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South African Spas

Say the words “South Africa” and immediately thoughts of exciting safaris come to mind. Luxurious game lodges! Entrancing wine country. Intoxicatingly beautiful Cape Town. The journey from apartheid to democracy.

But are you aware that South Africa is now becoming known for its exquisite spas and wellness retreats?

All spas are not the same. There are many types of spas that appeal especially to international visitors. Here is a sampling:

Hydro – a stay of 3 to 10 days will focus on nutrition and wellness; may offer a weight loss program, analysis of your lifestyle, and suggestions of lifestyle modifications for maximize fitness

Destination Spa – the spa is featured but other activities are offered too; for example, the spa may be located at a game lodge or may offer golf

Medi-Spa – certified therapists offer beauty treatments without surgery such as botox

Health Spas – offer facials, massages, manicures, pedicures

Wellness Centers – usually have professionals on staff such as psysiologists, psychologists, and other professionals to look after your well being

Africa Spas – often feature local African treatments such as the maize scrub and are often adorned with African décor; some of these may be day spas

Relaxation Spas – concentrate on relaxing healthful activities such as hiking, walking, yoga

Organic Spas – focus on utilizing organic treatments

What are your personal goals? Weight loss? Stress relief? Modification of lifestyle? Elimination or amelioration of a medical condition? Exquisite pampering? South Africa spas and wellness retreats will meet and exceed your expectations and provide excellent value too.

South Africa is home to many award winning spas.

Thanda Wellness Center (a destination spa) - Thanda Private Game Reserve’s world-class spa facility beckons you. Attune your senses against the panorama of the African bush. Hot and cold kniepp therapy pools, a reflexology pool, and outdoor sala treatment area are featured. The spa utilizes natural fibres and textures such as smooth pebbles, stone, wood, and grass.

Thanda Spirit (a signature treatment): Experience the true essence of Thanda with a rose-petal bath, scented with sensual aromatherapy oils for two. Enhance your sensuous nature with a rose petal soft scrub for you and your partner to apply on one another. Then, enjoy your African hot stone massage to holistically rebalance your senses. Complete your experience with a pressure point scalp massage.

Mangawanani – the original African Day Spa – The original idea behind the Mangawanani Spa was to establish a retreat where one could enjoy pampering from head to toe. From the inception local women were empowered to become therapists by embracing their natural caring abilities. Mangawanani is a rare experience of true African indulgence where the touch of the forefathers still runs through the fingertips of the tribe, a healing touch that blesses the body and soul through ancient ancestral therapies and remedies.

The Hydro at Stellenbosch – The Hydro has developed programs specifically designed to work with nature to rejuvenate vital life forces. Their philosophy is to ensure guests unwind totally. Your typical day may include a massage, hydrotherapy, progressive relaxation, yoga, guided walks and water aerobics. You are encouraged to attend instructive lectures offered on diet, exercise and natural healing.

A four-day program at the Hydro may typically include: 3 hydrotherapies, 3 forty minutes full body massages, 2 detoxifying body scrub and wrap and 2 Ozone therapy. Programs from one day to fourteen days are offered.

Lake Pleasant Living Spa – Their accommodation rates include the use of sauna and steam rooms, indoor heated relaxation pool and gym. Body and beauty treatments can be booked at the Spa on the Lake, which offers guests sauna and steam rooms, an indoor heated relaxation pool and gymnasium. Take time out to restore the synergy between mind, body and soul. Professional care is provided in a tranquil environment.

This property is centrally situated outside Sedgefield on the Garden Route, between the scenic towns of Knysna and Wilderness, on the edge of Groenvlei, one of the few freshwater lakes in the Southern hemisphere and adjacent to the Goukamma Nature & Marine Reserve – a tranquil, natural environment. It offers spacious bed and breakfast with self-catering facilities and daily servicing of suites and villas(minimum 120 m²) – all with picturesque views of lake and landscaped garden from private patios.

The Amani Spa at Earth Lodge (destination spa) – The Amani Spa has been called a timeless place of peace and tranquility. One of their holistic body rituals, the Amani Spirit begins with an African potato body wrap to stimulate the body’s innate healing process. Continue to their exclusive “Bush Bath” and enjoy a unique “magnetic hydrotherapy” where the power of water with soothing aromatic oils and indigenous plants increases circulation, stimulates the immune system and relaxes the body. Complete your journey into wellness when Marula oil is lathered and massaged all over your body with a specialized copper plate to further stimulate energy flow, alleviate muscular and joint strain and balance your body’s energy.

The Fancourt Hotel and Spa (destination spa) - Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, relax completely and allow yourself to be pampered in magnificent surrounds. Enjoy an exclusive range of therapies, treatments and leisure activities. Luxury goes hand in hand with first-class professional treatments. Swim in the heated Roman Bath with view of the Outeniqua Mountains. Visit the sauna, steam rooms, chilled plunge pool, tepadarium, Jacuzzi or full equipped gym staffed by personal trainers. While at Fancourt, be sure to get in a round or two of golf.

The Twelve Apostles Sanctuary Spa – Located on the edge of the world between Table Mountain National Park and the Atlantic ocean but close to metropolitan Cape Town (transfer service available), this spa offers seven treatment rooms and Cape Town’s only Rasul chamber, a sauna and hydrotherapy bath. Two outdoor Gazebos are available for outdoor treatments. Spa services include: Heated infinity pool and rock pool, Indigenous plant extract treatments, dual treatments and two secluded mountain gazebos allowing guests the opportunity to experience outdoor therapies.

South Africa spas are located throughout the country; i.e. in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Knysna, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Constantia…

For the health of your body and your mind, be sure to include a stay at a spa or wellness centre when planning your South Africa vacation. To maximize your experience, consult a professional Fundi specialist conversant with the nuances of South African spas.

Written By : Diana Schneider CTC, ACC, Snug Habour Tours

www.snugharbourtours.com

Aussie, Kiwi, Matai, Fundi Specialist

Specialty Travel Agents Association
12381 Fenton Road
Fenton, MI 48430
Tel: 810-629-2386