Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa, Johannesburg

The Saxon epitomises tasteful African elegance combined with exceptional, discreetly personalised attention to detail. This lush haven of peace and tranquillity, situated on six acres of undulating landscaped gardens, is a quiet retreat that seems far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here time ceases to be relevant. No intrusions, no interruptions, while your every wish is met with quiet, discreet service that leaves nothing to be desired.

On arrival at the Saxon, one’s attention is immediately drawn to the extensive use of water features in the architectural design, the central point being the breathtaking 920 square metre infinity swimming pool. The adjacent terrace overlooks the indigenous gardens and offers a panoramic view over the treetops towards the backdrop of the Johannesburg cityscape.

The stately entrance hall exudes an air of quiet majesty, with its feature staircase sweeping around a generously proportioned glass dome that allows natural light to flow in abundantly, reflecting off the spectacular chandelier suspended from the centre. All around you, as you look towards the piano lounge, cigar lounge and dining room, there are highly decorative contemporary African artefacts that echo the earthy, neutral tones typical of the interior design theme of African elegance. The atmosphere is enhanced by an accomplished pianist performing on the Baby Grand in the alcove of the piano lounge every evening.

Legendary Hospitality

The defining difference that puts the Saxon firmly into a class of its own is the minute attention to detail, from the exquisite exotic orchids placed into their individual flower vases suspended at intervals along the walls, to the imaginative touches such as the eye-catching wall decorated with an attractive array of woven African baskets.

The walls of the Saxon displays an eclectic mix of artwork, of which some of the most remarkable are original one-off sketches drawn by Dean Simon depicting various celebrity guests who have enjoyed the legendary Saxon hospitality. One of the most notable of these is the work titled ‘Foresight and Hindsight - The Five Faces of Mandela’, which traces the progression of Former President Nelson Mandela’s life from his early youth through to the gentle, compassionate older statesman who has become a much revered icon and is a heroic role model not only for South Africans but for millions of ardent admirers the world over.

Suites

Accommodation at the Saxon is designed to satisfy the most discerning traveller, with 24 exclusive suites, all with large picture bay windows that look out over the rolling landscaped gardens or pool area, with latticed shutters ensuring quiet privacy.

Each suite is equipped with a large-screen television, VCR and DVD player, together with stateof- the-art surround-sound music systems that cater for all tastes and preferences. Fully equipped workstations, complete with multi-telephone, fax and wireless on demand Internet access, facilitate uninterrupted global business communications.

presidential suites

The Egoli suites are luxuriously furnished with open-plan bedrooms dressed with the finest of linens and tasteful African elegance decorative touches, which flow romantically into the exquisitely appointed bathrooms. Each suite features a comfortable designated lounge, inroom dining area and workstation.

There are three palatial Presidential Suites, each of which features its own entrance hall, guest bathroom, and separate lounge and dining areas that open out onto a balcony, as well as a fully equipped butler’s kitchen.

Nelson Mandela Presidential suites

The magnificent Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite is situated on the first floor. The approach is via a long, private passage, at the end of which the entrance door opens onto a reception hall. This leads into the enormous lounge and dining room as well as the extremely spacious bedroom with its impressive four-poster bed.

The luxuriously appointed bathroom, complete with Jacuzzi and steam room, flows open-plan from the bedroom with shutters for privacy. This distinctive signature suite is designed and furnished to meet and exceed the expectations of the most discerning visiting members of Royalty, Heads of State, dignitaries and international celebrities.

Restaurants

The restaurant at the Saxon redefines the ultimate destination in fine dining where time stands still and nothing matters except the here and now. It is tastefully decorated with the same understated modern minimalist African elegance that echoes throughout the Saxon. Guests are seated at the tables laid with crisp, fresh linen and invited to savour superb delicacies.

The Saxon’s world-class chefs ensure that guests are catered for with personalised cuisine that is prepared and presented to perfection with minute attention paid to every detail. The Head Chef adheres to a fundamental philosophy of preparing only the freshest local ingredients, aiming for dishes that are colourful and experiential.

Every morning starts with a breakfast buffet offering a colourful, appealing array of delicious fruit and seasonal berries served fresh as well as made into compôtes and coulis. The luncheon and dinner menus are changed seasonally, with sensational new dishes incorporating African game meat and seafood delicacies such as crayfish.

Wine Cellars

The wine cellars, with their enchanting ambience that exudes a rich cultural heritage, also serve as exclusive dining areas for couples or small groups accompanied by a bottle of impeccable vintage wine from some of the world’s most renowned estates. The dining library, which houses an eclectic collection of reading material and is decorated with watercolours depicting ancient indigenous African weaponry, is another ideal venue for hosting private dinner parties.

The cool, wide Pool Terrace is an inviting area where you can relax and while away the late afternoon, sipping sundowners as you take in the spectacular sunsets. From there you can gravitate to the Olive Bar, beyond which you will find the well-stocked, impressive koi pond that never fails to evoke gasps of wonderment from visitors from far and wide. Just across the way is the outdoor heated pool that leads to the well-equipped fitness centre complete with an expertly supervised gymnasium. The underwater music emanating from the pools lends a special magic to the enchantment of this picturesque setting.

Confrencing

The extensive conferencing, banqueting and special events facilities at the Saxon are all designed with the latest state-of-the-art electronics built in to cater for both corporate and private functions.

Conferences are held in the Convention Lounge, which caters for a large number of delegates, as well as in the 30-seater tiered Auditorium, which is fully equipped with cutting-edge technology for high quality presentations and video conferencing. Boardroom-style conferencing is hosted in the dining library, and two further boardrooms provide ample accommodation for executive conferencing for up to thirty delegates. Delegates are furnished with the finest conferencing accessories. A noteworthy treat is the serving of the Saxon’s delicious, mouth-watering, light-as-air biscuits and pastries.

Celebrate

The Saxon redefines the art of celebrating life and its memorable milestones. The Convention Lounge is an ideal venue for hosting romantic weddings and celebrating anniversaries in spectacular Saxon style, as well as throwing cocktail parties and hosting formal banquets with a distinctive flourish and flair. Smaller private functions are held in the dining library.

Ultimate Venue

Many visiting celebrities have chosen this ultimate venue for hosting their celebratory occasions. The crystal clear waters of the infinity pool setagainst the picturesque rolling lawns and immaculately landscaped gardens serve as an idyllic backdrop. With the Saxon’s legendary reputation for discreet, personalised service and impeccable standards, guests are assured of a truly unforgettable experience.

Get rates for the Saxon here.

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