Private garden estate
Imposing gates and towering walls open into lush indigenous gardens, creating a cloistered residential sanctuary of serene pathways and shaded terraces.
“The luscious 10-acre gardens that wrap around Saxon Hotel make it hard to believe that it’s in Sandhurst, less than 10 minutes from central Sandton...”
Where it shines
Exceptional
Dedicated twenty-four-hour butler service accompanies every suite across ten private garden acres.
Remarkable
A sound therapy studio and Turkish hammam hydrotherapy circuit anchor the multi-room spa.
Notable
Nelson Mandela resided on the private estate in 1990 while completing his autobiography.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and Wallpaper*.
Impossible to imagine, but the Saxon, on the fringes of Johannesburg, was once a private residence — not bad, considering it now sleeps about fifty.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Sandhurst provides quiet, tree-lined residential streets enclosed behind secure gates, situated only minutes from the commercial bustle of central Sandton.
The rooms
Suites showcase regional art and stone textures with garden balconies, while standalone villas feature airy lounges and private plunge pools.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The pool and spa
A heated infinity pool borders the garden trees, and the multi-room spa houses Vichy showers and hydrotherapy pools.
At the table
Qunu serves modern South African dishes using estate-grown produce, and The Olive Bar pours cocktails overlooking the pool.
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
How it began
Once tycoon Douw Steyn’s private estate where Nelson Mandela edited his autobiography in 1990, the property opened as a boutique hotel in 2000.
“There is, however, no sense of extravagance about the space. Polished interiors in an earthy palette of biscuit and stone hues are enhanced with antique furnishings...”
Good to know
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Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.