In today’s era of high-pressure jobs, family rearing, studying for a qualification, or just generally being stressed and constantly busy, spa days are not merely a treat; they’re a necessity. OK maybe that’s a bit over the top, but here at Experience Days we believe everyone deserves to be pampered and have some time to themselves to relax and recuperate. Not only do spa treatments de-stress your mind, they’ve also been scientifically proven to help medical conditions such as dementia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even cardiac health. That’s right, science says spa days are good for you!
A common conception is that spa days are reserved for the wealthy, which is why we’ve put together this article to show you that pamper days come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s easier than you think to find a low-cost spa experience. From express massage treatments to full day escapes, there’s a whole range for you to discover and indulge in. If you know someone who’s overly deserving of a pamper day, then a spa experience gift certificate might be just what the Doctor ordered. Starting from just R199, have a browse through our selection of gift vouchers and find the perfect spa day for your loved one - there are also plenty of couples spa experiences so you can share the relaxation!
Read on to find out about the history of spas and our top picks for spa days in South Africa, covering a variety of locations, budgets, and unique package experiences. As always, if you think we’ve missed something or want to know more information, please comment below and we’ll get back to you right away!
For thousands of years humans have been using the natural healing powers of water to cure many ailments, ranging from skin diseases to bone conditions and even mental illnesses. It was not uncommon for people to travel hundreds of miles to visit hot and cold springs, and before long small villages were being constructed around the baths to accommodate the masses of visitors. For those who could afford it, extravagant pools were built that allowed the owners to enjoy the healing benefits of the water in their own homes, and have staff wait on them hand and foot as they soaked their worries away.
The word ‘spa’ itself has an unknown origin, but there are several theories that are popular amongst historians. The most commonly accepted is that the word comes from the eastern Belgian town Spa, which is famed for its natural mineral springs that have been used since the 1300s. The second theory is that the term is an acronym for ‘salus per aquae’, a Latin phrase meaning ‘health through water’. Regardless of which one is true, spas have become synonymous with wellbeing, relaxation, and pampering oneself, and can be found worldwide offering all manner of treatments and services. What was once a place to simply soak in a tub has become an enormous industry that is at the forefront of skincare, healthcare, and new methods to improve general wellbeing.
Below, we’ve amassed a list of our favourite spas in South Africa, ranging from cosy treatment rooms to lavish wellness centres and everything in between. If a spa day is what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place!
We’re kicking off this article with one of our favourite spa companies; Life Day Spa. With four locations in Century City, V&A Waterfront, Rosebank and Fourways, Life Day Spa has taken the benefits of having a large spa company and combined them with personal touches and individual attention. For as little as R750 you can enjoy the ‘On The Go’ express spa day at their Gauteng locations, or splash out on a couples pamper day with lunch in Cape Town for R3,200 – they even do exclusive spa days for men to break the stigma that spas are for women only! The four locations all have unique facilities, but none is better than the other so you really can’t go wrong. At the V&A Waterfront you can make use of the heated outdoor pool, relax in the flotation pool at Rosebank, unwind in the Himalayan salt room in Fourways, and experience the one-of-a-kind virtual forest mindfulness room at Century City. Each treatment is done with quality products and essential oils that improve your mood and wellbeing, provided by professional therapists who have your customer satisfaction at the core of everything they do. Book for yourself or purchase gift certificates for Life Day Spa here.
When it comes to value for money, Rosetta Spa is one of the best. The facilities and products are top quality and the spa is located in central Cape Town, but you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy the treatments on offer. The Serenity spa day includes a manicure and pedicure, as well as a one hour full body massage to release every ache and pain you might be feeling – they also have a fantastic range of refreshments and you’re welcome to purchase any products they used during the treatments! The Rejuvenate package is designed for two people to enjoy, and includes a full body massage and a half hour body scrub treatment for each person, all for only R1299. The spa is beautifully decorated in calming colours and floral wallpaper, with elegant draped curtains to give you privacy from other guests. Should there be available time, you can always book additional treatments to extend your day and relax even further into blissful tranquillity – add on a foot massage for as little as R100!
Gift certificates for Rosetta Spa can be found on our website here and here.
