Saxon Johannesburg

South Africa's former President, Nelson Mandela, used the serene setting of Saxon, in Sandhurst, to edit his autobiography "Long Walk to Freedom".

Nestled in the exclusive Sandhurst suburb of Sandton, the Saxon makes a word class statement of ethnic African elegance, combined with personalised attention to detail. The Saxon has always been a place of welcome. First as a home, now a home away from home. With its roots in the heart of Gauteng, it has drawn the warmth of the city that bred it - from the world it has won its refinement and ease.

The welcoming entrance with stately staircase sweeps around a central glass dome, permitting natural light to blend with and enhance the contemporary African decor and handcrafted ethnic art effects. Leading off this area is a boutique shop, piano lounge, smoking library and the dining room. Set in six acres of lush landscape gardens, the Saxon has been designed to capture and embrace its natural environment. One of the design themes is the extensive use of water. The central point of the water theme is the magnificent nine hundred and twenty square metre swimming pool.

Saxon boasts twenty-six suites of various sizes. All suites incorporate a strong element of African art, latticed shutters covering large bay windows, looking onto the tranquil gardens or pool area. Each suite features large screen televisions, VCR and DVD player with surrounding sound systems. Workstations fitted with multi telephone, fax and ISDN lines, provide each guest with an incomparable experience in business-orientated hospitality.

The four presidential suites feature a separate lounge and dining area. The spectacular Mandela and Mbeki platinum suites consist of 500 square metres of unadulterated luxury. There are two bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, a reception area, lounge, dining room, bar and butler's kitchen with a private elevator - a set up worthy of the most discerning traveller.

Despite being embedded in the city of gold, a place most known for it's frenetic pace and mining town mentality, there lies a scenic jewel surrounded by lush landscape gardens called Saxon. With its extensive use of water, it naturally lends itself as a reprieve from the daily stresses of major corporate deals and the hectic pace of city living.

The ambience of the dining room offers a homely atmosphere, boasting an exclusive and unique wine display. A brigade of world class chefs ensures personalised cuisine, catering for our well travelled guests. The cocktail bar leads off the expansive pool terrace, koi pond and outdoor heated pool. The health centre includes an elaborately equipped fully supervised gymnasium, Clarins beauty salon and steam rooms. Revitalising massages can be taken under the shaded gazebos next to the pool, or in the privacy of your suite.