As South Africa marks 20 years of democracy with this week's elections, we are celebrating the first democratically elected president Nelson Mandela who became a president on 10 May 1994 by taking you to the Nelson Mandela Suite in Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg.
Nestled in the exclusive Sandhurst suburb of Sandton, Saxon makes a world class statement of ethnic African elegance, combined with personalized attention to detail, luxury and comfort. Saxon has always been a place of welcome, located in the tranquil tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst, and merely minutes away from Johannesburg's world-class shopping and business hub – you get the best of both worlds.
Not only is this oasis in the city an unparalleled gem within the city of Johannesburg, it is also a modern historical monument – a place that witnessed history within its walls as it became home to Nelson Mandela after he was released from prison. It was during this time that the renowned former president of South Africa used the serene setting of The Saxon Boutique Hotel to edit his autobiography "Long Walk to Freedom”, and we can’t say we don’t see why this would be the perfect place to do so.
Enter the magnificent Nelson Mandela Presidential Suite via a glass enclosed elevator and experience unparalleled luxury. The epitome of style and class the suite offers nothing less than presidential treatment and living quarters, with panoramic views it overlooks the indigenous gardens and treetops towards the city skyline. The beautifully decorated rooms that make up the presidential suite all decorated in Saxon’s signature nouveau African style will have you feeling like you’re royalty; from their spacious bathrooms to the plush bedrooms and the inviting lounge and dining areas, we don’t see why you’d ever want to leave your suite.
But of course there’s more to this gorgeous boutique hotel! The welcoming entrance alone should have you dazzled and enticed, with a boutique shop, piano lounge, smoking library and dining room all spanning off from the lobby, the question is which one do you pick first? Beyond the indoors is the six acres of lush landscape and the extensive use of water design with Saxon’s central point being it’s impressive infinity pool. Elevated above the pool is a terrace overlooking the garden with the city as a backdrop – the ideal relaxation area while sipping on cocktails and enjoying the view. Or why not check out The Koi Terrace which features a heated pool that plays underwater music and a dining gazebo, perfect for leisurely lunches and feeling like you’re living in the lap of luxury.
Aside from relaxing by the pool or enjoying one of the many indulgent massages at the hotel, Johannesburg has plenty more on offer, whether it be visiting Nelson Mandela's original home, museums and art galleries or the zoo and Gold Reef City there’s lots to keep everyone’s tastes satisfied.
So why not take a trip to the city of Gold and experience a presidential status like none you would’ve imagined, indulge in African finesse and lose yourself in the oasis that is Nelson Mandela’s Suite. Or keep the trip going and discover the rest of South Africa and Nelson Mandela's legacy.
