Situated in the leafy suburb of Sandhurst in Johannesburg’s bustling city, The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa offers the perfect overnight respite for travelers staying in this vibrant South African metropolis either before or after embarking on a bucket-list safari.
Shielded behind high grey walls, The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa is obscured from view, ensuring privacy, luxury, and exclusivity. Following a smooth Airlink flight from Cape Town International Airport to OR Tambo International Airport, we are collected at the airport for our transfer. Arriving at the boom, security indicates to the driver where the entrance to the hotel is. Driving up the winding pathway, I notice the beautifully manicured gardens, flowering orange clivias, and the iconic Saxon pool.
The reception area, which used to be in the hotel’s main foyer, has been moved to the left-hand side, making guests feel more comfortable when checking in. A dedicated on-site check-in service is available for guests who prefer to do so in their rooms. Looking up at the chandelier in the foyer that is crafted from ostrich eggs, it frames the staircase perfectly, which is a focal point. With the conversion of the lounge into a piano bar by interior architect and visual artist Nelson Kubheka from Omni Design, the restaurant is very popular amongst in-house and outside guests. Opened in the year 2000, The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa has always been an iconic place, and is renowned globally for its impeccable accommodation, service, and its heritage.
When the late President Nelson Mandela was released from prison, he took refuge here and edited the bestselling autobiography Long Walk To Freedom. His former foothold is now known as The Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite, which is decorated and furnished in stately African décor. The suite has sweeping views of the gardens and pool terrace, and guests often request to stay here as the space is sized at an impressive 4,300 sq. ft.
Stepping into the suite, you can sense his presence, with special touches that pay homage to this beloved statesman. The door frame to the guest suite was carved by a Mozambican woodworker, and the textured wallpaper celebrates Madiba’s love for patterned shirts.
I am staying in a Luxury Suite in Villa 1, a leisurely stroll through the skywalk. The suite is decorated in shades of whites, creams, and beiges, and the four-poster bed is where a great night’s sleep happens. A team of butlers is at hand to serve a drink or whip up a frothy latte, and in the Villa’s main area, you can recline on any of the variety of couches.
A spa treatment at The Saxon Spa Sandhurst is on the cards for the afternoon, and Spa Therapist Lebo goes to work to ensure that I leave fully relaxed. She starts off with a foot ritual, followed by a Swedish massage using the signature Soul by Saxon rice oil. Downstairs from the treatment rooms, guests can enjoy time in the plunge pool, steam room, fitness center, and hydro facilities.
Another highlight of a stay is having supper at Qunu, The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa’s fine dining restaurant. Adding a different aesthetic, the tables are void of tablecloths and instead are topped with gorgeous granite.
The menu consists of culinary artistry, and every course is paired with South African and international wine choices, suggested by sommelier Bazil. Exceptional fare by Head Chef Scott is coupled with extraordinary service by Corlett. As the evening draws to a close, it’s clear that The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa is the place to be when luxury is an absolute necessity.
