Formerly a private estate, the Saxon Hotel is one of Johannesburg’s most beloved luxury boutique hotels, for good reason. Stunningly beautiful, filled with exquisite art and an amazing history, the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa is the ideal place to spend a holiday. When Nelson Mandela was released from prison, he found a refuge in the Saxon, owned by his friend, Douw Steyn. In his dedicated suite of rooms and on the sprawling grounds, Mandela worked on his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom.
Guests are welcome to stay in the Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite and enjoy spacious, art-filled accommodations complete with the Zebra-covered office chair that Mandela favored. The master bedroom has a king-size bed, a marble bathroom, and a walk-in shower and steam room. There is a fully equipped butler’s kitchen and 24-hour dedicated butler service, as well as a guest suite, separate lounge, dining room and conference room. The suite is enhanced with spectacular views of the property’s 10-acre gardens. Staying in such a historically significant suite is a real treat.
What about the other rooms? The 24-room hotel boasts numerous suites and rooms, all expansive and impeccably decorated. The Saxon is dedicated to showcasing local artists and craftspeople from across Africa and art spills from all private and public rooms. Floor to ceiling windows create light-filled spaces that feel nothing like a hotel. A butler can help with anything you need and you may need some assistance navigating through the expansive spa menu, choosing between the Saxon’s multiple culinary options or arranging a trip to a nearby museum or hot-air balloon tour.
If you crave complete privacy, you can book one of the newly renovated Villa Luxury Suites. In addition to comfortable bedrooms and marble baths, the Villas contain a main lounge, a dining room, breakfast area, bar and private plunge pool. A 24-hour butler and chef will take care of all your personal and culinary needs.
Regardless of your room choice, meals at The Saxon are exceptional. Dinner at Qunu might include peppered springbok with roasted beets, free-range chicken with crispy potatoes and wild mushrooms or crispy linefish and calamari and charred baby leeks. If you want a dramatic end to dinner, order the crepes suzette, which are doused in candied orange and Cointreau and flambéed tableside. Of course, the wine list is pretty fabulous and the Saxon’s expert sommelier can guide you through your selection. (The hotel also boasts a terrific white and red wine cellar, which is the perfect place to host a small dinner party or a private celebration). A more casual meal can be enjoyed at The Terrace. Here the menu features salads made from ingredients from the Saxon’s very-own vegetable garden, as well as burgers and fresh seafood. It is also the perfect place to enjoy one of those renowned sundowners.
And if you crave a retreat outside the city, a visit to Saxon’s sister property, Shambala Private Game Reserve, is advised. Shambala is also steeped in history and in addition to a more traditional game lodge, Shambala is home to the Mandela Center for Peace & Reconciliation. Mandela used the Center as a quiet setting to write, hold meetings, and encourage the best for his country. Rooms in the five bedroom Center can be booked for up to 12 guests and come complete with a private chef, bush walks, daily game drives and private cruise on the hippo-filled dam.
Chalets in the Zulu Camp on property are another fabulous way to enjoy Shambala. Although just two and half hours away by car (or 45 minutes by helicopter), Shambala’s guests can expect to see the Big Five, and also enjoy fishing, shooting, stargazing and biking.
