The Western Cape is hands down the most picturesque province in South Africa, with its sprawling mountaineous landscapes and ocean views – sounds like the perfect setting for those in search of a reset. From spa facilities that offer invigorating once-off treatments to those that offer multiple-day wellness retreats with promises of a complete lifestyle overhaul – and everything in between – there’s definitely a lot to choose from. Below are some of the faves we would spoil ourselves to at every available chance.
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Leeu Estates Spa, Fraschhoek Valley
“The Proudly Local Winelands Vinotherapy Celebration is decidedly unique: using pinotage grape skins, seeds and leaves (rich in antioxidant properties, with vitamins A, E and C), you’re scrubbed, polished and cocooned in a Heal Gel wrap as you lie in blissful abandon.”
What: Deep relaxation at its finest
How Much: Treatments from R1 250, rooms from R14 500
More Info: Leeucollection.com/SA/leeu-estates/leeu-spa
What’s The Vibe?
Planted in the verdant Franschhoek valley, the small spa entrance disguises an expansive space dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa, with large glass doors exposing the mountains framing the space, is nestled between manors in the sprawling Leeu Estates, each offering unique, luxurious experiences to stay, eat, wander and relax.
Any Top Treatments?
The Proudly Local Winelands Vinotherapy Celebration is decidedly unique: using pinotage grape skins, seeds and leaves (rich in antioxidant properties, with vitamins A, E and C), you’re scrubbed, polished and cocooned in a Heal Gel wrap as you lie in blissful abandon. After, a deep full-body massage. Each treatment is personalised and before, you’re able to detail any aches or niggles that can be addressed by your therapist. My ceremony (Invigorating Detox Journey) started at my feet, where they were soaked, scrubbed, then gelled up with a peppermint solution to invigorate tired muscles.
Next, to the treatment table for a full-body scrub, polish and detoxing gel wrap. I thought it would be a bare-all standing operation of shame. Not so. Everything was performed for me: I lay there, asleep, as my thoughtful therapist, layered on scrubs, then a polish, then a gel detox mixture. While the mongongo plant-based concoction did its thing, I received a foot massage, followed by a head massage. I was gently awoken (take notes, phone alarm) and showered under a large, luxuriously rain-like shower head. Back to the table, this time for a full-body massage. I had menstrual cramps, so my therapist rolled heated bamboo on my back to soothe the pain. Upon completion, I felt essentially comatose.
Don’t Leave Without…
After, take your time to reorientate with a sauna session or soak your body in the heated plunge pool. Go slowly, lounge around with a tea, coffee or glass of their wine along with snacks offered as you round out your treatment. Listening to the gentle trickle of the plunge pool, I watched the rain freely flow, drenching the greenery outside. The idea of leaving was torturous. Just one more plunge? For the road?
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Fairmont Spa at The Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town
“Stepping into the newly refurbished spa, natural tones and aromatherapy immediately settle your mind, set against the expansive sea views beyond the glass doors.”
What: A modern escape in the heart of the city
How Much: Treatments from R990, rooms from R18 380
More Info: Capegrace.com/fairmont-spa
What’s The Vibe?
Overlooking the bustling V&A Waterfront harbour, where ships and luxury yachts anchor, a peaceful oasis welcomes you in complete luxury. Stepping into the newly refurbished spa, natural tones and aromatherapy immediately settle your mind, set against the expansive sea views beyond the glass doors.
Any Top Treatments?
Treatments are customisable to suit your exact needs: my massage, Cape Grace’s Signature Tranquillity Spa Experience, focused heavily on relieving pressure on my shoulders and neck through vacuum cupping, which allows the device to circle around pressure points, instead of focusing on one area at a time. My therapist went full Liam Neeson on my knots: finding and banishing each one with precision. But every other limb was also attended to: legs, feet, arms, hands, scalp.
Don’t Leave Without…
The Cape Grace breakfast is special. There’s a standard continental buffet (offering breads, fruits and yoghurt). Still, the made-to-order menu is especially impressive: I had the fluffiest omelette, soufflé-like and light, covered in béchamel sauce, Gruberg cheese and smoked hake. Pair with a glass of Brut or a mimosa and call it the perfect morning. Or, try the yoghurt bowl, which is made with peanut butter mousse (who knew?).
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Lanzerac Spa, Stellenbosch
“Spend a day on a solo date unwinding and relaxing in this tranquil hideaway or treat the most important women in your life and enjoy a girl’s day you’ll remember for years to come.”
What: A wellness day in the winelands
How Much: Treatments from R795, rooms from R7 500
More Info: Lanzerac.co.za/spa-services-and-facilities/
What’s The Vibe?
With a view of the vast Stellenbosch mountains and endless vineyards, Lanzerac Spa is the perfect combination of natural beauty and modern comforts. Spend a day on a solo date unwinding and relaxing in this tranquil hideaway or treat the most important women in your life and enjoy a girl’s day you’ll remember for years to come.
Any Top Treatments?
The 60 minute TheraVine™ Pinotage Massage kneaded me into oblivion. I have a lot of tension in my shoulders and back. It’s probably a combination of factors that have led me to have severe knots in my shoulders. So I was in need of some serious TLC. Using an antioxidant blend of my choice with grapeseed oil and natural botanical, my massage therapist got to work. “Do you get tension headaches?” “Do you get neck spasms?” “Do you sit a lot?” I was shocked by the story my body was telling and appreciative that I had someone who could read it without words, my tension did the talking.
We worked through the muscle tension and knots and the rest of my body which was thankfully in a better spot was massaged with care to leave me blissful and balanced. My massage therapist even gave me advice on what treatments I should choose going forward to relieve this tension. Magic hands, magic results!
Don’t Leave Without…
Having lunch at the Vitality Corner. With a gorgeous menu of fresh, light, healthy food, it’s the perfect pairing for a spa session. The Violet Spring Rolls and Green Goddess are packed full of veggies and satiating, umami flavours and are a must-try. Plus, their selection of raw juices are bursting with flavour; the Virgin Apple Mojito (cucumber, apple, lemon, mint) refreshed me post-massage.
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Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa
“The retreat, encircled by the Paarl mountains and vast green fields, feels like an institute to health and wellness. Book a one-night stay and experience three spa treatments, all meals and access to their world-class facilities.”
What: Luxurious, targeted wellness
How Much: Treatments from R2 365, rooms from R10 325 (includes three spa treatments)
More Info: Santeretreat.co.za
What’s The Vibe?
A holistic spa marrying ancient wisdom with high-tech treatments, this all-encompassing facility caters to a wide range of health needs. The retreat, encircled by the Paarl mountains and vast green fields, feels like an institute to health and wellness. Book a one-night stay and experience three spa treatments, all meals and access to their world-class facilities. For an extended retreat, there are programmes specifically aimed at taking care of what ails you – all individually customised to your needs. These wellness programmes offer access to high-tech treatments, including full-body red light therapy, and a wellness assessment using a machine called HeartQuest, which, per Santé, measures your health on a cellular level, revealing insights about the state of your heart, brain, emotions, physique and chakras.
Any Top Treatments?
Whether you stay overnight or purchase a day spa package, the treatment menu is expansive and carefully crafted. The Rebalancing Sensory Stress Release Journey, for example, includes a full body and face polish, a rejuvenating massage featuring poultice (an ancient practice that uses moist herbs and healing plants to draw out toxins), a collagen boost face mask and a head and scalp massage. And if your treatments don’t send you all the way to la-la land, make use of the sauna, heated pool or jacuzzi.
Don’t Leave Without…
Eating a meal – it’s incredible. The food champions nutrition and is sugar, dairy, gluten and preservative-free. Each dish is artisanally plated, carefully created and always involves a starter, followed by mains and dessert. My dinner started with broccoli soup dressed with curried oil and toasted sunflower seeds. For mains, I indulged in lemon-baked fish on a bed of veg, butternut velouté and sauerkraut. Dessert: sugar-free chocolate tartar with granadilla sorbet. It was so good, I overheard guests asking for seconds.