With such a wide range of spa treatments starting at prices as low as R250, you’re guaranteed to find ultimate relaxation at Solaris Spas in Port Elizabeth. If it’s a facial you’re after, there are six varieties ranging from a 30 minute express facial to an anti-ageing skin renew facial, as well as a men’s facial – because men deserve pampering too! On their Body Treatment menu is everything from an indulgent Indian head massage for R250 to a 90 minute full body deep tissue massage for R700, plus plenty of options in between so you can pick the treatment that’s right for you. Solaris also has a beauty salon so guests can book lash extensions, pedicures, hand treatments, and even a unique hot stone manicure! The therapists are experts in their field and will talk you through your skin type before starting any treatments, so you’re safe in the knowledge that you’re getting the best possible care. With impressive views of the beach and being only minutes from main Port Elizabeth, Solaris Spas is ideal for locals as well as visitors to the area who are looking to relax and unwind.
Sometimes it’s difficult to take a whole day out of your schedule to visit a spa, so if it’s a quick fix you’re in need of, we recommend Heaven on Earth Day Spa in Musgrave. With prices starting at R60 for a luxurious foot massage, this wellness centre is a haven for low-cost spa treatments that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and glowing, and eager to return for more treatments. Their range includes facials, manicures and pedicures, body scrubs and exfoliations, slimming body wraps, hot stone massages, deep tissue massages, and many more. They also offer a variety of spa packages based on treatments that go well together, and packages designed specifically for men or for couples. If you want to treat someone special, all packages and individual treatments can also be bought as gift vouchers – you’d be surprised at how many people don’t think of spa days when they’re stressed, so they’ll appreciate the sentiment! The spa is located just outside of Durban city centre and is also a modern guesthouse, so if you want to combine your pamper day with an overnight break in KwaZulu-Natal, this is the place for you!
On the other end of the budget spectrum we have Aquila, a 4-star luxury lodge set in the heart of a 10,000 hectare game reserve where the Big 5 freely roam. The resort has a range of accommodation options from standard rooms to private cottages, and state-of-the-art facilities including an infinity pool, wet bar, fine dining restaurant, and of course the Tranquila Spa. Aquila prides itself on using beauty products that are made from the plant life that grows in the area, utilising the natural properties so every treatment is gentle on the skin and free from synthesised ingredients. The collagen treatments are done using QMS Medicosmetics, the anti-ageing and purifying treatments are formulated by high-tech natural cosmetics company Team Dr. Joseph, and the variety of facials on offer use TheraNaka products. There are also a range of unusual treatments such as the Rose Quartz Couples Massage, and a Jetlag Massage for weary travellers!
Aquila also organises safari trips that give guests the opportunity to spot the wildlife that calls the reserve home, so you can combine adventure and relaxation with an overnight getaway in Western Cape! A spa break voucher is the perfect experience gift for couples, purchase yours here.
Situated a couple of hours west of Kruger National Park is Bergwaters Eco Lodge & Spa, a unique resort that has a strong environmental and sustainability ethos. The lodge is highly regarded in the Waterval Boven area, and is well known for being a secluded haven where families and couples can escape to reconnect – they even have a Marriage Enrichment Program that helps couples overcome communication barriers and rejuvenate their relationship! The Beauticus Country Spa is open to guests at the lodge as well as day visitors, and offers an extensive treatment menu that includes facials, hot stone massages, full body massages, manicures, pedicures, and a sauna to rid the body of toxins. When it comes to spa days in Mpumalanga, Bergwaters tops the list in terms of value for money, professional and friendly service, and stunning scenery that will aid the relaxation process. We think this speaks for itself, but if you need more convincing just check out the many testimonials on their website – we’re not the only ones raving about it!
Last but not least we’ve chosen Body Sense Day Spa, a cosy and intimate establishment on the outskirts of Johannesburg. With well over forty treatments on the menu, Body Sense are experts in providing professional, relaxing pamper sessions that are ideal for busy Joburg city dwellers who need a little TLC. Prices start at R200 for an express manicure, then range from R320 for a full body exfoliation, R450 for a one hour revitalising back cleanse and massage, and R780 for a 90 minute anti-ageing instant radiance boosting facial – with plenty of options in between that suit every budget. Whether you want to spend half an hour or a whole day at the spa, the specialised therapists will ensure your time is spent in total bliss, using quality salon products that are specifically formulated to revitalise your body and mind. Body Sense also provide spa packages that can be purchased as gift vouchers, so you can treat someone special to a relaxing day out or invite your friends to share the day with you. We guarantee that once you visit, you’ll be back time and time again!
So there you have it, seven of our favourite spas in South Africa – we hope you’ll love them too! In this day and age there’s never been more of a reason to visit a spa, and with individual treatments costing less than you might think, you can treat yourself to a bit of pampering without the guilt. Spa days also make wonderful experience gifts for hard-working men and women, you can browse our range of gift certificates here.
Please get in touch if you want to know more, just comment below and we’ll get back to you right away. Happy pampering!
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