There are few addresses in Johannesburg that carry the gravitas of the Saxon Hotel. Long regarded as a sanctuary of refinement and privacy, this storied property has recently undergone a thoughtful revamp by Omni Designs, breathing fresh life into its public spaces while preserving the soul of its legacy.
The design refresh centres on the lobby, piano lounge, and Olive Bar, where a sensitive balance has been struck, not too modern, not too classic. The result is a space that feels both cosmopolitan and timeless, where guests (and locals alike) linger over cocktails beside the hotel’s iconic pool. With its established vines climbing romantically around the colonnades, one feels as though you are sipping martinis amidst the most stylish of ruins.
History, Elegantly Honoured
The Saxon’s reputation as the bolt-hole where Nelson Mandela stayed after his release from prison, and where he completed Long Walk to Freedom, remains central to its aura. The Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite has been refreshed in the same spirit as the rest of the property, with tactile layers and rich textures creating an atmosphere of quiet grandeur.
Villa Living
During my stay, I was hosted in one of the two expansive villas, each with its own private pool. Every detail of the suite is designed for comfort and discretion: a king-sized bed dressed in the finest linens, a freestanding bath and walk-in shower, and a private deck spilling into lush gardens. Thoughtful touches, abundant white towels, snacks, towelled robes and slippers, and international multi-plugs, reinforce a sense of being completely at home. Suites in the villas can also interconnect, making them ideal for families or groups who want privacy without separation.
Dining at Qunu
No stay at the Saxon is complete without dinner at Qunu, with the interior elegantly executed by Omni Designs in a neutral palette punctuated with bold prints. The service is polished to perfection, attentive without affectation, down to the detail of offering room-temperature or chilled water.
The culinary highlight was the celebrated scallops, paired with masala cream, curry leaf oil, charred carrot tartare, and candied fennel, a delicate interplay of spice and sweetness. For mains, the laminated potato with artichoke cream and caramelised parsnip was as beautiful as it was satisfying, while dessert, a composition of banana and caramel mousse, banana bread, hazelnut sable, and praline ganache, lingered long after the final bite. The extensive wine list, curated by the in-house sommelier, offers exceptional pairings, while the non-alcoholic cocktails are works of art in themselves; complex, nuanced, and never cloying.
A Spa Sanctuary
Between meals and explorations of the grounds, the Saxon Spa provides a retreat of its own. A sensual space complete with hydro-facilities, it is open exclusively to hotel guests. My treatment was nothing short of bliss, a reminder that relaxation here is treated as an art form.
A Johannesburg Icon
What makes the Saxon endure is not only its elegant setting or its celebrated history but its people. The warmth of the staff reflects a team that is clearly valued; interactions are never rehearsed but personal, kind, and considered.
Whether you are checking into a villa for a restorative escape, visiting the spa for a treatment, or simply sipping a drink in the Olive Bar, the Saxon remains an icon of Johannesburg, a destination that feels as relevant now as ever.
