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For Joburgers, the prospect of driving out to Steyn City estate can seem like a stretch – but, outside of peak hours, it's really no further than travelling from one side of the city to the other (it took us around 30 minutes from Rosebank, something many of us don't even blink about travelling daily). It's especially doable when the reason is so good: visiting the Saxon Spa Steyn City (access to the estate is guaranteed with a spa booking). To be honest, if your visit is as good as ours was, the drive won't even feature in your memories.
The spa's unassuming stone exterior blends beautifully into its surroundings. Entering along a pathway, the property opens up into a bright, deceptively large, double-storey space with views out over a dam with a fountain at the Steyn City estate. Spanning 1,400 square metres, this is actually one of the largest spas in Gauteng. Design Collective is the team to thank for the considered architecture, with its soft curves and inside-outside philosophy, its many nooks within which to rest, and its inviting indoor and outdoor spaces.
This is a Saxon property, and it retains all the hallmarks of the brand, which include a level of five-star luxury and impeccable service. A sister to the Saxon Spa at Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa in Sandhurst, if you have experienced this previously, make way for a bigger and bolder pampering experience.
What struck us immediately upon entering is the attention to detail. Above the staircase (which offers an alluring peek at the crystal-clear downstairs pool) is a gorgeous chandelier by environmental artist Stephen Pikus, made using recycled glass. Elsewhere, you’ll spot delicate, nature-inspired mosaics – including a floor-to-ceiling shower design by Mosaic Art.
The walls feature local art that's more vibrant than we're used to seeing in a spa setting, but which blends in beautifully. And don’t think we missed those Mungo towels. Throughout the space, large crystals sit atop plinths, emanating healing energy (so we're told – and after our visit, are inclined to believe).
Another stand-out feature of this spa is the hydrotherapy circuit, which includes a balcony plunge bath, sauna, steam room, as well as heated vitality pools and a flotation pool. All in all, a treat for the water babies. Saxon spa manager Tanya Lopes recommends starting with the dry sauna, spending some time in the steam room, and then taking a cold plunge – staying in the icy water as long as you can reasonably tolerate, and repeating the circuit for maximum benefits.
With psychology-trained Lopes at the helm, this is a space that’s serious about wellness: mind, body, and spirit. Every therapist on the team is handpicked, with meaningful healing and transformation as the goalposts – there is no "going through the motions" here. Saxon Spa's flagship location at Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa owes its tremendous success to this approach, and it is a commitment we are pleased to see extended to Steyn City.
The outdoor deck, which looks out over a body of water, is a wonderful place to catch some sunshine after your treatments, with a fresh juice or a healthy meal. If it's chilly out, comfortable daybeds indoors let in sunlight through large glass windows while you watch small wildlife going about their business around the dam.
For the skincare enthusiasts, the spa has a carefully curated product offering of global brands, including Ling New York, Dr Levy Switzerland (Switzerland's first aesthetic BOTOX doctor, recognised as a pioneer in non-surgical treatment), BABOR, and its in-house range, Soul by Saxon (made with locally-sourced ingredients). It was the brief of Lopes to source specialist skin and beauty products that make the spa offerings here distinctive, and many of them are exclusive to Saxon Spa.
Our day at the spa
Our experience started with a tour of the space. We then went to change into our spa gowns and Saxon-branded flip-flops (a real keeper – and testament to the Spa's commitment to anti-waste).Next was a one-hour Swedish massage, which was heavenly. The massage beds have been specially sourced and offer an added level of comfort. Think of the best spa experience, and then up the quality on everything that surrounds you.
We then experienced a 20-minute unique sound therapy session in the VibrAcoustic lounge chairs – a fascinating technology that’s a first on the African continent. You nestle into a recliner, close your eyes, and have headphones gently placed over your ears while a soft eye cover cocoons them in darkness, and are then led through a guided meditation of sorts in which a deep tissue low-frequency sound massage using audio waves in the range of 30Hz-120 Hz is transmitted. The treatment has a number of therapeutic effects. It's unlike anything we have experienced before – the sound vibration almost feels like a physical sensation. The relaxation was so intense that post-treatment, we felt the need to rest.
The last part of our visit involved us sipping herbal tea, while relaxing on day beds indoors in a sunny corner, watching the flow of the water features beyond the door.
Spa treatments on offer
Signature massage therapies include Swedish, hot stone, deep tissue, and innovative additions like Bellabaci Cupping and LING’s Deep Sleep Wellness Massage. Facials are done with in-house beauty products so you can get that Dr Levy or BABOR glow. For full-body rejuvenation, Saxon Spa offers specialised body rituals and scrubs, as well as curated "Saxon Signature Journeys" – luxurious, multi-step experiences like the Digital Detox (something we could all use in this age). Couples and mothers-to-be are pampered with tailored packages, while holistic experiences like Quantum Harmonics and group sound journeys are also on offer. Up the ante on the usual spa fare like manicures, pedicures, and grooming services, and Saxon Spa delivers an all-encompassing escape into tranquility. Find the full list of treatments here.
When it comes to pricing, Saxon Spa is a premium offering. We think it's justified by the facilities and services. See the price list here.
Plan your visit to Saxon Spa Steyn City
Pre-bookings are essential – for non-residents, you won't be granted access to Steyn City without a reservation. Visitors are encouraged to pack their swimwear and arrive an hour before treatment to make full use of the hydrotherapy facilities at Saxon Spa. It's recommended to begin your treatment with a 10-minute steam or sauna, followed by some time in the flotation pool. Make a booking here.Tip: Take note of a few landmarks along your route in, as Steyn City is large and can be confusing for first-time visitors. We speak from experience.
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