Review: Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa

_Location: Set in the leafy suburbs of Sandhurst in the heart of the City of Gold, Johannesburg, three miles from the city centre. The Saxon is a 45-minute drive from both OR Tambo and Lanseria airports.

_{First impressions:} The long, gated drive and lush manicured gardens that surround the property feel more akin to a country estate than a city hotel. The enormous lobby features two sweeping staircases and a selection of African artwork that complements more contemporary works of art. The conscientious staff whisked my luggage to my Luxury Villa Suite while I enjoyed a well-earned chilled glass of champagne during the seamless check-in process.

_{The facts:} Set across four hectares this historic property was the former home of the wealthy Steyn family who invited Nelson Mandela to stay with them when he was released from prison. It’s here that he penned his bestselling autobiography Long Walk to Freedom. Today, Mandela’s presence is felt throughout with countless artworks of the legend on display.

The Saxon was completely refurbished during the pandemic, and a further nod to Mandela has been created in the new-look Qunu restaurant where you’ll find a mural depicting a sunset over the Shambala Private Game Reserve – the Saxon’s sister property and a place Mandela loved to stay. The hotel has 53 suites, plus three villas with private pools and 24-hour butler service. There is a private lift from the car park to the villas, a nice touch for A-listers and politicians who are regulars to the property. My villa was furnished with a king-sized four-poster bed dressed in the finest white linen.

There was also a balcony with a view of the tropical gardens. The villa product here is beyond luxury – it’s at another level and guests are truly treated like royalty by the attentive butlers. A futuristic Skywalk links the main hotel and nearby villas. The hotel’s two restaurants embrace the farm-to-table philosophy with the chef growing most of his produce in the nearby gardens and the rest sourced from local farmers.

_{Ideal for:} Guests needing a stopover to recharge their batteries before a detailed South African itinerary or ahead of their journey home. It is the perfect pre or post retreat.

_Explore: Guests will need persuading to leave the grounds of this stunning property – it’s a perfect slice of paradise.

_Wow: The Saxon Spa is a wonderful setting for physical and mental rejuvenation with water features, hammam baths, flotation tanks and a long list of mindful treatments. Try their famous digital detox treatment, it’s a must.

_{Book it:} Rooms lead in at £463 per night on a B&B basis.
Saxon.co.za