TRAVEL THERAPY

Copyright Karen Schaler All Rights Reserved

After spending two weeks volunteering at an orphanage in Malawi I headed to Johannesburg for several days before catching my flight back to the States. It was quite the culture shock going from living in Malawi, where you’re lucky to find hot water and electricity, to staying in one of Johannesburg’s most famous and fabulous boutique hotel’s, The Saton.

The Saxon ,that was once a private residence, is where Nelson Mandela wrote his autobiography, “The Long Walk to Freedom” after being released from Robben Island after spending almost 30 years there as a political prisoner. 

The property has been voted the world’s leading boutique hotel for the past six years so you know it’s something special on several different levels. 

To even gain access to the property you have to pass through a massive security gate that’s as impressive as it is imposing. The Saxon is often referred to as one of the best kept secrets when it comes to first-class boutique hotel properties.

Those in the know include Hollywood A-listers and savvy international travelers. It’s tucked away in the heart of Sandhurst on six beautifully landscaped acres that seamlessly blend with the luxurious feel of this boutique property. At The Saxon you will find 26 suites with four Presidential Suites. My suite was fantastic with this huge living and dining room areas and a spectacular bathroom that was fit for royalty. Since I felt like I had Malawi in my pours I spent more than an hour in the shower and then more time soaking in the giant bathtub. It felt absolutely decadent and it took me awhile to get over feeling guilty, thinking about the children I’d left behind at the orphanage that probably had never even seen a bathtub like this.  The décor throughout The Saxon is African chic and I especially liked the way the world-class spa was set up with different relaxation areas so you felt like you had your own intimate escape, a place you could really relax before or after your treatment.

When you first arrive at the spa you’ll see these framed handprints from famed guests like Oprah. Apparently quite a few A-list stars from the United States have enjoyed spending time at The Saxon. I was told Oprah use to visit so much they even named a room after her.  The Saxon was designed to offer a soothing retreat away from the stress that often shadowed Johannesburg. Throughout the property there’s a water theme featuring some beautiful pools and there are different lounge areas depending on what you’re looking for. 

The restaurant at The Saxon is fantastic with one of the best breakfast buffets I’ve ever had the pleasure to indulge in. In the evenings you can feast on the chef’s latest gourmet creations while you sit back and enjoy one of South Africa’s fines wines. The service throughout the property is impeccable making this the perfect place to stay if you have a few days you want to enjoy in Johannesburg. 

One insider tip: If you’d like to see where Nelson Mandela wrote his book you can. Most people assume he wrote it from one of the exclusive Presidential Suites, but he actually wrote “The Long Walk to Freedom” in what is now the business center at the hotel so all you have to do is walk up the stairs off the lobby into the business center and you can experience a rare piece of history.

I would also highly recommend reading Mandela’s book before you arrive in South Africa. His autobiography will truly give you a sense of the country you’re visiting and put many things in perspective making your visit a much more enriching and rewarding experience.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS