If you are feeling overwhelmed or overworked, let go of the anxiety and stress and allow yourself to unplug with these local getaways in South Africa that double up as healing holidays.
We’ve all become more aware of the interconnectedness to ourselves and our well-being. Travelling for rejuvenation is medicine for our bodies, minds, and souls. Many studies have proved that people who take regular holidays have lower stress levels. We are all trying to find the rhythm of what normal looks like after enduring two years of change. It’s important to not only restore ourselves but to restore relationships and friendships too. A stress-free vacation away with the ones you hold dear can be the best way to draw closer to the people you love. Give your body and soul the much-needed break it truly deserves, by relaxing and recharging as you step into summer. These local getaways in South Africa prioritise the need to truly rest and engage in rejuvenating practises, like mindfulness walks, meditation and more.
Babylonstoren, Klapmuts, Western Cape
Ever dreamed of the ultimate farm living? Babylonstoren offers more than good wine and beautiful views. If you’re planning a day trip, why not try out the olive oil and balsamic vinegar tour, before enjoying dinner at the Babel Restaurant? Did you know that the food grown on the farm is served at their famous restaurants, Babel and The Greenhouse? If you’re a fan of beautiful scents and essential oils, Babylonstoren also offers an essential oil tour for hotel guests only. A garden spa unlocks the ultimate tranquillity, too.
FARMHOUSE at 58, Cradle Of Humankind, Gauteng
FARMHOUSE at 58 is situated at The Cradle of Humankind, a paleoanthropological site about 50 km northwest of Johannesburg. The farm is located near the world-class Maropeng Visitor Centre and the 30-hectare picturesque NIROX Sculpture Park, which is perfect for art and nature lovers. Immerse yourself in nature by disconnecting. FARMHOUSE at 58 has a range of experiences to allow you to disconnect and go at a slower pace than everyday life, by immersing yourself in guided contemplative walks, yoga retreats, ayurveda, breathwork, meditation and Qi Gong Workshops.
READ MORE: 18 Relaxing Local Getaways To Book, Like Now
Sondagskloof, Sandies Glen Valley, Western Cape
Escape the hustle of the city and travel to eco-chic chalets in the Sandies Glen Valley near Stanford in the Overberg Mountains, where you will find three beautiful and private cabins. Each of the self-catering cabins is peaceful and perfect for stargazing. Sondagskloof is perfect for unwinding. With no television or cellphone reception, you can truly escape and reconnect with yourself. The cabins are built with respect for the environment, using sustainable methods and the owners highly recommend using as minimal electricity as possible, to fully embrace the tranquillity that nature has to offer. All the cabins are equipped with stylish furnishings, cotton percale linen, towels, and a chef-style galley kitchen. There is a big wooden sun deck with braai facilities overlooking the vlei (natural dam), which is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, reading and meditating.
Karoo Art Hotel, Barrydale, Klein Karoo
Barrydale, an enclave of earthy, artistic types, embraces even the most way-out wellness trends without raising an eyebrow. So if you’re ready to step beyond your yoga-and-green-juice routine, this is the place. Best part? You can get to every incense-infused holistic space on foot. From magical herb gardens to therapeutic dance, sound baths, tea ceremonies, energy healing and more, this quirky town has an alternative surprise on every corner.
Local guide Doris Day will get you access to exclusive wellness circles on one of her exploratory tours, giving you an overview so you can cherry-pick whatever tickles your heart chakra. Already set your intention? Head out on a guided mindful walk in silence through the energising Langeberg mountains, or complete the famous labyrinth at Kamala House – a magnet for pilgrims from around the world. Want to mix your rejuvenating stroll with a spot of cold-water therapy? Join the early-morning swim club for an invigorating dip in a rock pool at a secret location.
READ MORE: 22 Amazing Local Airbnbs With Hot Tubs To Visit In 2023
Montagu Country Hotel, Montagu, Western Cape
Nestled between the Langeberg mountain ranges of the Western Cape, the Art Deco Montagu Country Hotel is the perfect base for a walking weekend. If buzzy Saturday markets and picture-pretty historical buildings invigorate you, explore the village on foot. But if you’re drawn by the sacred and healing powers of mountains, then follow the Langeberg contour path, or embark on a longer, more serious meditative hike – all within walking distance of the hotel. Bonus: Montagu is famous for its healing waters too, so chase a healthy walk with a soothing soak for max mental benefits.
Agulhas Country Lodge, Cape Town, Western Cape
Walking is the easiest, quickest way to shake out the cobwebs of an end-of-year slump, and fresh sea air does the rest. Tumble out of your lodgings and you’ll find yourself on the beach. Then, step straight onto the walking path and it’ll whisk you all the way along the coast, past moody shipwrecks and mystical lagoons, to the monument at the Southernmost Tip of Africa. Up the benefits by combining your walk with a splash of water to really clear the head. The brave can swim the longest uninterrupted white beach in southern Africa at nearby Struisbaai. Alternatively, there are tidal pools within walking distance of the hotel. Take a dip, reap the ice-water benefits, then race back to the lodge and sink into your steaming jacuzzi bath.
READ MORE: Meet Blue Health Travel, The New Water-Focused Jet-setting Trend
Wildehondekloof Private Game Reserve, Klein Karoo, Western Cape
Situated 50km from Oudtshoorn, this sprawling 4,000-hectare farm and luxury game lodge dishes up a mega-healthy dose of the outdoors for both brisk walkers and slow amblers alike. Also, you can spot wildebeest, nyala, eland, kudu, giraffe, oryx, hartebeest, Cape mountain zebra, diverse birdlife and a variety of other small creatures on one of the hiking trails. (There are both shorter routes for beginners and longer ones for seasoned walkers.) Traverse the wide open spaces of the Klein Karoo and marvel at the colourful succulents and Cape thicket fynbos. Round it off by bathing in a waterfall, river or saltwater pool back at the lodge. And then, um, soothing aromatherapy massage in the comfort of your room, anyone?
This article was written by Ondela Mlandu and was originally published in the September/October 2022 issue of Women’s Health magazine South Africa
