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Wellness travel is booming. Instead of hustling and bustling across city landscapes as a means of vacation, more and more women are opting to spend time unwinding at spas and wellness centres.
Set in breathtaking locations, our selection of top spas is a cut above the rest: they offer unmistakable signature treatments and a level of pampering that's on par with international standards.
DESTINATION SPAS
Fordoun Hotel & Spa, Midlands
A winner of various international spa awards, Fordoun Hotel & Spa is nestled in the heart of the picturesque Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. Find sanctuary in its tranquil settings and soothing treatments – with a team of expert masseurs, nutritionists and beauticians on hand, it shouldn't be too hard to do. What makes Fordoun Spa really unique is its curative traditional centre led by medicinal and spiritual healer, Dr. Elliot Ndlovu. A director of Fordoun, Dr. Ndlovu has developed a range of Fordoun signature products from indigenous traditional healing plants to soothe the senses.
Signature treatment: Fordoun Inkomfe Wrap – a warm herbal wrap of inkomfe (African potato) and Marula oil (60 minutes; R450).
Contact details: 033 266 6217 or www.fordoun.co.za
Summerfields River Lodge & Rose Spa, Hazyview
The most astounding thing about this luxurious spa is that there are roses everywhere! A working rose and macadamia farm, Summerfields River Lodge & Rose Spa is situated on the bank of the Sabi River near Hazyview. Experience their superb A Touch Of Nature spa package – you'll be treated to their signature (and rose infused!) treatments while listening to the gentle trickling of the river. A superb place to go to if you want to switch off from your life: there are no telephones or television (although there are iPods in each room with soothing music already loaded). Prepare to be seriously pampered.
Signature treatment: Desert Heat Body Cocoon – a soothing, bubbly body wrap with seaweed extracts and arizona desert mud (60 minutes; R450).
Contact details: 013 737 6500 or www.summerfields.co.za
The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Cape Town
On a secluded stretch of Camps Bay, the luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is flanked by Table Mountain and her Twelve Apostles mountain ranges. Enjoy indulgent spa treatments in outdoor African-styled gazebos perched above the ocean while soaking up the beautiful scenery. The Re-energising Journey and Summer Solstice Journey are highly recommended packages to enjoy.
Signature treatment: Santuary Escape – a Swedish and lomo-lomo massage with hot stone application (90 minutes; R790).
Contact details: 021 437 9000 or www.12apostleshotel.com
SAFARI SPAS
Earth Nature Spa, Sabi
On a private game reserve within the Kruger National Park, Earth Nature Spa combines two of Mpumalanga's most sought after holiday activities: safari and wellness. Taking their cue from nature, this earthy spa offers wellness treatments using indigenous ingredients. Their specialty is in combined hydro and seaweed therapy treatments, which include wraps & bath additives.
Signature treatment: Universal Signature Massage – a therapy combining all massage techniques (60 minutes;R470).
Contact details: 013 735 5261 or www.sabisabi.com/lodges/earthlodgespa
Wellness Centre at Thanda Private Game Reserve, Zululand
Thanda Private Game Reserve was voted as the Leading Luxury Lodge at the 2008 World Travel Awards, and its Wellness Centre is one of the most exquisite bush spas in South Africa. (Think luxury, luxury, luxury.) Treat yourself to a hot stone massage using only African oils, hot and cold outdoor Kneipp therapy pools, a reflexology pool and their Marula oil-infused Thula treatment.
Signature treatment: Thanda Spirit – an African exfoliation and massage treatment for couples (160 minutes; R2 800 per couple). (60 minutes;R470).
Contact details: 011 469 5082or www.thandasafari.co.za
Witwater Spa at Witwater Safari Lodge, Waterberg
Set on the banks of the lush Phalala River with its white waters, Witwater Spa is 'wellness in the wilderness' at its best. Let your mind drift away to serenity while enjoying a variety of signature treatments: Hydrotherapy Gel Body Wraps, Hydro Active Mineral Salt Glow Body Exfoliation, and the Stimulating Back and Neck Treatment.
Signature treatment: Etlangka Moka – a full body massage that includes various massage techniques (60 minutes; R580).
Contact details: 011 675 0000 or www.witwater.com
DAY SPAS
Spa Ilâhi, Waterkloof
An intimate boutique with one of the most breathtaking views of Pretoria, Spa Ilâhi came about after owner was blown away by the centuries-old, culture-rich Mediterranean spa treatments on offer in Turkey. She decided to open up an authentic Turkish spa in Waterkloof where everything from the therapies to the food to the décor transports one to the exotic Middle East. The Biba Girl package is a must: drift away in the Hammam (turkish bath) and steam room, before being indulged in full body treatments.
Signature treatment: Thai Yoga Massage – a massage using feet with arm stretches (120 minutes; R400).
Contact details: 012 346 1586 or www.spailahi.co.za
Mangwanani African Day Spa Zevenwaght, Cape Town
For the wine and spa enthusiast, this spa is a must. Situated at the top of a beautiful wine farm, Mangwanani Zevenwacht overlooks the Table Mountain and most of the city. Try the African Revitalisation day spa package: you'll be treated to great good, fabulous local wine and an extensive range of African treatments that will leave you feeling completely rejuvenated.
Signature treatment: Renewing African Facial Spa – revitalising fruit facial spa with pressure point massage and bula stick (45 minutes; R295).
Contact details: 012 371 2100 or www.mangwanani.co.za
Forest Health Spa at Cybele, Hazyview
There's something magical about going to a spa in a forest. Forest Health Spa at Cybele promotes tranquility and a return to nature by offering a wide range of treatments to rejuvenate the body and restore the soul. Must-try treatments include the hydrotherapy bath and detoxifying Fucus wrap.
Signature treatment: Chocolate Hydrotub Soak – a seaweed infused hydrotherapy for couples with complimentary chocolate (45 minutes; R200 per tub).
Contact details: 013 764 9506 or http://www.cybele.co.za
