SOUTH AFRICA – Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa has relaunched its food and beverage experiences with a menu created by Executive Chef Matthew Foxon.
The relaunch included the unveiling of the newly refurbished restaurant, Qunu, as well as the Olive Bar, Piano Lounge and Terrace; “With 24 years of storied history, the Saxon Hotel celebrates its legacy while embracing the future of hospitality.”
The transformation was successfully completed with the support and guidance of the Steyn family and interior designer and founder of Ommni Design Nelson Kubheka. Nelson’s vision integrates Saxon’s heritage with contemporary luxury.
Qunu restaurant has been reimagined to offer a dining journey with a team led by Executive Chef Matthew Foxon. Foxon has crafted a menu honoring South Africa’s heritage while embracing contemporary influences.
Each dish features locally sourced ingredients. The new dining journey offers a set menu with various ingredients and flavors. Guests can enjoy a two, three, or four-course menu paired by our team of sommeliers with wines from our wine list.
The new restaurant design includes a variety of seating arrangements featuring banquette-style options. The space features new pendulum lights and clean design lines, creating a modern and inviting ambiance. A new art installation was created for this space, reflecting South Africa’s cultural mosaic.
At the Olive Bar, just off the main Terrace, their mixologists wows with a range of signature cocktails, familiar mixes, and premium beverages.
The footprint of the bar space has doubled in size and includes a wraparound bar alongside lounge nooks.
The bar features accents of light marble, complemented by bespoke light fittings. Fabrics selected for the seats ensure comfort while maintaining an air of luxury. Glass stacking doors from the bar lead out onto the Terrace.
The Piano Lounge, overlooking the Terrace, features various seating styles to accommodate different preferences. Stacking doors seamlessly integrate into the outdoors, bringing a sense of openness to the Lounge.
The reimagined Terrace offers an al fresco dining experience, with views overlooking the pool and gardens. The menu features a selection of dishes, including specialties such as prawn linguini, braised lamb shank, and their Saxon beef burger.
A curated selection of artwork accenting the newly reimagined spaces handpicked from the Spier art collection includes works by artists such as Samson Mnisi, Lisette Forsyth, and Qhama Maswana.
Each artwork has been chosen to complement the hotel, offering guests a visual journey through the talents that define our nation’s cultural landscape. The pieces will be updated quarterly.
There is an all-new lobby lounge, reflecting contemporary aesthetics and timeless elegance. It also showcases a curated selection of local artwork. The reception area has been relocated to a more intimate enclave. It is decorated with warm tones and marble accents.
Founder of Ommni Design, Nelson Kubheka, is the designer behind these re-imagined spaces. With nearly a decade of experience in interiors and spatial solutions across Africa, Nelson Kubheka brings expertise spanning conceptual design, technical documentation, and site implementation.
His vision for the Saxon combines a fresh, modern African design ethos with a deep respect for the hotel’s rich history. This is achieved by integrating authentic and sustainable elements alongside contemporary touches.
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