Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
Johannesburg, South Africa
Sandhurst
Vibe
Guarded gates open into ten acres of manicured indigenous gardens, where twenty-four-hour butler service shapes an intensely private stay.
“Secluded garden hideaway”
Dedicated twenty-four-hour butler service across private villas and suites, with thoughtful turndown and personalized poolside care.
An expansive spa complex featuring sound therapy suites, a Turkish hammam, Vichy showers, and outdoor hydrotherapy pools.
The former private estate where Nelson Mandela stayed in 1990 to complete his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom.
In upscale Sandhurst, ten acres of gardens twenty minutes from the center of Sandton.
“surrounded as it is by a ten-foot wall, it’s about as private as a boutique hotel can get.”
Rooms
Open-plan suites showcase regional artifacts and stone cladding, with private balconies facing the garden and villas featuring dedicated plunge pools.
“The luscious 10-acre gardens that wrap around Saxon Hotel make it hard to believe that it’s in Sandhurst...”
Wellness
A heated infinity pool anchors the grounds, paired with sound therapy suites, a Turkish hammam, and Vichy showers inside the spa.
“This refined oasis stands head and shoulders above the mostly chain-link competition in Sandton thanks to its lush garden surroundings, top-tier service, and African-inspired decor”
Backstory
Nelson Mandela resided at this former private estate for six months in 1990 to complete his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom.
“Polished interiors in an earthy palette of biscuit and stone hues are enhanced with antique furnishings, local artwork and tribal objects.”
Eat & drink
Qunu serves indigenous South African flavors under a fig-tree canopy, while the Olive Bar pours cocktails overlooking the illuminated pool.
“The onetime private home of tycoon Douw Steyn was reborn as the city’s swankiest hotel 26 years ago.”
The neighborhood
Sandhurst offers quiet, tree-lined residential streets enclosed by high walls, situated just minutes from the bustling financial hub of Sandton.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.