The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa and Shambala Private Game Reserve have both triumphed with leading honours at the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony.

Hosted by the Safari Park Hotel & Casino in Nairobi, Kenya, the event rewarded the leading organisations in African tourism.

Earmarked as one of the evening’s big winners, the Saxon was named Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel, South Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel and Africa’s Leading Hotel Suite (for the Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite).

Adding to this revered honour, the hotel’s private game reserve Shambala took home the trophies for Africa’s Leading Private Game Reserve and South Africa’s Leading Private Game Reserve.

Commenting on the surprising achievement, Saxon managing director George Cohen praised his team and said: “Our employees have such a passion for the industry and love what they do.

“This is evident in their personalised and attentive service which has earned them these highly respected awards.

“Our teams at both properties share a common objective to provide our esteemed guests with the finest service, 24 hours a day.

“To receive five awards at the World Travel Awards Africa is a testament to our ability to providing only the very best quality product and service offering.

“The Saxon and Shambala’ s award-winning service is also owed to our philosophy and company culture where each and every employee’s purpose is focused on enhancing the guest experience and we work tirelessly to anticipate and exceed our guests’ expectations.

“It’s all about the personalised touch and going that extra mile and I believe this is indeed what guests return time and again for.”

The World Travel Awards celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year and is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, celebrating those companies, organisations and brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence in product and service.