When Nelson Mandela wanted to escape the pressures of being one of the most famous men in the world, and to finish his autobiography A Long Walk to Freedom, he used to retreat to the home of his friend Douw Steyn in the peaceful Johannesburg suburb of Sandhurst.
Today that house is the five-star Saxon Hotel, still owned by Steyn and still offering a tranquil haven with all the pampering and indulgence a guest could want.
The style is modern and dramatic but with traditional African touches. So the 25 spacious suites use the muted colours of the bushveld and different artisan-style textures in the decor but they also have fast Wi-Fi, bathrooms with oversized tubs and king-size beds to sprawl across.
Art and artefacts from both established and emerging artists are a major feature of the hotel and its 10 acres of beautiful grounds.
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