Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, which has a footprint on every continent except Antarctica, has chosen the City of Gold as part of its expansion in Africa.

The Canadian-based company has been in the hospitality industry for 50 years and has become a global luxury brand.

After the firm inked a deal with The Westcliff's owner, renovations on the property began a month ago.

"Africa's economic growth, improved stability and ease of travel have made the continent increasingly attractive to luxury travellers and Four Seasons," said the company's executive vice-president for worldwide development, Scott Woroch.

"Having property in Johannesburg, the gateway to the whole of Southern Africa, is essential as we explore opportunities for growth in South Africa and across the continent."

As if the five-star hotel were not swish enough for guests - who have included Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron and Robert Mugabe - it will get a new spa with six treatment rooms, a relaxation deck and a "motivational fitness centre". Around-the-clock "in-room dining", a heated outdoor pool and "elite" wedding venues are also promised.

Sebastien Carre, former manager of the Four Seasons in Washington and opening general manger of the hotel group's resort in Bora Bora, will start his new job as general manager tomorrow.

He will "begin preparations to reopen" the Westcliff.

RSL Architects group managing director Clive Shepherd said: "We were the architects of The Westcliff Hotel back in 1995, and are now involved in the major new renovation."

The firm, which has an office in Sandton, has a portfolio that includes the Hilton Hotel in Cape Town, Hotel Ritz in Madrid, the Grand Hotel Europe in St Petersburg and the Four Seasons Resort in Dubai.

Almost a year ago, Orient-Express Hotels, owner of The Westcliff, issued a statement indicating it had entered into an agreement to sell. At the time, it would only say to an "undisclosed buyer".

"Orient-Express has agreed to remain as manager for 12 months," it said.

Then interim CEO Philip Mengel said: "We plan to use part of the proceeds to reinvest in our other assets, including a portion of the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town and our safari camps in Botswana."