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Winter Wellness in Franschhoek

On a daily basis we work towards maximizing our level of health and wellness to live long, full, and healthy lives. The pursuit of health, personal growth, and improved quality of life relies on living a balanced life as well as promoting a holistic approach to health (mind, body and spirit) and not just encourage physical activity. The Franschhoek Wine Valley is home to a range of invigorating wellness offerings, with treatments catering to all needs. These include spa treatments, wellness retreats, herb gardens, outdoor activities and so much more. With Winter knocking on our doorsteps what better time to give your body (and mind) a healthy boost it needs to get through the colder month.

Image by Sante Wellness Retreat and Spa

Not only is May ideally suited to wellness and health, but on Sunday, 12 May, Moms throughout South Africa, will be honoured for the significant role that they play in our lives. They are recognised for the importance they play in the family, as well as the influence they have in society. Spoiling Mom with a relaxing spa treatment is guaranteed to be the ultimate Mother’s Day treat.

Choosing the right wellness treatment can be a bit daunting so we’ve handpicked a few of the valley’s iconic signature treatments, which will help you in selecting your perfect experience.  

Babylonstoren

Babylonstoren’s Private Hamman Water Ritual is perfect for those looking for a unique spa experience, and includes a full-body exfoliation, dynamic flexing, body butter application as well as a head and scalp treatment. Relax in their chill room or bamboo garden, whilst indulging in one of their two delicious lunch options and a freshly squeezed juice (included in this treatment).

Babylonstoren

Looking for a group wellness experience? Every Tuesday at 09h30, Babylonstoren offers groups of six to eight people a tranquil Tea Ceremony, which takes place in their Healing Garden. Take in the peace and quiet as you blend delicious herbal teas. Enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats while seated on the floor of the shaded bamboo structure. Without a doubt a memorable and one of a kind experience.

Babylonstoren tea ceremony

Mont Rochelle Vineyard Hotel & Spa

For the ultimate in unique spa treatments look no further than Mont Rochelle Vineyard Hotel & Spa with their Cape Malay Spice Journey experience. This treatment pays homage to the rich Cape Malay history of South Africa, and was designed in conjunction with Africology, and includes the use of spices and herbs. The spices and herbs are chosen for their specific healing properties and together with the guidance of your therapist, you select your own blend of spices and herbs from their spice apothecary, so as to focus on your specific need.

Mont Rochelle Cape Malay Spice Journey

Your unique spice mixture gets combined with essential oils and a kaolin mud to stimulate your body’s healing ability. Start your journey in the treatment room with a rejuvenating exfoliating scrub before you head to the Hammam, where you can relax and “marinate a bit” to allow the spices to work their magic, before stepping into a refreshing cool shower. Your experience concludes with a 30-minute circulatory back massage.

Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa

Experience a world of true wellbeing at Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa. Their carefully selected hydro therapy focus, unique treatment methodologies, signature therapies and exquisite, honestly healthy cuisine intermingles to provide transformative wellness experience way beyond the ordinary. With their primary focus being health and wellness, their list of offerings is endless and guaranteed to boost mind, body and spirit. For the ultimate journey to wellness their Signature Vinotherapy Treatment focusses on total cleansing, purification and relaxation. Your experience starts in the Hamman room, continues with time in the steam room and concludes with a blissful immersion in the Vinotherapy tub, where after a luxurious and nourishing Cabernet body lotion is applied to your body. A freshly prepared and healthy lunch is also included in your visit. 

Sante Wellness Retreat and Spa Vinotherapy tub

Holden Manz

Holden Manz’s African Awakening Masssage, which is their signature treatment, includes 90-minutes of absolute wellness bliss. Drawing inspiration from the Marula tree, and African traditional beliefs, an ultra-relaxing and indulgent full body massage was created. Clients choose their favourite scent from the selection of Marula-herb infused Fusion body oils, which have been created to address key needs. A pregnancy safe treatment, which is perfect for anyone.

Holden Manz African Awakening Massage

Camelot Spa at Val de Vie

Camelot Spa is situated on the luxurious Val de Vie Estate, and this is where you’ll be able to indulge in their Universal Signature Massage. Your treatment includes a combination of Hot Stone, Kahuna, Balinese and Indian Head Massage for those wanting to experience various massage techniques. The massage is customized to suit your individual needs. This signature massage incorporates the use of Camelot Spa’s unique massage candle, where the fragrance and softness of your skin lingers in your mind long after you have left the spa. Heavenly bliss!

Camelot Spa at Val de Vie

Leeu Spa

Treat Mom to something extra special this Mother’s Day at Leeu Spa. Valid from 1 to 31 May, book a 60 or 90-minute Esse facial to receive a complimentary 30 minute Back and Foot Massage. Or book a 60- or 90-minute body massage to receive a complimentary Esse Organic Taster Facial. Alternatively enjoy a special “Mommy & Me” treatment, which is suitable for children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. Leeu Spa, which is situated on Leeu Estates is known for its signature treatments, one of these being The Summer Tree of Life Journey. Native to Africa, baobab trees are commonly known as the Tree of Life. Some of them can live a thousand years or more. Drawing inspiration from our majestic African heritage, clients are treated to a bespoke journey, to revitalize and boost your physical and emotional wellbeing.

The spa at Leeu Estates

Angala Boutique Hotel

“I AM”: The Art of Being Authentically You, is a luxury wellness retreat designed and hosted by one of South Africa’s first integrative medical psychiatrists, Dr Siobhan Dawson, and nutrition expert Megan Abbott, to help you release habits that suck your life force; re-define the most potent version of yourself and recreate an inspired life.

This luxury retreat will be held over the weekend of 17 to 19 May at Angala Boutique Hotel. Your weekend includes 5-star luxury accommodation, use of their spa facilities, fully-catered highly nutritious meals, 3-day curated course, interaction with expert practitioners and guided mountain walks.

Angala Boutique Hotel wellness retreats

Camelot Spa at Le Franschhoek

Camelot Spa at Le Franschhoek

Awaken to a renewed sense of health and wellness at Camelot Spa Le Franschhoek. Their Camelot Spa Personalised Journey allows you to tailor-make a Wellness Journey especially for you. You can select a range of spa treatments, and spend your chosen amount of time in their sanctuary of relaxation and wellness. There are a range of different 30-minute and 60-minute treatments available and to make your experience even more special you can opt to include lunch after your spa experience.