Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff celebrates Johannesburg’s iconic Jacaranda bloom with a signature Afternoon Tea and exclusive private helicopter flights over the city's stunning purple canopy. If this sounds as delightful to you as it does to us, enter the competition and stand a chance to win a high tea experience for two!
A Seasonal Homage To Johannesburg's Jacaranda Bloom!
Pastry Chef Nathan Jacobs has crafted a menu that respectfully honours traditional teatime while infusing it with contemporary elegance. Each new addition is subtly inspired by the colours, textures, and serene beauty of the Jacaranda season.
“We wanted each bite to echo the anticipation of the first blossoms,” explains Chef Jacobs. “My new additions aim for a perfect balance—crisp and creamy, bright and rounded—creating memorable moments against the backdrop of the city’s violet skyline.”Chef Jacobs’s new creations offer a sophisticated taste of Johannesburg's perennial iconic floral wonder.
Menu Highlights: An Exquisite Journey
Plain/fruit scone: Warm and delicate, with cream and seasonal preserves.Hazelnut and blackberry financier: A tender almond-hazelnut cake with a whisper of toasted nut for depth.Black Forest opera: Sleek layers of dark chocolate sponge and cherry notes.
Citrus and blueberry tart: Zesty citrus curd with blueberry compote, in an impeccable shortcrust.
Cassis and white chocolate vacherin: Glossy meringue embracing blackcurrant and a silken white chocolate cream—an elegant, violet-tinged nod to Jacaranda.
Cheese savoury on white bread: A classic, reimagined with a light cheddar mousse and chives.
Cucumber and herbed crème fraîche on brown bread: Cool cucumber ribbons, dill and chive crème fraîche.
Smoked salmon and guacamole on brioche: Silk-smooth salmon paired with a citrus-kissed avocado, tucked into a soft brioche bun.
Chicken coronation tartlet: A crisp pastry shell filled with gently spiced chicken—familiar, regal, and perfectly bite-sized.
Beef short rib amagwinya/vetkoek: Slow-braised and sumptuous, nestled in a warm South African favourite for a richly comforting mouthful.
Mushroom empanada: Flaky pastry encasing earthy mushrooms and thyme, a savoury whisper of the autumn forest floor.
The Setting: The City Turns Violet
Perched high above the treetops, Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff offers a singular vantage across Johannesburg’s famed urban forest. During the Jacaranda bloom, the view becomes a living tapestry of lavender and lilac—an exquisite backdrop for the calm cadence of afternoon tea. The Jacaranda High Tea invites guests to linger and watch the city soften into purple.
A Jacaranda Journey
On October 25, Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff offers you an exclusive, yet immersive salute to Johannesburg’s purple season. Join a guided walk through Westcliff’s Jacaranda-lined avenues, where experts share insights into the city’s urban forest, seasonal ecology, and architectural heritage.
You'll end atop the Westcliff ridge at the back of the hotel, and board a helicopter for a panoramic flip over the city’s shimmering canopy.
Upon landing, guests walk down to the hotel to enjoy a leisurely limited-edition Jacaranda High Tea, created by celebrated Pastry Chef Nathan Jacobs, featuring delicate patisserie, feather-light scones, and savoury bites inspired by the bloom.
Looking for more spots to take in some gorgeous jacaranda views? Here are some of our favourites.
An afternoon alternative is also available, without the walk. It pairs a scenic helicopter experience with sundowners on the View Terrace, showcasing sweeping Jacaranda vistas at golden hour. Tickets are limited and reservations are required in advance.
Want to win an experience for two? Keep an eye out for our post on Instagram to enter the competition. Make sure to follow @fsjohannesburg for more updates!
Availability
The Jacaranda High Tea is offered during the Jacaranda season, from October through November, Friday through Sunday. Reservations are essential and subject to availability.
For bookings and enquiries, please contact Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff directly or make a booking via Dineplan.
