Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa

The Saxon stands behind a high wall in Sandhurst, a leafy suburb of Johannesburg, on ten acres of indigenous gardens. It began life as a private residence, and that sense of a house rather than a hotel remains. Nelson Mandela came here after his release to work on his autobiography, and the suite that carries his name is a compound of its own, with a reception hall, dining room and steam bath. Guests choose between suites in the main building and villa suites of the same size set around a shared lounge, all open-plan and dressed in a contemporary African style with private patios over the garden and pool. A butler is on call around the clock. Qunu serves seasonal menus, and the day can run from breakfast on the terrace to high tea in the piano lounge. A spa, gym and a large infinity pool complete the picture. The hotel also holds a notable art collection, and its location makes it an easy first or last night on a southern African journey.