Looking for distinctive, tranquil, mystical, revitalising or relaxing spa spoils at some of South Africa’s leading hotels, lodges and country estates? Look no further here are a few of South Africa’s exclusive spas that guarantee relaxation, rejuvenation and recharging.
Some ideal destinations, well worth a visit include the Mpumalanga countryside hotel known for its gourmet country dining and fly-fishing, the 5-star Knysna luxury hotel housed in an old power station, a wellness and spa safari experience deep in the northern reaches of KZN and three ‘jewels’ of the Cape Country Routes collection – a 4-star hotel in an old, unique fishing village, an elegant establishment in the historical heart of Stellenbosch and a retro-dated, restyled ‘Art-Deco-dence’ country escape on Route 62. All are where you can relax, rejuvenate and stay well ahead of the relaxation pack!
A Walkersons’ Spa weekend…
Just what the doctor ordered! If you’re wanting a few days of quiet relaxation, beautiful views, superb food and some pampering – the exclusive 5-star Walkersons Hotel & Spa just beyond the picturesque hamlet of Dullstroom is an absolute must. A little over a two hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Walkersons – celebrating its 30th anniversary and having undergone a ‘mini revamp’ – offers endless vistas, unrivalled serenity, and a luxurious spa. With a newly revamped exterior facade, the Walkersons Spa is perfect for the ultimate in pampering. It offers a wide range of treatments, a team of qualified, experienced therapists and relaxing, rejuvenating spa treatments that include amongst other the Ultimate Indulge and ‘Body’ Experiences, the Healing Crystal Massage, Spa Ritual Packages include the traditional Swedish massage and its signature treatment, the Hydrating/Detox Cocoon – a combo full body exfoliation and wrap with a relaxing scalp massage and an application of nourishing body butter, while its ‘Skin Care Rituals’ utilise specialist BABOR spa products. The Spa is open from Monday to Sunday including public holidays, between 8:00 and 16:30. Visit www.walkersons.co.za for a detailed list of treatments and price list. Ts & Cs apply. Reservations: 013 253 7000 I ,
Treats at the Turbine Spa…
One of the most unusual hotels in the country – it used to be a power station, the 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel in Knysna makes an excellent destination with its fabulous accommodation, Island Café, the cosy Gastro Pub, two conference rooms, great views and its spa. The spa, known as one of the finest on the Garden Route, offers an impressive range of beauty, body massage treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures and grooming services for men and women, day visitors and hotel guests. Featuring two, single treatment rooms, a couples treatment room and a Rasul Steam Room, there’s also an exclusive Spa Massage/Pedi Chair for a simultaneous back massage and pedicure. Its extensive treatment menu includes Turbine Pamper Packages, inclusive of a delicious Island Café lunch, the Couple’s Connect that combines an intensive body massage with a BABOR Facial and a Rasul session. Among the Spa’s signature treatments, a favourite is the Knysna Journey – a 90-minute spoil that starts with a relaxing foot scrub and massage and ends with a full body massage. Along with these unique Spa experiences, the Spa also offers a number of deluxe BABOR & TheraVine facials. The Turbine Spa is open daily for day visitors and guests – Monday to Sunday (including public holidays) from 08h00 until 17h00. Ts & Cs apply. Contact the Spa directly on 044 050 3500 or email to book. Reservations: 044 050 3500 or email , www.turbinehotel.co.za
Take time-out at Thanda …
For a wellness and spa safari experience, Thanda Safari, located in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu Natal – an access-controlled private game reserve and a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World – ticks all the boxes! From its 5-star luxury accommodation, service, food, nature, excellent all-year-round game viewing with exceptional Big Five experiences, to its beautifully appointed spa housed at Thanda Safari Lodge. The expertly trained therapists offer a wide range of treatments to inhouse guests that include a combination of western techniques and ancient Zulu holistic practices learnt from traditional Zulu women and use non-allergenic products. At the Safari Lodge, the secluded spa emerges from a bed of stone and rock and leads out onto a relaxation deck and swimming pool. Treatments can be enjoyed in tranquil therapy rooms or outside in the sala space with beautiful views of the reserve, and in-suite treatments can be booked on request. And at Thanda Tented Camp, massages can be enjoyed in the comfort of guests’ tents or on their open-air deck, weather permitting. The therapists use a range of non-allergenic aromatherapy and massage oils, herbs and essences. Here you can relinquish all cares and responsibilities for a while and emerge refreshed, radiant and revitalised. There’s always something special at Thanda Safari. Ts & Cs apply. Thanda Safari: +27 (0) 32 586 0149,
Three ‘jewels’ of Cape Country Routes
a leading group of owner-operated and managed accommodation and activity establishments in the Western and Eastern Cape. And to discover quality accommodation and fascinating attractions along the Cape’s most scenic country routes and enjoy fantastic loyalty benefits, sign up to Cape Country Routes’ Loyalty Program. Enjoy great discounts and value-adds with CCR’s participating accommodation and activity providers. Loyalty Membership for Individuals/couples is only R200 per annum and the Family Loyalty Membership is R500 per annum.
