Saxon Hotel, Villas And Spa

It’s a testament to this hotel’s greatness—and it’s lauded place in South Africa’s national psyche—that Nelson Mandela stayed in one of the 53 suites to complete his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. The hotel coddles guests (the spa has a Byzantine-inspired Rasul Chamber), while remaining fiercely South African; their local art collection is one of the biggest corporate holdings of South African art in the world, including stoneware sculptures by Amalie von Maltitz and intentionally-burnt canvases by Sandile Zulu. Guest rooms are layers of warm neutrals, many with deep soaking tubs, patios, and woven African baskets adorning the walls.

A hideaway (literally: you’ll pass through a gate stricter than Fort Knox) in Johannesburg’s tony Sandhurst neighborhood.

Loud and buzzing. The 10-acre grounds feel delightfully whisper-quiet.

Oprah stayed here, and she only accepts the best.

Sitting under the dappled light of a fig tree in Qunu, you take sip of piping rooibos tea and consider another trip to the brunch table. All of the vegetables are delightfully fresh—though that shouldn’t be surprising, given that many were grown on the roof above you.

Luke Dale Roberts X Saxon - African, international, contemporary, fine dining Qunu Restaurant and Fig Terrace - Innovative menu with bold flavors, local ingredients like the finest cuts of South African meat Terrace - Light and casual lunch Terrace Piano Lounge - High Tea from Thursday to Saturday Cigar Lounge Eighteen05