The benefits of spa treatments are plenty and underrated to those who aren’t regulars. For instance, they help muscles relax and increase blood flow; aid with insomnia and improve sleep quality as well as detoxify the body and encourage calorie burning – among many other bennies! The physical and mental benefits are even better when the spa itself is in a lush, calming setting. Below, some spas around KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to help you escape the rat race.
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Brookdale Health Hydro, Midlands
“The only decisions you’ll be making on your multi-day retreat include choosing spa treatments and which of the plethora of wellness activities you’ll indulge in each day.”
What: A fully-inclusive wellness retreat
How Much: Treatments from R360, rooms from R5 100 (for 2 nights per person)
More Info: Brookdale.co.za
What’s the vibe?
In the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, lies a cosy retreat for those looking to get away from the stresses of life, reset their life or simply experience a few days of silence and pampering. Leave your responsibilities and endless to-do list at the door and exchange it for a robe and a bespoke plan curated to suit your wellness needs. The only decisions you’ll be making on your multi-day retreat include choosing spa treatments and which of the plethora of wellness activities you’ll indulge in each day.
Any top treatments?
With over X spa treatments on offer, your only limits are your imagination and time spent there. On top of the treatments included in your stay, you have to experience the Heavenly Twin Massage (that’s two masseuses working on you at the same time), the Hydrotherapy Bath with magnesium (it sent me straight to napville) and the Reflexology (I was in awe of ho much my masseuse knew about my health and body just from my feet).
Don’t leave without…
Booking your next stay. Coming from all over South Africa, many of Brookdale’s guests make this an annual (sometimes bi-annual) retreat to prioritise their own mental wellness (sans husbands and kids). And yes, they do it solo. The six day package is popular and everyone who was there at the time had opted for that. I was there for three days and was sad to wave Brookdale and new friends goodbye. So in 2025, I’ll be wrapped in my Brookdale robe ready for six days of relaxation. And you should be too!
Wellness Spa at Brahman Hills, Midlands
“The Brahman Hills spa has been thoughtfully designed so that every inch of it has a view of the rolling, endless hills that’s enhanced by a gorgeous interior and large windows that draw the outside in.”
What: A luxurious experience with breathtaking views
How Much: Treatments from R685, rooms from R2 340
More Info: Brahmanhills.co.za/spa
What’s the vibe?
When you think of the Midlands Meander, you don’t immediately think of breathtaking views. But the Brahman Hills spa has been thoughtfully designed so that every inch of it has a view of the rolling, endless hills that’s enhanced by a gorgeous interior and large windows that draw the outside in. From the view to the luxurious spa finishings and premium products from Healing Earth, Brahman Hills is quiet luxury at its finest.
Any top treatments?
The Heal, Repair & Restore Body Ceremony uses Healing Earth’s award-winning potato balm to nourish, moisturise and coax your skin into its finest form yet. You’ll start with a full-body polish to exfoliate your dead skin and troubles away. Then you’ll soak in the goodness and views with a Himalayan Salt Bath. Once your skin is sufficiently soft and your state of mind matches, it’s time for your African Potato hot stone massage that will roll away knots, tensions and tight muscles while nourishing your skin. Your therapist will tailor your treatment to your skincare concerns (including everything from sun damage and discolouration to eczema, psoriasis and sensitive and stressed skin). We focused on hydration and after 60 minutes, I felt like I’d unlocked a new layer of skin. You’ll end off with a Healing Earth Hydrating Facial that works hard while still managing to be incredibly gentle.
Don’t leave without…
Shopping! Before you come back down to earth, you’ll need to browse the Healing Earth products. They’ve transformed my routine and I find myself taking more time to pamper myself with a bath or a proper exfoliation creating a full-blown spa experience at least once a week. Try the Lemon Verbena Bath Salts or Foam bath and any one of their Body Polishes.
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The Spa at The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga
“Start your day of pampering with a Hammam Heat Session with gentle steam that puts your mind and body in the right place.”
