Beyond the Massage: Luxurious Retreats That Put Wellness First

First seen in our Print Holiday Edition 2025

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In a world where stress has become the norm and true rest feels like a luxury, South Africa’s most exclusive spa retreats are redefining what it means to unwind. Beyond indulgent massages and scented oils, these sanctuaries offer holistic wellness experiences that nurture both body and mind. From mountain hideaways and coastal sanctuaries to urban oases designed for deep restoration, each destination promises more than pampering; they offer a journey toward genuine wellbeing. Whether through guided meditation, nature immersion, or personalised health therapies, these spa getaways invite you to slow down, reconnect, and restore balance from the inside out.

KZN: Sala Beach House “Rest as Remedy Wellness Retreat”

Against the backdrop of Thompson’s Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, Sala Beach House offers wellness retreats led by Christie Holt, a dedicated yogi and nature enthusiast. Her carefully crafted programme invites you to embark on soulful journeys of healing, reconnecting, and cleansing. You will be guided through a harmonious blend of yoga, meditation, workshops, and holistic experiences to nurture your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Their upcoming “Rest as Remedy” three-day retreat in May 2026 focuses on the healing power of rest and relaxation. Participants will find themselves immersed in environments that disconnect them from daily stressors, whilst soothing their nervous systems and promoting mindfulness. The retreat will include holistic activities, creative workshops to inspire self-expression, a sound healing session to harmonise the mind and body, and a sunrise walking meditation on the beach for grounding.

www.salabeach.co.za

@salabeach

CPT: Camps Bay Retreat - Luxury Boutique Hotel

Camps Bay Retreat is a luxury boutique hotel and private nature reserve set on four acres of lush greenery overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range. A true sanctuary for the soul, it offers serene mountain pools, waterfalls, and forest trails. Guests can unwind in the elegant Earl’s Dyke Manor, the contemporary Deck House, or the Villa—all with breathtaking views. The estate features five swimming pools, a spa with outdoor forest pods, a padel court, and scenic garden pathways. At Bella’s Restaurant, locally sourced ingredients inspire gourmet dishes paired with fine regional wines. Whether indulging in a deep-tissue massage, enjoying a candlelit dinner, or meditating beneath the trees, guests are invited to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. Camps Bay Retreat is a refuge for the body and a haven for the mind — where tranquillity comes naturally.

www.campsbayretreat.com

@camps_bay_retreat

PTA: Elohim’s Place Retreat & Spa

Nestled within the tranquil Rietvlei View Country Estate just east of Pretoria, Elohim’s Place Retreat & Spa is a serene sanctuary dedicated to holistic wellness and renewal. Founded by Angela and Jaco Coetzee, it offers a range of transformational experiences designed to restore balance and inspire growth. Guests can choose from tailored packages such as the Serene Escape Day Retreat, Mindful De-Stress Retreat, Detox Rejuvenation Retreat, Vision and Victory Retreat, Deep Inner Healing and Vision Retreat, and the 7-Day Wellness Detox Retreat. Each combines luxurious spa treatments, nourishing cuisine, and guided wellness coaching to rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. Complemented by Women’s Empowerment Workshops and bespoke event hosting, Elohim’s Place is more than a destination; it’s a journey of renewal. Here, guests are invited to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and leave feeling refreshed, empowered, and deeply transformed.

www.elohimsplace.co.za

@elohimsplace_retreatandspa

JHB: White River Manor Wellness Retreat

Set in the tranquil Lowveld, White River Manor’s Wellness Programme offers a restorative retreat for those experiencing burnout, stress, trauma, depression, or anxiety. Surrounded by century-old gardens and the soothing sounds of the river, the estate provides a peaceful space to pause, breathe, and begin again. Each stay, ranging from 7 to 21 days, is completely personalised, combining evidence-based therapy with holistic treatments such as mindfulness practices, massage, yoga, art therapy, nature walks, and guided reflection. The goal is to restore balance, emotional clarity, and a renewed sense of calm. With a highly experienced multidisciplinary team, guests receive individualised care in an intimate setting that accommodates no more than 20 people at a time. Whether you’re seeking recovery from emotional exhaustion, clarity after major life changes, or simply space to reconnect, White River Manor offers the expertise, compassion, and environment to help you heal deeply and sustainably.

www.wrmwellness.com

@whiterivermanor

Honourable Mention

JHB: Mowana Spa, Indaba Hotel Fourways

As life goes on its journeys of ups and downs, Mowana Spa at the Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg offers the ultimate wellness escape, a serene retreat where stress fades and self-care comes first. Nestled within tranquil gardens, this spa sanctuary blends soothing treatments, natural surroundings and expert therapists to restore balance to mind, body and soul. Whether you’re taking time out for yourself or gifting someone special a moment of calm, choose from rejuvenating massages to luxurious full-day pamper journeys.

www.mowanaspa.co.za

@mowanaspa

Wellness is no longer a fleeting escape; it’s becoming an essential part of modern luxury. South Africa’s leading spa destinations understand that the ultimate indulgence lies not just in how you look or feel for a weekend, but in how deeply you heal and recharge. By blending world-class treatments with mindfulness, movement, and natural beauty, these retreats invite you to experience a richer kind of rest — one that lingers long after you leave.

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