Arniston Spa Hotel
Set in one of the Western Cape’s most exquisite locations alongside an old, unique fishing village and a leisurely two-hour drive from Cape Town on a road that meanders through the hills of the Overberg region, Cape Country Routes’ luxurious 4-star Arniston Spa Hotel is internationally known as one of the world’s great getaways. Surrounded by pristine beaches and nature reserves it offers 60 luxurious en-suite rooms, relaxed lunches and elegant dinners with its trademark selection of local sea food, panoramic ocean views, all the comforts of a world-class hotel and its exclusive relaxation spa run by the renowned Ginkgo Spa & Wellness Group. The Arniston Spa Hotel’s Ginkgo Spa (winner of the Haute Grandeur Global Spa Awards) with the prerequisites of outstanding service and attention to detail, offers luxurious facilities – two saunas, a Rasul (a Turkish steam chamber), three multi-treatment rooms, a twin treatment room, a soothing tranquillity lounge, and a wide range of treatments based on hands-on touch therapy principles. Its team of experienced therapists will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Personal service and treatments are the way to a happier and healthier life. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: , www.capecountryroutes.com
Evergreen Manor & Spa
Cape Country Routes’ elegant Evergreen Manor & Spa, located in the historical heart of Stellenbosch, offers gracious living and old world charm, combined with every modern convenience. Its 15 spacious en suite guest rooms decorated with fine period and antique furnishings, are equipped with satellite TV, mini-bar, tea and coffee facilities, electronic safe and free Wi-fi. For ‘time-out’ to nourish mind, body and soul, ample relaxation space is provided by two lounges, a sun deck next to the swimming pool and a spacious patio overlooking the garden. Furthermore, for a little ‘self-indulgence,’ treat yourself to a spa spoil at the intimate Evergreen Spa, where the highly qualified therapists will pamper you, using the exclusive Healing Earth range of organic Spa products. Open daily, the Spa offers an extensive choice of wellness treatments ranging from Touch treatments, Spa Body treatments, Aroma Body envelopments, specialised Skin Care treatments to therapeutic Reflexology. Here you can escape to a world where you can truly unwind. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: www.capecountryroutes.com
Montagu Country Hotel
There’s nothing more decadent than escaping to the countryside, switching off from everyday life and being pampered by the experts, is there? If this is what you’re looking for, the evocation of a bygone era of style and flair Montagu Country Hotel restyled in its original 1930s ‘Art-Deco-dence’, is where you should be. With imposing mountain views, comfortable accommodation, excellent facilities and superb hospitality this is where you can indulge in classic country comforts, decadent cocktails, delicious food and blissful pampering at the spa. Beyond the sun-splashed patio, paths lead you through beautiful, lush gardens which hold two swimming pools where you can simply laze your day away…or you can choose revitalisation and rejuvenation at the in-house wellness centre. Montagu Country Hotel’s Spa offers not only a range of beauty and relaxation therapies – superb massages, facials and body treats, but also an experience that is unique to the hotel – a mineral jacuzzi bath in healing waters that contain a variety of beneficial minerals. The spa has a direct water source to Montagu’s famous thermal springs – first discovered by visitors in the 1800s. Also offered is the infrared sauna – the ideal add-on to a mineral bath or massage; face and body treatments – tranquil treatment rooms accommodate couples’ massages using Gwenya Salon Organics – also offered are body wraps, waxing and facials complimented with organic skincare from Esse; nail treatments – manicures and pedicures with Morgan Taylor polish, as well as Gelish gel polish and acrylic drip and an on-site hair salon. The Spa is open on Sunday 10am – 2pm; Monday and Tuesday 9am – 7pm and Wednesday to Saturday 8am – 7pm. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: ,, www.capecountryroutes.com
Recharge and Rejuvenate
Indulge, unwind and emerge anew with these enchanting spa experiences that South Africa has to offer. For reservations and detailed information, explore the official websites and contacts provided. Whether it’s the lush Mpumalanga countryside, the serene Thanda Safari or exploring all that the Cape has to offer, your path to relaxation and rejuvenation awaits.
