Nowhere in the world are spas necessary than in overpopulated cities where the rat race reigns supreme and quiet moments are few and far between. Gauteng Province, home to economic hubs such as Johannesburg and Pretoria, houses some spectacular spas that offer a much-needed break from the humdrum of city life. Below, some absolute faves that lulled us into thinking that we were somewhere in the serene bundus. These are the type of spas where leaving the facilities post-treatment is a rude awakening — literally! *Cry with us*
READ MORE: Best Spas In KwaZulu-Natal (As Reviewed By Team WH)
WELL_ness @ FARMHOUSE58, Kromdraai Valley
“A space where you can pause… exhale if you will. There’s information you’ll be asked in the days ahead of your stay so that the team can begin preparing your custom health and wellness plan.”
WHAT: An inclusive wellness centre and spa
HOW MUCH: Treatments from R720, rooms from R3 410 for two people sharing
More Info: Farmhouse58.co/wellness
What’s The Vibe?
As soon as you’re shuttled through the gates, you know you’ve crossed a threshold of some kind. A tranquil farm true to its name: Sheep, donkeys, zebras (to mention a few), extensive regenerative farmlands that provide fresh local produce, repurposed farm buildings offer eco-conscious luxury accommodation, farm-to-table dining and a variety of wellness facilities.
My place of respite from deadlines and maddening Joburg crowds is a wellness sanctuary that’s hidden within nature. Gardens, farm, veld, mountainous waterways and bush definitely lend a feeling of seclusion, stillness and much needed rejuvenation. A space where you can pause… exhale if you will. There’s information you’ll be asked in the days ahead of your stay so that the team can begin preparing your custom health and wellness plan. Questions like your preferred treatments or activities, info like where to park are given (FYI: NIROX gate 3 where their shuttle will collect you to bring you to the farm). And reminders about low noise levels and silent zones. Exhaaale.
Any Top Treatments?
Launched in May 2024, the WELL_ness centre offers a breadth of therapies and treatments: meditation sacral chakra focused breathwork, gong therapy, tai chi, reiki, sauna and Thai oil massages. Its biggest attraction is a focus on holistic wellness. I began my second leg of my wellness day with a session in the sauna that boasts a stunning panoramic window. Stress levels lowered and joint and muscle stiffness reduced, I was then taken to one of the tastefully decorated treatment rooms for a head-to-toe kneading. As somewhat of a spa lover (and someone who’s been to Thailand), I can say with confidence that the Thai massage was the real deal. With slathers of oil, my stiff shoulders and tense upper back turned to liquid. Their private, spa cabins are a haven of tranquillity, so carve out time to book a night in one.
Don’t Leave Without?
Checking out the farm. Two acres of regenerative farming land nurtured by resident farmer Paul Boyter, affectionately also known as Father Nature, who is passionate about sustainable farming and community supported agriculture. The bio-diverse vegetable garden is vast and beautiful (even in the heart of winter) best of all, all veggies, fruits and herbs are free of pesticides. You can subscribe to seasonal veg boxes packed with fresh produce.
READ MORE: The Lowest Calorie Meals On The Menus Of Kauai, Nando’s, Mugg & Bean, Simply Asia & More
Houghton Spa, Johannesburg
“Let nature infiltrate you as you spend time in the lush outdoor garden or allow the power of heat invigorate you as you unwind in the steam room or sauna.”
What: Tranquillity promised, tranquillity delivered
How Much: Treatments from R680, rooms from R3 150 for two people sharing
More Info: Houghtonspa.com
What’s the vibe?
Situated amongst the lush, quiet streets of an upmarket suburb, you’ll be forgiven for assuming that Houghton Spa is far flung from a city as manic as Joburg. Where most Joburg five-star hotels cater to business travellers, the Houghton Hotel differentiates itself with more lifestyle offerings. Let nature infiltrate you as you spend time in the lush outdoor garden or allow the power of heat invigorate you as you unwind in the steam room or sauna. For a true multi-sensory experience, engage all your senses in a totally decadent session on our sensual massage chair, offering an unrivalled sensory experience while promoting holistic body balance and relaxation.
Any top treatments?
The CBD Sports massage relieves chronic tension in muscles buried far below the body’s surface, getting to the root of the problem and leaving you as relaxed as you deserve to be. The candle wax massage uses essential oils, natural fragrances, and warm, melted wax to deeply relax the body and soul.
Don’t leave without…
Indulging your culinary fancies over a leisurely lunch, available from the hotel, for you to enjoy post your treatment.
READ MORE: How To Decentre Alcohol From Your Social Life
Where: Woodlands Spa, in Muldersdrift
“Woodlands Spa also offers half day signature therapies meant to overhaul your wellness as well as medical spa treatments meant to correct your most pressing skin woes.”
What: Bliss and serenity await
How Much: Treatments from R490, rooms from R2900 per person sharing
More info: Woodlandsspa.co.za
What’s the vibe?
Set on a tranquil estate, overlooking a small pond and housed in two modernly designed buildings, the spa offers gorgeous views of nature that immediately set the mind at peace.
Any top treatments?
The full body Wonder Ocean Therapy treatment which includes a back exfoliation, wrap and a 60-minute massage brings the weariest of bodies back to life. Depending on your body’s needs, the treatment comes in three variations: anti-stress using lemongrass, lime and lavender oils, healing using pine, eucalyptus and tea tree oils or relaxing using vanilla, grapefruit and neroli oils. Woodlands Spa also offers half day signature therapies meant to overhaul your wellness as well as medical spa treatments meant to correct your most pressing skin woes.
Don’t leave without…
Enquiring about the overnight or weekend wellness retreat packages, in case you ever need them, that allow you to truly focus on yourself. Woodlands’ wellness retreat goes way beyond just health and beauty, allowing you to fully decompress.
