Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, Johannesburg

Why Stay Here?

• 01

  Situated in the tranquil, tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst, within minutes of Johannesburg’s world-class shopping and business hub. The Saxon prides itself on being voted the World’s Leading Boutique Hotel since 2001. An all-luxury, 53-suite hotel with six pools, a private library, wine cellar and piano lounge, this iconic property is internationally renowned for its accommodation and dining offerings. Many discerning travellers, including royalty, statesmen, Nobel prize-winners and best-selling authors have returned time and again to experience the unequalled qualities for which the Saxon has gained worldwide renown. The Saxon hotel’s extraordinary attention to detail, seamless planning and implementation also makes it a sought-after venue for hosting social and business occasions.

• 02

  The Saxon completed a major refurbishment in 2020 of the communal spaces, including the hotel’s main reception area, Qunu restaurant, the Olive Bar and Cigar Library. They were creatively updated taking inspiration from the property’s first layout in 2000 and marrying authentic South African touches and original features with an atmosphere of relaxed open space. Being a highly respected patron of the arts, many creative pieces are on display throughout the hotel, including over 200 by established and emerging local artists – from oil and acrylic paintings to photographs, woodcuts, monotypes, sketches and stoneware ceramics. It is the ultimate destination for luxurious accommodation with elegant suites and villas furnished in contemporary African style. The revamped 400 sq.m Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite, unveiled in 2018, is a fitting tribute to the former president and guest.

• 03

  Top-notch chefs, lead by Executive Chef Matthew Foxon, create personalized cuisine for an experiential gourmet dining experience, complimented by an outstanding selection of wines from award-winning restaurants. The kitchen sources produce sustainably from the hotel’s organic garden and local suppliers who practise traditional techniques and work with respect for the environment and animal welfare. One of the city’s top restaurants, Qunu offers the ultimate contemporary culinary journey with an innovative menu of bold flavours and seasonal ingredients. Its updated new look features rich surroundings, woven lampshades and an ambient glow with a dramatic mural showing a warm sunset view over sister property, Shambala Private Game Reserve from under a Wild Seringa tree.

• 04

  Completing the luxurious amenities of The Saxon is the 700 sq.m Spa, comprising eight treatment rooms, a Spa suite for privacy or couples, a Turkish Hammam, steam room, Rasul chamber, spa café and hair studio as well as a modern gym with kinesis equipment. Hydro facilities, water features, outdoor stones and gardens welcome guests to immerse themselves in the tranquillity. It offers an oasis of wellness with a carefully curated programme of Saxon Signature Spa Journeys and luxurious treatments using the very best beauty and wellness brands including: Molton Brown, QMS Medicosmetics, Margaret Dabbs, Ling and Elemis. Recently introduced are rejuvenating mindfulness-based treatments aimed at restoring balance to the mind, body and soul – from a variety of massages to sleep therapy.

• 05

  The Concierge work with each guest on an individual basis to design a bespoke programme of activities across The Saxon’s outstanding accommodation, food and wellbeing offerings. Exclusive experiences can be organised including a private movie screening in the hotel’s auditorium or one of the villas, a dedicated entertainer for children, private dinners and helicopter transfers. In addition, butlers are on hand to assist guests, from packing / unpacking, providing information and personalised wake-up calls, to personal shopping, travel arrangements and an airport meet and greet service.

• 06

  The Saxon is committed to a comprehensive green efficiency programme, which includes well-managed recycling practices, organic gardening and environmentally friendly marketing collateral. The Saxon supports their local cultural heritage through training (including trainee and wine programmes) and developing their team and supporting the community. An efficient recycling programme is in place with an ongoing goal to reduce landfill volume by 25% each year and ultimately reach a zero-landfill target. Sourced items are produced locally to support local development and limit the carbon waste produced from transportation. A wonderful team in the rural town of Diepsloot in Gauteng, produce the hotel’s shoe mitts and assist in packing shower caps, vanity kits and the like. The energy supply and water usage are managed by smart meters to ensure maximum efficiency and two rainwater reservoirs are used for irrigation purposes and to support the hotel’s natural indigenous gardens. SOUL by Saxon, is a set of bespoke ethically produced ‘Proudly South African’ amenities for guests to enjoy whilst at the hotel and which are available for retail in the Spa. The range is approved by ‘Beauty Without Cruelty’ and the bottles and packaging are recycled and recyclable.