Historic and exquisitely manicured, The Saxon is a bit of an anomaly in the Johannesburg hotel scene: there’s no view; there’s no scene; and there’s certainly not a hint of ritz about the place. That’s all part of its infectious, charm, though. While big and roomy, there’s a curvaceous charisma and class to the Saxon’s urban manor estate feel. Thanks to its long drive, enormous gates, lush gardens and the exquisitely private surrounds that make up its trendy home in Sandhurst, the sense of always being constantly a part of an osmotic oasis is part of The Saxon’s enduring appeal. There’s also its historical claim to fame. Before the 10-acre estate was transformed into a hotel, former South African president Nelson Mandela lived here when it was a private home and wrote his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom.
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Style wise, first impressions seriously count at The Saxon. Two sweeping staircases dominate the reception under a domed atrium of Titanic-esque proportions. A celebration of Africana dominates the décor with a well-thought-out and curated selection of sculptures, artworks, artefacts, and ornamental pieces sourced from across southern Africa. Odes to Mandela are dotted throughout in the form of photographs and portraits alongside other dignitaries and celebrities, Oprah included. Elsewhere, the hotel veers on Futurama. A long and ultra-modern skywalk links the main space and connecting villas, soying a piano lounge, open-sided terrace, and endless pieds-a-terre.
Then there are those big old roomy suites. Comfort is a space The Saxon rules, and expertly so. Spread over the main buildings and surrounding villas, complete with small pools, earthy spectrums and pallets of cream fill brilliantly lit and demure lashings of light wood, subtle geometric shapes, and African print. It’s all mazed out in an open-plan layout: bedroom, lounge, dining area, marble bathroom (behind the bed), and if you are tropical garden facing, there’s a balcony, too. Must nabs? The presidential villa is quite something; as is the Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite, which comes with a stone four-poster, guest room, steam room, and butler’s kitchen.
Then there’s the grub. Come here with a full stomach, as wherever you decide to plant your tush, you’ll be in store for a banquet-style affair. The Terrace serves all sorts of classics with a dose of European flair. Think calamari, gourmet burgers, fried prawns, and a mean chicken wrap that comes complete with some of the best fries planet Earth offers. For a dose of posh, Qunu is where it’s at. Led by Executive Chef Matthew Foxon, the two-, three-, or four-course menus marry South African gastronomic heritage with contemporary influences. Wines, stored in The Saxon’s cavernous cellars, are delicious and are naturally sourced from all over the country and worldwide.
Another major reason to stay comes courtesy of the Saxon Spa, a gem of a spot set over two balmy floors. Massages and pummels are a godsend post long haul flight to get that circulation going again, and should you need a mani or pedi, the nail bar has got you covered whatever state your cuticles are in. The pool is rather lovely, as are the six acres of gardens to roam around in too. Summed up, The Saxon is best described as a historical gem. It effortlessly blends heritage and modern Africana in the most stylish and hip way possible, and that will forever be part of its allure, now and for years to come.
Top Takeaways:
Location: Sandhurst, Johannesburg
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: Modern Africana meets storied historicism. This place has class, and unlike other city hotels, doesn’t need to scream about it.
Food + drink: Modern Africana, with a fine dining spot that marries every cuisine style under the sun. It’s all too delicious, so choose wisely.
Amenities: Bar, restaurant, pool, spa, salon
Our favourite thing about the hotel: The level of privacy. Discretion is at the heart of the Saxon ethos, and nobody in the city does it quite like they do.
What’s nearby: Sandton Central Park, George Lea Park, Gandhi Square, Rhodes Park, Apartheid Museum
Any personal neighbourhood reccs? Rosebank, one of the few Jo’burg suburbs with its own station and a quick, cheap and easy Uber ride away from the hotel. The mall is what draws in most of the locals, but for tourists like me, the Avant Garde arts scene is the real pull. Spend a few hours exploring the fashionable block of galleries that line the Keyes Art Mile. The CIRCA gallery is also worth a spin.
Rooms? 53
Pricing: From about 678 USD per night.
Closest international airport: O.R. Tambo International Airport
