JohannesburgThe Sandton region is known as the financial hub of Africa and, in the heart of one of its largest suburbs, sits one of the continent’s most revered hotels. Formerly a prestigious private residence, Saxon hotel, villas and spa For 25 years, it has welcomed guests from all over the world, including many distinguished names. Having visited the hotel several times as a resident of Johannesburg ten years ago, I was looking forward to my final visit: having concluded a month of traveling around South Africathe Saxon would be my last treat before flying away.
The reception Driving through the leafy suburb of Sandhurst, one occasionally glimpses through the topiaries of palatial houses behind, until the wooden gates of the Saxon, almost Jurassic in size, come into view. After confirming the reservation name, they opened and we wandered through the lush, well-kept gardens until stopping at the hotel entrance.
Already waiting for us, the staff took our bags away and after signing the welcome sheet, I heard the words every weary traveler wants to hear: “May I accompany you to your room, where sparkling wine and a hot bath await?” The walk to the room offered a glimpse of the newly renovated hotel spaces, whetting the appetite for further explorations.
The room At the Saxon Hotel, the standard does not exist. The 53 rooms are all exceptional, ranging from luxury suites to villas. At an impressive 80 m2, our suite was a welcome haven, with room to store bags and trinkets collected over a month’s travel, a living room and a veranda overlooking the garden. Rooms, like the rest of the hotel, feature a contemporary African motif, with fabrics and artwork that proudly reflect the continent.
Every comfort is catered for, including a free minibar and snacks replenished daily. Next, the bed – forget a regular four-post offering, because our bedposts were floor-to-ceiling pillars. After all, why shouldn’t sleeping be a royal affair?
The bathroom Separated from the bedroom by folding shutters or bedside walkways, the bathroom maintains a majestic appearance with marble surfaces, a large bathtub, toilet and shower cubicles. The Saxon’s signature amenities complete the luxurious experience.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2026 The facilities When it’s time to venture out of the sanctuary of the room, hallways lead to a set of common spaces. In the interior courtyard, a heated swimming pool, a Koi pond, a gym and cabins provide a welcome resting space. Moving through the building, the Olive Bar, Piano Lounge and terrace offer casual and refined spaces to connect over one of the classic Saxon dishes or a glass of famous South African wine. The whole leads to the large heated outdoor swimming pool, which serves as an azure frontispiece to the hotel.
South African designer Nelson Kubheka was responsible for the hotel’s 2024 renovation, which included touches to the reception, public spaces and restaurants. Its main objective was inclusive designfor which he elaborates: “This highlights the importance of local craftsmanship and collaboration. By working closely with local entrepreneurs, furniture makers, tilers and painters, we have woven a cohesive narrative that illustrates how diverse skills and disciplines can converge to bring an idea to life.”
Perhaps the most impressive of these spaces is Qunu Restaurant, named after Mandela’s birthplace and retirement. The multi-volume space resembles a cathedral, with exceptional artwork adorning the walls, selectively placed tables and a dedicated area for the brilliant grand piano, played daily by the talented Jonathan. A must-see on the menu is Steak Diane, with its impressive tableside cuisine and flame theater.
Adjacent to the hotel, the Saxon Spa is sublime, with a range of facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna, indoor plunge pool, jacuzzi and cold plunge pool. With its exclusivity, the spa is surprisingly quiet, reinforcing the feeling of retreat. Insider Tip: The Eden Garden Suite is the couples’ bedroom windowed into the garden, where the sound of water features provides a calming soundtrack.
The location The Saxon suburb of Sandhurst is one of the most prestigious in Johannesburg. From the hotel, you’ll be a short drive from the famous Sandton City Shopping Centre, a mecca for shoppers from across the continent, and the imposing glass office towers are just a short walk away. It is a 15-minute drive from the CBD and approximately 40 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport (which can also be reached via the high-speed rail at Sandton). With its proximity to the airport, a stay at the Saxon is an attractive option for those transiting through Johannesburg for a safari. After the thrill of a few days in the bush, a little relaxation and sunbathing by the pool might be in order.
Other Nice Touches As part of the hotel’s recent 25th anniversary celebration, a beautiful table book was commissioned, which gracefully recounts Saxon history. After flipping through the book, I recognized some of the smiling faces of the staff serving us. Taking a copy home, it wouldn’t take long to flip through it to find a familiar face – instantly transporting us back to the Saxon shrine. Inside you’ll find key Saxon recipes, staff stories and other fascinating anecdotes.
Be sure to leave time for a relaxing afternoon at the Piano Lounge, where JohannesburgThe best tea experience awaits you. A welcome glass of bubbles is followed by an immersive ritual: taking the time to sniff each high-end tea leaf until making your own selection. The treat stand is then stocked with creative sweet and savory creations – a welcome departure from tired sandwiches and slices of cake. If you still have room, mixologist Bhuto serves us tasty Old Fashioneds and Palermos at the Olive Bar.
The hotel also doubles as a gallery, with a huge range of African art – a firm reminder that at its heart, the Saxon is a love letter to the continent. Discover works by renowned artists Samson Mnisi, Lisette Forsyth, Qhama Maswana and sculptures by Lionel Smit, Amalie von Maltitz and Dylan Lewis.
The cost Luxury suites start at £700 per room, including breakfast and full minibar. For an additional £215, the Saxon Splendor package includes a 1-hour massage per person and a 3-course dinner at Qunu Restaurant. Presidential Suites start at £1,500 and offer a spacious 200m2 living space with an entrance hall, guest bathroom, separate lounge, dining room, fully equipped butler’s kitchen and balcony with garden views.
The best piece Warmly regarded as the country’s patriarch, former President Nelson Mandela hardly needs an introduction. Guests at the Saxon quickly discover that Mandela’s legacy lives on in the hotel’s history: after his release from prison, he spent six months here. It was at the Saxon that he put the finishing touches to his opus “Long Walk to Freedom” – the importance of his stay having set the tone for 25 years of guests coming from all over the world to seek refuge here.
The final verdict It was, in the truest sense of the word, a privilege to conclude my trip through South Africa in one of the country’s most famous and luxurious hotels. Despite the short stay, few places can match the feeling of conviviality imparted by a stay at the Saxon. From the humble Knox, who took me for a walk in the garden, to Felicity, whose hands patiently melted away my stress, “Sticks”, whose table cooking was matched only by her humor, Welma, who taught me the nuances of tea leaves, to Lloyd, who unknowingly poured me a glass of one of my favorite wines. These are all the moments that transform a hotel into a home.
Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Hotel Saxon.
Jared Ruttenberg Jared Ruttenberg is a travel writer from Cape Town, South Africa. He loves connecting people and experiences through words, images and social media.
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