This week, two highly anticipated luxury venues, OKIO Nightclub and the Bellucci Lounge, officially opened their doors at 24 Central, putting an end to speculation about what would take over the iconic space once home to the renowned nightclub, Taboo.
- Designed to captivate and impress, these two distinct yet complementary spaces offer a new level of high-end entertainment.
- Conveniently located at 24 Central, at the corner of Gwen Lane and Fredman Drive, OKIO and Bellucci Lounge occupy a prime spot in Sandton’s most exclusive district.
- The venues promise to become the go-to destination for Sandton’s elite.
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24 Central, once the hub of nightlife in Sandton, experienced a dip in 2022, when after 19-years of setting the tone for Sandton’s party scene, Taboo nightclub closed its iconic red door for good, following the passing of founder Chris Coutroulis. Just over two years later, the space once occupied by the legendary nightclub, opens its doors once more to welcome a new era with a fresh and bold look.
OKIO Nightclub and the Bellucci Lounge, officially opened their doors at 24 Central this week with a series of events, to bring different guests to the space, to experience what Sandton’s nightlife has been waiting for. As you enter OKIO Nightclub (pronounced Awk-Key-Oh), you are instantly greeted by an atmosphere of opulence and style. The rich hues and meticulously curated textures create a visual spectacle that is just as integral to the experience as the music and drinks. Lavishly upholstered lounge areas, soaring ceilings, and bespoke chandeliers that cast intricate patterns of light make OKIO a feast for the eyes.
Designed for Sandton’s most discerning clientele, from celebrities to trendsetters, OKIO offers private seating areas, a stunning marble bar, intimate champagne lounges, and VIP suites. Each of these areas is tailored to offer a personalised touch, including bespoke bottle service. The club’s cutting-edge sound and lighting systems set the stage for an immersive nightlife experience, featuring high-profile DJs and international acts that will light up the dance floor in the coming months.
OKIO has established a dress code to match its ambiance, encouraging patrons to dress to impress and complement the chic, upscale vibe. The music line-up is as diverse as it is electrifying, spanning genres from House and Afro-House to Afro-Beats, R&B, and Hip-Hop. This mix ensures a vibrant, unforgettable night out, making OKIO not just a nightclub but a fully immersive experience.
While OKIO is the epitome of high-energy nightlife, the Bellucci Lounge, located adjacent to the nightclub, offers a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. With warm, ambient lighting casting a soft golden glow over copper accents and sleek, modern marble-topped tables, Bellucci is the perfect setting for a stylish evening out. Whether you’re looking to enjoy cocktails with friends, celebrate a birthday, or host an exclusive private function, Bellucci provides a plush and elegant environment.
Guests can indulge in gourmet tapas and small plates while sipping on cocktails or savouring a fine whiskey. The lounge offers a chic, sophisticated experience with a stylish dress code to match its surroundings. Bellucci serves as the perfect prelude to a night at OKIO or an ideal venue for more private, low-key gatherings. Speaking at the launch of OKIO and Bellucci Lounge, owner Sergio Zurini expressed his excitement about unveiling these two unique venues.
As we unveil OKIO and the Bellucci Lounge, we invite guests to come experience a lifestyle revolution that seamlessly blends luxury and entertainment to create unforgettable memories.
// OKIO Nightclub and the Bellucci Lounge Owner, Sergio Zurini
Sergio is no stranger to Johannesburg’s nightlife scene. Over the past two decades, he has developed, designed, and implemented cutting-edge concepts in major cities across South Africa, earning both local and international acclaim. His previous venues, such as Café Vacca Matta, FTV (Fashion TV SA), Movida, Buddha Ta, Churchills, and Lou Lou’s, have attracted iconic names from the music, film, and sports industries, drawing international visitors with their innovative designs and world-class standards.
To bring OKIO Nightclub and the Bellucci Lounge to life, Sergio partnered with Soda, an internationally acclaimed turn-key design and project management studio. With over 40 years of experience, Soda specializes in bespoke interior and exterior design solutions, offering everything from furniture design to project management. The studio operates branches in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, with projects spanning the globe.
Soda’s reputation for creativity, timely project completion, and staying within budget made them the ideal partner for this project. The studio has its own team of shopfitters and a dedicated group of subcontractors, covering all aspects of construction, from electrical work to plumbing and tiling. Their primary focus is on hospitality, including restaurants, hotels, bars, and nightclubs, but they also specialize in retail, residential, and commercial office spaces.
This collaboration with Soda has ensured that OKIO and Bellucci Lounge are not only visually stunning but also meet the highest international standards, cementing their status as top destinations for Sandton’s elite. Beyond being nightlife hotspots, OKIO and Bellucci Lounge are also catering to private and corporate events. Whether it’s a lavish party, an elegant dining experience, a product launch, or a year-end function, these venues look to offer the perfect solution.
For those eager to experience these exciting new destinations, reservations are highly recommended, especially for VIP sections, couches, and lounge areas. As Sandton’s nightlife continues to evolve, OKIO Nightclub and Bellucci Lounge promise to be at the forefront of this transformation.
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