Babylonstoren Garden Spa
Babylonstoren needs no introduction, with its awe-inspiring gardens. Add a luxe spa inspired by those magnificent gardens and, trust us, you’ll want to move in. Being on a working farm, where natural beauty seems infinite, is what sets this spa apart. Combining the rejuvenating qualities of water, heat and herbs picked on site, you can indulge in a number of therapies performed in gorgeous spaces. You’ll find it hidden towards the back of the garden, within a forest of bamboo.
Lay of the land There are seven treatment rooms (adorned with botanical wallpaper), a rasul chamber, tropical rain showers, a sauna and steam room, plus two authentic hammams (Turkish baths), a rare find in South Africa. Beauty treatments use Esse and QMS.
There’s more The stunning indoor-outdoor pool area has two vitality pools (jacuzzis) built into the heated main pool, and even a fireplace, plus there’s a room made of pink Himalayan salt blocks. The spa food menu offers healthy, wholesome, farm-grown options and fresh juices from the Greenhouse Restaurant.
Recommended treatment The Private Hammam Water Ritual includes a full-body exfoliation, dynamic flexing, body butter application, and a head-and-scalp treatment. This has a couples’ version and the option of a honey-and-salt scrub with steam.
- Opening times Daily, 9 am – 5 pm
- Contact 021 300 3929, spa@babylonstoren.com
- Where to find it: Babylonstoren Road, off the R44, between Stellenbosch and Paarl
Librisa Spa at Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel
A veritable oasis at the foot of Table Mountain, this historic hotel is a vision. Drive through the grand gate towards the iconic dusty-pink building and, hidden beyond the palm trees, you’ll find the Librisa Spa – three Victorian houses converted into a luxury haven where the outside world becomes irrelevant. On arrival, herbal teas and snacks are offered in the tranquil conservatory filled with greenery and exotic orchids. The menu caters for all needs, including offerings specially for couples, teens and gentlemen, beauty treatments (Esse and Biologique Recherche) and a yoga-and-spa combo.
Lay of the land There are eight spacious and beautifully decorated treatment rooms, including two for couples; plus a steam bath, Finnish sauna and plunge pool. Manicures and pedicures take place upstairs on oversized, extra-comfy chairs.
There’s more Parents of tots (4 – 12 years) can drop them off at the kids’ club (weekends only for no extra charge) while you’re pampered in the lap of luxury next door. Afterwards, continue the treat with the famous afternoon tea at this legendary hotel.
Recommended treatment The Mount Nelson Rose, a full-body massage inspired by the magnificent gardens, with hand-crafted herbal poultices using local pickings and the hotel’s signature rose petal and geranium massage oil, for deep relaxation, muscle recovery, lymphatic flow, and nourished skin.
- Opening times Daily, 9 am – 7 pm
- Contact 021 483 1550, librisa.mnh@belmond.com
- Where to find it: 76 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Delaire Graff Spa
Perched at the top of Stellenbosch’s Helshoogte Pass, Delaire Graff Wine Estate is the apex of indulgence. Also known for its fragrant gardens and magnificent art collection, this is carried through to the spa (fresh from a recent refurb) – where its tranquil canals, koi ponds, wooden walkways and spaces are now adorned with works by leading SA artists. The spa is discreetly positioned to ensure privacy as well as sweeping vistas from an expansive terrace. Numbers are limited to six day guests, who book a half- or full-day spa journey.
Lay of the land There are five treatment suites (three with private courtyards – the couple’s suite has an outside double shower under a majestic oak tree). There is also a Swedish sauna and steam room, a private relaxation room, and a terrace with a 22-metre infinity pool and built-in jacuzzi (and views of distant Table Mountain).
There’s more In addition to top skincare brands Augustinus Bader, Dr Barbara Sturm, Knesko and Ila, the spa has its own homegrown Jardin de Delaire botanical range (which you can pick and blend yourself during the Signature Couples Experience). Selected spa rituals include an informal Japanese dining experience from Hōseki, served bento box-style and accompanied by a bottle of Delaire Graff wine.
Recommended treatment The ila CBD Body Balancing Ritual incorporates a blissful body scrub, sound healing, a rebalancing kundalini back massage, a radiance-restoring facial with a light chemical peel, and heated Himalayan salt poultices to assist with deep relaxation.
- Opening times Daily, 9 am – 6 pm
- Contact 021 885 8160, info.spa@delaire.co.za
- Where to find it: Helshoogte Road (R310), Stellenbosch
One&Only Spa
On the edge of the marina at the buzzing V&A Waterfront, this glamorous resort raises the bar with its designer dining, luxe accommodation and one-of-a-kind facilities. The spa is on a private island, creating one of the most atmospheric, exclusive wellness experiences in town. Every tiny detail has been considered – from the plush robes and slippers to the hair-straighteners. All spa guests can help themselves to healthy snacks and indulgent sweet treats, as well as juices, teas and bubbly. The menu covers all the options, including top-notch skincare (ESPA and Biologique Recherche), spa ritual experiences and teen treatments.
Lay of the land There are 12 spacious treatment rooms, including two couple’s suites, his-and-hers thermal suites (aroma-steam rooms, saunas and bubble-jet vitality pools), ice fountains and experience showers, two Studio-O beauty-salon rooms, and indoor and outdoor relaxation areas – all cocooned within an ultra-stylish space surrounded by lush vegetation and water.
There’s more Unique to O&O is Nature’s Resonance therapy, combining sound, vibrations and massage for revitalising mind, body and soul. Or enjoy the most decadent of mani-pedi treatments at the world-famous Studio Bastien Gonzalez.
