Johannesburg’s Golden Hotels

Where to stay in the entryway to southern Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and the entry point for safaris and other exotic adventures, is the first taste of Africa for many travelers. The cosmopolitan northern suburbs where most high-end hotels and restaurants are located feel more like Atlanta than Africa: tiny neighborhoods that have their own distinct vibe, but blend together to create the total heartbeat of the city. Here you’ll find upscale shopping, trendy dining and luxury hotels. To explore more of the “City of Gold,” book a tour that includes Soweto, where both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu had homes and many of the nation’s struggles took place. Below are a few outstanding hotel options:

The spacious Egoli Suite at the Saxon.

The Saxon
Staying at the sumptuous and exclusive Saxon is reminiscent of visiting a private estate where your every need has been anticipated and your hosts have impeccable taste. In fact, the Saxon started life as the residence of tycoon Douw Steyn, who’s best known for hosting Nelson Mandela here when he wrote his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom. You can book the room where Mandela stayed—The Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite—which is 3,700 square feet and comprises two bedrooms, an enormous lounge, dining room, butler’s kitchen, an impressive granite four-poster bed, and a luxuriously appointed bathroom, complete with Jacuzzi and steam room.

All of the 24 contemporary rooms are actually luxurious open-plan suites that open onto the six acres of rolling, manicured gardens or one of the pools and reflecting ponds that surround the hotel. The most popular rooms are the 20 Egoli Suites, which are nearly 1,000 square feet. There are also three grand Presidential Suites that have separate entrance hallways, private balconies, butler kitchens, and a separate guest bathroom. Private butlers see to each guest’s every need.

The Platinum Bedroom at the Saxon Hotel.

Freestanding Saxon Spa and Studio combines traditional services with signature treatments such Sound Therapy, which utilizes gongs, cymbals, singing bowls, and bells. Hydrotherapy, a flotation pool, heated jet pool, sauna, cold plunge pools, and two outdoor pools add to the sybaritic experience. The Restaurant at the Saxon serves continental food with African flair; the candlelit wine cellar lends itself to a romantic evening.

The secluded location and private atmosphere of the Saxon make it a favorite of celebrities. Recent guests include Charlize Theron, Oprah Winfrey, Fran Drescher, Kathleen Turner, Hillary and Bill Clinton, Brad Pitt and Prince Edward. For celebrity-worthy VIP services, contact Natasha Cassim, reservations manager (27 011 292 6000, info@saxon.co.za).

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