South Africa is well-known internationally for many things – stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, great weather, excellent food – but it is not generally thought of as a spa-hopping destination. Well, allow me to change your mind about that. South African spas offer beautiful natural surroundings, some of the best spa facilities and swimming pools I have had the pleasure of enjoying, and, by international standards, unparalleled value for money. Read on for three of the country’s best.
Babylonstoren Garden Spa, Franschoek
While Babylonstoren tops many tourists’ lists of things to do in the Cape winelands, not as many people know about the spa, which alone is worth making the trip for. Set within a bamboo forest on a working farm in Franschhoek, and with the feel of an Alpine health retreat, the Babylonstoren Garden Spa is probably the best one I’ve ever been to, and easily the most impressive in South Africa.
We went for a spa day and lunch, and they were happy to accommodate a group booking. Our massages were incredible, but what makes this spa unique are the spa facilities. There is an enormous indoor/outdoor swimming pool featuring an inbuilt fireplace, set underneath a wooden pergola.
Babylonstoren is worth a visit generally – there are shops, restaurants, a wine tasting room, and even a hotel. We had a lovely relaxing lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant after our treatments.
The Oyster Box Hotel Spa, Durban
Although, admittedly, this was the most expensive pedicure of my life (prior to moving to London, of course), it was also the best I’ve ever had. But with all the inclusions, it was definitely the best “value for money” pedicure I’ve ever had.
Usually when you book a pedicure, even at a high end spa, your treatment takes place in a designated nail bar area. Not so at the Oysterbox. After changing into our gowns, my friend and I were led into a couples massage room, complete with dimmed lights and calm music. We were then invited to choose a crystal, which was placed into the water for our pre-pedicure foot bath. The pedicures took place while we were horizontal on the massage tables, covered in heated blankets, and included almost an hour of foot and lower leg massage (yes, I fell asleep). Note: I see from the website that they now refer to a “mani pedi lounge”, so check in advance where your treatment will take place.
As if that wasn’t enough, after our treatment we spent some time enjoying the spa facilities. There is a “tranquillity lounge”, where you can help yourself to herbal tea, and relax on a daybed, which can be fully enclosed if you draw the curtains around it. There is also a beautiful indoor plunge pool, set in a circular room, with views of the hotel gardens.
But the most impressive was the spa buffet. Most luxury spas offer complimentary tea, fruit, and perhaps the odd snack, but at the Oysterbox there was a full buffet – fruit, yoghurt parfaits, cake, scones, the works. We even had a glass of sparkling wine, which we were very surprised not to be charged extra for. I have since gone back, and realised that they change up the buffet at around lunch time, so if you hang around all day, you might get two meals out of it(!).
The Oysterbox Hotel itself is also stunning, and its iconic striped red and white umbrellas are a famous feature on the Umhlanga beachfront. There are numerous restaurants, and a beautiful terrace overlooking the lighthouse. And in case you’re still hungry, the hotel serves an amazing high tea, as well as a curry buffet.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Camps Bay
With no neighbouring properties in sight, and set away from the main drag in Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles feels like a an exclusive and secluded mountain escape.
We booked massages which were fabulous and incredibly relaxing, on heated massage beds. You can also book an outdoor massage, which takes place under a mountainside gazebo, overlooking the ocean. But my favourite thing about this spa is the hydrotherapy room, a labyrinth of hot and cold plunge pools built to look like a limestone cave.
The hotel itself is also worth a visit, with a private cinema, Paul Smith carpets, and several restaurants. I can recommend the high tea, with stunning sea views, and the drinks on the terrace overlooking the ocean.