Johannesburg, October 2024 – Celebrate the festive season at Insights at Sanctuary Mandela, where history, heritage, and exceptional cuisine come together in Nelson Mandela’s former residence. This boutique hotel and its renowned restaurant offer an extraordinary setting for celebrating with loved ones, savouring some of Mandela’s beloved dishes, and hosting corporate events.
At Insights, guests can embark on a culinary journey inspired by Madiba’s beloved dishes. The menu, meticulously crafted by Head Chef Mordecai Brauns in consultation with Chef Xoliswa Ndoyiya, pays homage to the late Madiba’s culinary preferences. Mam’Xoli, as she is affectionately known, served the president for over two decades and was instrumental in establishing Insights’ kitchen.
Recently, Dineplan announced Insight as one of their users’ top 25 South African restaurants and the highest-rated establishment in Gauteng.
“It’s an honour to be recognised as one of South Africa’s favourite restaurants and the top dining spot in Johannesburg, especially since these awards are based on genuine guest reviews,” says Vincent Monyake, General Manager of Sanctuary Mandela.
The restaurant booking platform announced its 2024 results on Wednesday, October 16. Insight made a significant leap from the top 100 in 2023 to 23rd place in the top 50, boasting an impressive 4.8 rating on the platform.
Festive Dining and Events
For businesses seeking a distinguished venue steeped in heritage to close out the year, Insights offers bespoke menus curated by Brauns. The new summer menu features treats like the Beetroot Symphony, a medley of beets with goat cheese, toasted walnuts, spicy beetroot gel, and a ponzu dressing, alongside the Biltong-Crusted Ribeye, a 300g cut of beef served with pap fondant, grilled aubergine, citrus carrot purée, and chili. Set menus are also available for special events.
Celebrate the season with a Christmas meal or New Year’s celebration that pays homage to Nelson Mandela’s love for food. Whether you’re hosting an end-of-year function, an intimate family gathering, or a big celebration with friends, enjoy a culinary journey that connects you to South Africa’s rich heritage.
Combine your Christmas or New Year’s celebration with a stay at Sanctuary Mandela, where history and hospitality meet. The boutique hotel offers nine meticulously curated rooms, each reflecting different aspects of Nelson Mandela’s life. Stay in the same home that once hosted global icons like Michelle Obama and Bill Clinton and immerse yourself in a truly enriching experience.
Insights continues its popular Jazz Sundays every weekend for lazy summer afternoons, celebrating music, food, and community. Relax and enjoy live performances by local jazz musicians in a welcoming atmosphere.
Corporate Retreats and Conferences
Kickstart 2025 at Sanctuary Mandela, the ideal venue for your C-suite leadership and strategy retreat. With exceptional conference facilities, world-class hospitality, and versatile meeting rooms, Sanctuary Mandela provides the perfect setting for executive teams to step away from the office and focus on strategic planning, goal setting, and team building in a historically significant environment.
The venue offers two flexible meeting venues, ideal for conferences, strategy sessions, and board meetings. These spaces, once used by Nelson Mandela for pivotal discussions, provide an inspiring atmosphere that promotes collaboration and leadership.
In addition to the historic ambiance, the hotel boasts modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, secure parking, and personalised catering services. For larger events, the entire property—including nine curated bedrooms, a stylish bar, and the renowned Insights restaurant—can be booked exclusively, offering executives complete privacy and personalised service to cater to their every need.
Make this holiday season unforgettable at Sanctuary Mandela. Limited spots are available for December celebrations and January corporate retreats—book now to secure your place at one of Johannesburg’s most prestigious venues.
For more information, visit www.sanctuarymandela.com, call +27 (0)10 035 0368, or email info@sanctuarymandela.com. Bookings for Insights can be made online through the website or via Dineplan.
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For all media enquiries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Panayiota Livanios by telephone at 082 857 7701 or by email at panayiota@phoenixcollective.world
About Sanctuary Mandela
Sanctuary Mandela is a boutique hotel located in Houghton, Johannesburg, dedicated to honouring the life and legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. The hotel is situated in Mandela’s former residence from 1992 to 1998 and features nine rooms, offering guests a personal connection to the South African leader. Each room highlights different aspects of Mandela’s life, with the hotel preserving original architectural features and personal artifacts, blending history with hospitality. Sanctuary Mandela also serves as an event venue, fostering dialogue around Mandela’s enduring legacy.
About the Dineplan Awards
The Dineplan app allows users to browse, check ratings, and book tables at over 1,000 restaurants across South Africa for a seamless dining experience. The Dineplan Reviewers’ Choice Awards are annual accolades recognising South Africa’s top restaurants based on real diner reviews submitted via the Dineplan platform. These awards celebrate restaurants that excel in food quality, service, ambiance, and overall dining experience, as rated by guests rather than critics or judges.
Winners are determined from over 320,000 reviews of more than 1,360 restaurants, showcasing the best dining spots nationwide. Between October 2023 and September 2024, Dineplan processed over 5.5 million reservations, seating more than 25 million guests. To be eligible, restaurants must be active on the Dineplan platform throughout the review period, accept guest reviews, and meet a minimum threshold. Newcomer awards are also given to restaurants that joined during the evaluation period.