What: An icon well worth the hype
How Much: Signature treatments from R1 500, rooms from R6 842
More Info: Oysterboxhotel.com/wellness-and-spa
What’s the vibe?
The Oyster Box Hotel needs no introduction. An icon overlooking the Indian Ocean and that recognisable white and red lighthouse. It’s one of KZN’s must-do experiences with people travelling from all over the country (and world) to experience unparalleled luxury. Growing up in Durban, I’ve experienced the Oyster Box in small increments; a drink here, a light meal there. But fully immersing myself in “The Oyster Box Experience” led me to one mind-blowing conclusion; this isn’t over-hyped. In fact, for all the hype you’ve heard, it actually exceeds every expectation.
Any top treatments?
Used for hundreds of years, Indian African ritual therapies that boost health and healing have been utilised in conjunction with natural ingredients and new-age technology. Start your day of pampering with a Hammam Heat Session with gentle steam that puts your mind and body in the right place. A Change of Season Ritual or Inkathi Yonyaka is a two hour treatment that will have you floating out the doors and straight into the nearest bed.
Start with a full body exfoliation that will get rid of dead skin cells, the body glitter you used one time and possibly even that one cringeworthy memory that keeps you up at night. Then experience a Cleansing Clay Body Wrap that uses tribal wisdom, indigenous ingredients and a full-body silver foil wrap. You’ll then shower off and cool down in the sensation mist shower and then be treated to a 45 minute African back massage that uses Himalayan salt crystals. Then clear your schedule because you’ll want to spend the rest of the day lounging.
Don’t leave without…
Spending the night. There’s a myriad luxurious experiences to indulge in at The Oyster Box that you can fully immerse yourself in when you stay. The rooms are a peaceful escape and to rest and rejuvenate. A personal favourite was The Clock Library featuring antique clocks, old books and comfy leather chairs, one of which I curled up in to enjoy reading my book. And of course, The Breakfast Buffet, not your grandma’s buffet, with a near-endless array of high-quality breakfast foods.I loved it so much I’ve made a promise that I will be booking a stay again soon.
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Sala Beach Spa, Ballito
“Every inch of Sala Beach Spa has been curated to provide a quiet, natural oasis where you hear nothing but flowing water from the features around you and the steps of vervet monkeys who sometimes peek into the treatment rooms from
the trees.”
What: An island escape sans the flight
How Much: Treatments from R650, rooms from R8 250
More Info: Salabeach.co.za/sala-spa-and-wellness/
What’s the vibe?
Leave KZN behind and step into a tranquil Balinese-esque spa that will have you questioning whether you’ve teleported to an island far-far away from the bustling Ballito. Every inch of Sala Beach Spa has been curated to provide a quiet, natural oasis where you hear nothing but flowing water from the features around you and the steps of vervet monkeys who sometimes peek into the treatment rooms from the trees.
Any top treatments?
If you’re after a facial that will leave you looking like a glazed donut (who wouldn’t want that?), you need to book the QMS Skin Repair Facial, STAT! Using QMS products and lymphatic drainage techniques, your pores are purified with fruit acids and enzymes that you can feel exfoliating and ridding your skin of congestion and impurities. Your skin is then soothed with layers upon layers of hydrating products. Post-facial was the most plump and dewy my skin has ever been and I revelled in the new-found glow. But don’t forget your body. The Terres d’Afrique Scent Of Sala Aromatherapy Massage lets you create a personalised massage tailored to your needs. Choose from a selection of 15 essential oils that all perform different roles (from relaxing to energising) to create a custom essential oil blend and the ultimate aromatherapy experience.
Don’t leave without…
Showering off, getting made-up and heading down to Sala Beach House for a date night, girl’s night or solo date night. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, book for sunset and enjoy a glass of wine; most of which have been selected from vineyards near the ocean or made by winemakers who surf. Enjoy a three-course dinner with a menu that changes regularly and draws on local influences and let the endless view of the waves wash over you. You might even see a dolphin or two.
