When you’ve spent 25 years in a tiny prison cell as a freedom fighter you deserve to come out to something of a Mandela Manor.
We all, of course, became familiar with news of The Great Man‘s false incarceration in Robben Island.
But less about his life in the quarters he then relocated to back in Johannesburg.
His primary place of residence was in the leafy surrounds of Houghton.
Sanctuary Mandela
If it felt like a hotel to Mandela after all those years mucking out then it most definitely is now.
Sanctuary Mandela is now a re-envisioned residency, a boutique hotel with nine rooms.
Each room is dedicated to an aspect of his personality.
While the lush gardens reflect the South African icon’s love of nature.
With retreat spaces filled with perfectly curated exhibits that pay tribute to Mandela.
Every corner of the boutique hotel is envisaged to provide the combination of tranquillity, heritage, and mindful experiences.
Invictus victorious
And if you think Sanctuary Mandela looks familiar then it was used in the filming of Invictus.
All in our minds just now as the Rugby World Cup kicks off and Siya Kolisi’s Springboks attempt to retain the trophy.
While in memory of Mandela’s love for food, the fine-dining restaurant serves as a tribute to his favourite dishes.
As they were previously prepared by his long-time personal chef of 20 years, Xoliswa Ndoyiya.
Of course you can walk in Mandela’s footsteps across South Africa.
And feel his presence particularly in his home province of the Eastern Cape.
We found three nights from the start of next month for under £500 at £493 for two.
Where you can live like an icon in Mandela Manor.
And we picked out British Airways return flights for two for under £3,000 (£2,982.82).