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A New Saxon Spa Debuts at Steyn City Estate in Johannesburg, South Africa

The sister property to the original Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa raises the bar on wellbeing with a host of indulgent treatments and amenities.
Heather Mikesell

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The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa recently opened its newest Saxon Spa location at the prestigious Steyn City estate. A significant milestone, the Saxon is the first South African boutique hotel to expand its spa brand beyond its flagship property in Johannesburg, setting a new standard in the country’s hospitality and wellness space. 

Overseen by spa manager Tanya Lopes, whose background in psychology brings a deeply intuitive approach, each spa location is rooted in holistic, meaningful healing and features cutting-edge techniques from around the globe. Therapists are handpicked and trained to deliver not just treatments, but transformative experiences. This philosophy has earned the brand Platinum Status from the South African Association of Health and Skincare Professionals, along with numerous other awards recognizing its commitment to excellence.

Saxon Spa 4
The reception desk at Saxon Spa

Relaxation By Design

Designed to awaken the senses and soothe the spirit, Saxon Spa at Steyn City has been meticulously crafted. It spans an impressive 15,000 square feet across two stories and is one of the largest spas in Gauteng. The architecture, helmed by Amanda Elliott and Matthew Fogg of Design Collective, draws inspiration from the natural world, with soft curves, a palette of warm whites and greens, and an overarching philosophy that blurs the boundaries between indoors and out.

The four elements—water, fire, earth, and air—are subtly woven throughout the space, grounding guests in a deep sense of peace and presence. A raised walkway leads visitors away from the demands of everyday life and into a serene, glass-fronted sanctuary nestled among trees and greenery. The gentle sounds of a nearby fountain dancing in a tranquil water feature set the tone for relaxation and renewal.

A celebration of South African creativity and craftsmanship, the spa draws inspiration from the original Saxon Spa. Striking chandeliers, handcrafted from recycled glass by environmental artist Stephen Pikus, illuminate each treatment room as part of a meaningful community upliftment initiative. Adding yet another layer of artistry, a bespoke mosaic by Mosaic Art graces the pool and jacuzzi area, echoing the lush parkland of Steyn City and enriching the spa’s immersive, restorative experience.

On the Menu

The new Saxon Spa at Steyn City offers an exceptional array of world-class amenities and signature treatments, each tailored to meet individual wellness goals. From ancient healing rituals to cutting-edge therapies, every journey is carefully curated by a team of expert therapists and practitioners who bring deep knowledge and intuitive care to each experience. Guests can enjoy beloved treatments such as the Soul by Saxon Signature Journey and the Digital Detox Journey, or discover something entirely new: VibrAcoustic wellness journey—the first of its kind on the African continent. This innovative offering merges the ancient art of meditation with sound therapy, creating a journey of emotional release, energetic reset, and profound transformation.

Guests can also enjoy a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy circuit, including a plunge bath, sauna, steam room, heated vitality pools, and a flotation pool designed to promote deep muscle release and meditative stillness. For those seeking a more spiritual dimension to their wellness journey, there are guided yoga and immersive sound therapy sessions, hosted on the outdoor deck to harness the healing power of nature. Enhancing the energy of the space, natural crystals are intentionally placed throughout the spa to support grounding, balance, and flow.

“Having worked on this project for the last three years — from the early stages of conceptualization through feasibilities, forecasts, and budgets — it’s been an incredible journey,” says Lopes. “Shaping a bare shell into a space that reflects our vision of a holistic wellness destination has been both a professional and personal milestone.”

About The Author
Heather-Mikesell-author-1

Heather, co-founder of Well Defined and the former editor-in-chief of American Spa, is an award-winning journalist and content strategist, skilled in writing, copyediting, and media relations. She is also a freelance writer and has contributed to Elite Traveler, Islands, Kiwi, Luxury Travel Advisor, Organic Spa, Porthole Cruise, Travel Agent, abcnews.com, jetsetter.com, outside.com, and wellandgood.com, in addition to various custom publications. She is frequently called upon to comment on various spa and wellness trends for various media outlets.