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Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
The Saxon is an all-suite luxury hotel in leafy Sandhurst, with private villas, a spa, the Qunu restaurant and a suite named after Nelson Mandela, who stayed here.
At a glance
- Type
- Luxury hotel and spa
- Area
- Sandhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- saxon.co.za
Good to know
- Suites and private villas
- Saxon Spa
- Qunu restaurant
- Olive Bar
- Wine cellars
- Afternoon tea
- Pool
Why we recommend it
The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa stands in large, quiet gardens on Saxon Road in Sandhurst, one of the most exclusive residential suburbs of the northern city, a few minutes from Sandton. It is among Johannesburg's best-known luxury hotels, partly because of its link with Nelson Mandela, who stayed at the Saxon after his release from prison and worked on his autobiography here. Today the hotel's top suite carries his name.
Accommodation is entirely in suites and villas rather than standard rooms. Choices range from Luxury Suites and Villa Luxury Suites to Presidential Suites, the Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite and private Saxon Luxury Villas, which suit families or small groups wanting more space and privacy. The hotel describes its service as five-star. Guests have access to an outdoor pool and the Saxon Spa, which uses water features, a fireplace, copper and Himalayan salt in its design.
Food and drink are a strong part of a stay. Qunu, the main restaurant, serves lunch and dinner every day with a menu that mixes local and international flavours, and it was named African Restaurant of the Year at the 2026 Luxe Restaurant Awards. There is also the Olive Bar, a terrace, a piano lounge, wine cellars and an afternoon tea service, so you can spend a full day on the property without needing to leave.
The Saxon suits couples on a special trip, honeymooners, business travellers who want calm surroundings near Sandton, and anyone who values privacy and personal service. It is one of the most expensive places to stay in the city, and rates vary with season and suite type, so check directly with the hotel for current offers. Book restaurant tables in advance if you want to dine at Qunu on a busy evening.
Sandhurst is residential and not a place for walking to sights, so plan on taxis, ride-hailing apps or hotel transfers. Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square are a short drive away, as is the Sandton Gautrain station for trains to O.R. Tambo International Airport and Pretoria. Rosebank, Melrose Arch and the northern suburbs' restaurants are around 15 minutes by car, traffic permitting.
Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa FAQs
Where is the Saxon?
At 36 Saxon Road in Sandhurst, a few minutes by car from Sandton.
What kind of rooms are there?
Suites and villas, from Luxury Suites to Presidential Suites, the Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite and private villas.
Is there a spa?
Yes, the Saxon Spa is on site.
What restaurants does the hotel have?
Qunu, the Olive Bar, a terrace, a piano lounge, wine cellars and afternoon tea.
What is the connection with Nelson Mandela?
Mandela stayed at the Saxon after his release and worked on his autobiography here.
Is there a pool?
Yes, there is an outdoor pool.
How far is the airport?
O.R. Tambo is reached by car or by Gautrain from Sandton station, a short drive away.
Who is the hotel best for?
Couples, honeymooners and travellers who want privacy and personal service.