930s as a stately colonial mansion, the building reflects the influence of Sir Herbert Baker, whose architectural legacy helped shape the character of Johannesburg’s early residential estates. Today, Park Hyatt Johannesburg honors this legacy through the careful restoration of original features such as graceful arches, high ceilings, and wide verandahs, creating a serene oasis that seamlessly connects heritage with modern luxury. The hotel is structured around a central open-air courtyard, anchored by a magnificent jacaranda tree, sculpted gardens, and a heated outdoor pool, creating a serene focal point for relaxation and reflection. Embedded across the property is a locally curated art and design program, with each floor and space featuring site-specific themes inspired by the region’s landscapes, botanical history, and archival collections. Guestrooms & SuitesThe hotel features 31 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, each offering king-size beds and floor-to-ceiling windows designed to maximize natural light and provide serene garden views. Select rooms and suites feature private patios, further enhancing the sense of tranquility. The carefully designed interiors boast plush cotton linens, marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, bespoke Ndebele-patterned throws, and curated South African artwork. Art themes within the rooms include Sea Algae, Trees, Safari, Forest, Explorer, and Leaves, all celebrating South Africa’s diverse biospheres. Local artistic work is also exhibited in public spaces, comprising pieces employing a warm neutral palette enriched by artisanal details and botanical illustrations dating back to the 1800s, many sourced from historical archives. Culinary MasteryCulinary excellence forms the heart of Park Hyatt Johannesburg. The hotel’s Room 32 restaurant – named to play on the property’s 31 rooms – presents guests with an immersive gastronomic journey, showcasing innovative cuisine prepared over live-fire grills, emphasizing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can witness the artistry of chefs transforming humble ingredients into culinary delights. Complementing this experience, The Lounge provides a sophisticated yet relaxed setting to savor handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and a carefully selected array of premium cigars. Celebrating South Africa’s rich winemaking heritage, the wine list is guided by a focus on terroir and quality, with selections that reflect the country’s diverse viticultural landscape. Guests can look forward to an elevated oenological experience guided by a dedicated sommelier, offering thoughtful pairings and insight into the provenance and character of each wine. Culturally Inspired WellnessWith the spa set to open soon, wellness experiences at Park Hyatt Johannesburg will invite guests to rejuvenate through exclusive treatments inspired by international and South African traditions. Signature therapies incorporate native ingredients such as rooibos, marula oil and baobab extract, known for their healing and antioxidant properties. Drawing on the holistic principles of local wellness rituals, treatments aim to restore balance and energy while offering a sensory journey that connects guests with the natural richness of the region. The hotel also features a fully equipped fitness center and a heated outdoor pool nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a tranquil environment amidst the city. Park Hyatt Johannesburg is also proud to collaborate with luxury publisher Assouline to bring iconic Assouline titles, signature candles, and refined design elements to the hotel’s lounge and suites, enriching the atmosphere with a sense of timeless sophistication. Intimate Events & GatheringsAt Park Hyatt Johannesburg, guests can experience the perfect blend of sophistication and functionality for gatherings. The property provides a flexible event space accommodating up to 60 guests, ideal for intimate meetings and elegant celebrations. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or private party, the dedicated hotel team ensures that every detail is meticulously crafted to create unforgettable memories. “The opening of Park Hyatt Johannesburg embodies our commitment to providing exceptional service, care and luxury deeply connected to the city’s rich heritage and vibrant culture,” commented Hamza Farooqui, CEO of Millat Group. “Our aim is to offer an unparalleled experience, blending refined hospitality with authentic South African artistry.” Conveniently located near key cultural attractions, galleries, boutique shops, and acclaimed dining establishments in the city, Park Hyatt Johannesburg is set to become a definitive luxury destination for discerning business and leisure travelers alike.

Millat Group Launches Strategic Collaboration with Discovery Vitality and Pret A Manger

Millat Group is pleased to announce a new collaboration between Pret A Manger and Discovery Vitality, making it easier and more rewarding for Discovery Vitality members to use their Discovery Miles to access fresh food conveniently. Pret A Manger has joined the Vitality Mall, giving Discovery Vitality members even more ways to spend their Discovery Miles on new exciting rewards. For a limited time launch offer, Discovery Vitality members can enjoy a R100 Pret A Manger reward in the Vitality Mall for just Ð500 (R50). Thereafter, The R100 reward will be available for Ð1,000. Redeem your reward at Pret’s existing stores in Rosebank Mall and Melrose Arch, with new locations coming soon as the brand expands across South Africa. “This collaboration represents the best of both worlds making accessible, flavourful, and wholesome food choices more accessible,” says Hamza Farooqui, CEO of Millat Group. “Discovery Vitality is a trusted partner in promoting better living, and we’re proud to be aligned with that mission. Through Pret, we’re offering convenient, delicious, fresh food and through Discovery Vitality, we’re helping more members access it in a rewarding way. This collaboration reflects the power of shared purpose and strategic alignment.” For Discovery Vitality, the collaboration extends its Vitality Mall rewards options, while Pret A Manger brings a globally respected brand with a strong emphasis on natural, freshly prepared food to the South African market. The tie-up reinforces the Millat Group’s vision of aligning its hospitality and food portfolio with leading brands that support smart, modern living. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Millat Group and Pret A Manger to bring even more rewards to our members. Through the Vitality Mall, we’re continually expanding our network of partners’ and this collaboration is another step in enriching the variety and value of rewards available to our members, aligning with our mission to support better living through smarter everyday decisions, says Celeste Williams, Head of Marketing at Vitality.