Recommended treatment The specially created African Journey is an ultra-relaxing full-body treatment that includes a rooibos-and-rock-salt scrub, and a flowing massage using rungu sticks and baobab-and-sweet-orange oil, ending with a rooibos tea ceremony.
- Opening times Daily, 8 am – 8 pm
- Contact 021 431 5810, spa.reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com
- Where to find it: Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Lanzerac Spa
Nestled between sweeping vineyards and the towering Jonkershoek mountains, the spa at this historic estate offers some of the best views in the business – all from the comfort of the light and airy relaxation area and terrace. The attention to detail, from the exquisite design to the service and array of offerings, will leave you feeling cosseted and utterly content. The spa uses Theravine, Lillian Terry, Elemis and Black Pearl beauty products.
Lay of the land There are eight treatment rooms (including three for couples and one with universal access), two mist rooms and two rasul chambers. Spa patrons also have full use of the indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and relaxation lounge. Lanzerac is known for its food, and the spa’s chic Vitality Corner serves gourmet but wholesome breakfasts, wraps, light meals, smoothies and juices.
There’s more The state-of-the-art NeoQi Mediq Cocoon is used for hydrotherapy-based Theravine treatments, which include aroma sauna, vibromassage and aromatic baths. The African-inspired TheraNaka rituals use wooden implements and botanicals.
Recommended treatment The Theravine Pinotage Massage (apt given the estate’s winemaking heritage as the first to bottle pinotage) is a destressing, muscle-relaxing therapy that uses a blend of grapeseed oil and botanicals.
- Opening times Daily, 9 am – 6 pm
- Contact 021 887 1132, spa@lanzerac.co.za
- Where to find it: 1 Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch
Bosjes De Stalle Spa
Already known for its extraordinary, modernist “floating chapel” amid gorgeous gardens, and three fantastic restaurants, Bosjes has a secret attraction – the Stalle spa, located in what used to be the farm’s old stables. “A fluid, curvaceous, flowy space” (in the words of interior designer Liam Mooney), the interiors are elegant and calming, with the odd nod to the history of this space (polished brick flooring, big stable doors and a water feature fashioned from a feeding trough). The choice of treatments ranges from body and beauty to a couples’ experience; half- or full-day visits include a spa lunch. Theravine products are used.
Lay of the land There are six treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool (with sundeck and loungers), relaxation lounge and hot spa area with a sauna and modern rasul chamber (for a don’t-miss 45-minute ritual combining mineral clay, scrub, steam and rain shower).
There’s more The Stalle Spa Retreat package offers a two-night stay in the nearby Herehuis guest house, with breakfast, dinner at Eetkamer and treatments (massage, facial and hydrotherapy).
Recommended treatment The Ginger & Lavender Poultice Massage, using heated Himalayan salt poultices infused with lime and African potato extract, followed by a fragrant oil full-body massage to iron out stiff, tense muscles and improve circulation.
- Opening times Daily, 8 am – 5 pm
- Contact 023 004 0496, relax@bosjes.co.za
- Where to find it: R43, via N1 from Paarl
Fresh Wellness Spa at The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
At this “Grande dame” hotel deep in the Constantia Valley, nestled in award-winning gardens, a footpath around the side of the main building and past the rose garden leads to the gorgeous spa. A cocoon of wonderful sensorial therapies, decked out in chandeliers and beautiful wallpaper, it’s a delightful pampering retreat. Only the best and most authentic products and elements are used, such as pure vine oil from Stellenbosch and proper volcanic stones.
Lay of the land There are six spacious treatment rooms and a private steam room. The hotel’s heated pool area in the beautiful gardens is open to spa patrons to relax afterwards with a drink or light meal.
There are more Hi-tech QMS facials, microneedling and dermaplaning are available. The Gathering package offers a fabulous spa experience for a group of four or more people, or extend your pampering by booking for the luxe high tea.
Recommended treatment The Five Senses Massage uses unique pressure-point massage techniques, hot stones, cold bamboo sticks and other elements to awaken all five senses. This can be booked as a couple’s session, including a rasul treatment, bubbly and chocolates.
- Opening times Winter: Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm; Sunday, 9 am – 2 pm Summer: Monday – Saturday, 8 am – 7 pm; Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm
- Contact 021 794 2785, spa@freshwellness.co.za
- Where to find it: 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town
J Wellness Circle at Taj Cape Town
The Taj Hotel is a city-centre landmark, a heritage building given a new, stylish life. Tucked away on the first floor is this warm and graceful spa with its Eastern-infused interiors and gentle, holistic, age-old Ayurvedic philosophy. The therapists truly personify the adage atithi devo bhava, meaning “the guest is god”, with their splendid all-round treatments drawing on ancient Indian culture and healing wisdom, including cupping, head massage for healthy hair growth and even eye therapy.
Lay of the land There are four individual massage suites, a double suite with a bathtub and private hammam, and another spacious couple’s suite. There is also a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and hammam.
There’s more Integral to the experience is a footbath at the start and a prayer-beads garland farewell gift. Ayurvedic health consultations are also available, and everything in the spa is 100% natural – from the products to the textiles.
Recommended treatment The uplifting Cape Fynbos Ritual starts with a clay, sea salt and rooibos scrub and body wrap, followed by a luxurious rooibos and honeybush bath, and finally, a massage using signature marula and fynbos oil (with a cup of tea to match).
- Opening times Daily, 8 am – 8 pm
- Contact 021 819 2028, jwellnesscircle.capetown@tajhotels.com
- Where to find it 1 Wale Street, corner of St Georges Mall, Cape Town
