Top 12 Wellness Retreats In South Africa - Updated 2024

Celia
Celia 
Updated
| 5 min read

A country filled with world-renowned safaris, sprawling vistas, and historical sites, South Africa is a popular tourist destination. Visit Cape Town to see some stunning beaches and learn historical facts by visiting wonderful museums. After exploring the best of South Africa, you might want to take a break. With its wide range of stunning spas and beach resorts at various price points, the country is truly one of the most phenomenal destinations for anyone looking to relax and recharge. In addition, South Africa also offers a variety of yoga retreats for those looking to enhance their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Here, all of the famous wellness retreats can offer awe-inspiring natural landscapes, five-star facilities, and a well-curated menu of detox and fitness treatments. Read on to discover the top wellness retreats in South Africa, whether you’re into fitness and outdoor recreation or ultra-relaxing spa therapies.

Tip from tour guide

Jakes

Jakes
South Africa

Amatungulu Amatungulu

Another unique thing to look out for during your trip to South Africa is Amatungulu or Carissa macrocarpa. It is a shrub native to the area. In Zulu and in the Bantu tribes of Uganda, it is known as Amathungulu or umThungulu oBomvu. Meanwhile, in Afrikaans, it is called noem-noem. Some also refer to it as Natal plum or the large num-num.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to spa and wellness services. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 09, 2024.

1. Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa (from USD 491)

The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is one of the best wellness retreats in South Africa, boasting spectacular views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range. The hotel’s spacious rooms are equipped with amenities such as a DVD player and access to a movie library, ensuring a comfortable stay. The restaurant at the hotel serves up a delightful blend of indigenous cuisines.

Additionally, the hotel offers fitness classes with personal trainers to help you achieve your fitness goals or yoga classes for a more calming experience. For those looking for a more relaxing escape, the spa or wellness packages offer an array of rejuvenating treatments.

Stayed at this property?

12 Apostles Hotel and Spa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Victoria Road, Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town, South Africa, 8040

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

2. Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa (from USD 162)

The 5-star Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa is a luxury wellness retreat in South Africa, located in the hills above Knysna. You can relax in your comfortable room equipped with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and a DVD player, or upgrade to a room with a fireplace and stunning views of the lagoon or forest.

Enjoy a dip in one of the hotel’s two swimming pools or unwind at the spa and wellness center, which offers facial and body treatments. Sip on a drink at the Club Lounge and Bar, or gather with friends and family for a cookout using the hotel’s barbecue facilities.

Stayed at this property?

Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 1 Old Cape Road

Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Garden

3. The Houghton Hotel Spa Wellness and Golf, Johannesburg (from USD 137)

A well-established lifestyle destination in Johannesburg, The Houghton Hotel is known for its state-of-the-art spa offering a holistic wellness experience. The elegant suites can offer a tranquil space for the services, whether you’ve signed up for the bespoke half- or full-day spa packages, hydro and body treatments, or even specialized sports therapies. You can enjoy other luxurious spa facilities such as the outdoor pool, heated infinity pool, the state-of-the-art gym, and a sprawling golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. There is an on-site restaurant that serves extraordinary dishes.

Stayed at this property?

The Houghton Hotel, Spa, Wellness & Golf

Wheelchair accessible

Address: Lloys Ellis Avenue

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre

4. Sante Wellness Retreat and Spa, Paarl (from USD 353)

Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, this all-suite resort is a modern destination dedicated to healing, nourishing, and rejuvenating its guests using a combination of traditional spa therapies, ancient healing practices, and cutting-edge medical and therapeutic technology. Along with the luxury suites, the sprawling property features a fitness center, yoga studio, and indoor and outdoor pools. Sante Wellness Retreat and Spa also has restaurants that offer deliciously healthy cuisine.

Stayed at this property?

Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa

Wheelchair accessible

Address: La Bella Vita Wine Estate, Simonsvlei Road Paarl

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre

South Africa Tour Guide

Thabang Molefe

Thabang Molefe

My name is Thabang Molefe, Director/ Owner of Tsalanang Travel & Tours. I’m a qualified National Tourist Guide in South Africa, born and breast fed in Johannesburg. I have worked in the sports & events industry where I discovered my passion for traveling, and later worked with some of the TOP destination management/operators in South Africa. I love meeting people, and exchangin... Read more

Tours by Thabang

South Africa Tour Guide

Jakes

Jakes

Jakes is registered and accredited with FET Certificate Tourist Guiding. He is competent to advise clients on all essential aspects of travel in South Africa having passed the SA Specialist course from South African Tourism. As a good story teller, he makes any historical situation or site come to life; and this is what makes him to stand out as a knowledgeable and exciting guide. “I’m always a... Read more

Tours by Jakes

5. Apostles Hotel and Spa, Cape Town (from USD 499)

Head to Cape Town and let the sea breeze lull you to a state of utmost relaxation at the luxurious 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa. With splendid views of the Atlantic Ocean, elegant accommodations, and a deep commitment to holistic wellness, the five-star hotel offers a coastal oasis for wellness seekers. Traditional and specialized massages, as well as facials and body wraps, are part of the award-winning spa’s extensive menu. Enjoy a relaxing massage while you take in picturesque views.

Stayed at this property?

12 Apostles Hotel and Spa

Address: Victoria Road, Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town, South Africa, 8040

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

6. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, Clanwilliam (from USD 443)

Tucked away in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains is Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve. This luxury resort is an ideal space for restoring the mind, body, and spirit. The resort’s award-winning spa offers treatments inspired by ancient African traditions and products using local ingredients like baobab tree oil and mafura butter. Other amenities include a top-notch fitness center, a heated outdoor pool, and a crystal steam room.

Stayed at this property?

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat

Wifi Available

Address: Cederberg Mountains

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace

7. Oxford Healthcare Retreat, Johannesburg (from USD 231)

Step into a quiet and tranquil space at one of the best health resorts in South Africa. This boutique guesthouse in Johannesburg focuses on stress relief and health management. The gently rolling gardens create an idyllic setting for a wellness getaway, and the open, relaxed vibe can let guests enjoy the facilities and treatments at their own unhurried pace. Get relief from daily stress and fatigue with a variety of life-enhancing wellness packages that include nourishing meals and beverages. Guests can also use the guesthouse’s treatment facilities such as the sauna, swimming pools, music sensorium, and more. Healthcare professionals at the resort can provide specialized services such as psychotherapy sessions, nutritional consultations, and physical treatments. Due to the pandemic, the resort is also offering luxury self-isolation suites with yoga, meditation, and stretch classes available via Zoom.

Stayed at this property?

Oxford Healthcare Retreat

Wifi Available

Address: 16 Porter Avenue Melrose North

Parking Restaurant Room service Tennis court Sauna Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace

8. Breakers, Durban (from USD 60)

Breakers Resort is an amazing seaside escape that focuses on health and wellness. Spa lovers can find La Vita Spa the highlight of their trip, with facials, hot stone massages, body scrubs, aromatherapies, and other body treatments available. Get pampered and let your stresses melt away in the spa tub, steam room, or any of the three treatment rooms that are ideal for couples who want to relax together. With the swoon-worthy views and relaxing spa experience, you can leave Breakers feeling lighter and more rejuvenated.

Stayed at this property?

9. Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa, Cape Town (from USD 59)

Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa is an enchanting hideaway in Cape Town that offers views of the magnificent Table Mountain. Lying along the white sand shores of Lagoon Beach, the dreamy destination resort blends the laid-back vibes of the beach with luxury facilities to create the ultimate wellness experience. The hotel features a spa offering first-class massages, facials, and body treatments. Other wellness amenities at Lagoon Beach Hotel include a 24-hour fitness center and an outdoor pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island.

Stayed at this property?

Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa

Address: Lagoon Beach Road, Milnerton

10. The Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town (from USD 194)

Travelers visiting The Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town are in for a treat. Located at the picture-perfect Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the luxury hotel was famously opened in 1977 by former South African president, Nelson Mandela, and remains an icon of sophistication and style in the city. One of the top five-star accommodations in Cape Town, it boasts stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. Camelot Spa offers a diverse menu that includes the fragrant Camelot universal signature massage, an ultra-relaxing treatment that combines hot stone, kahuna, Balinese, and Indian head massage techniques to create a unique experience. A wide range of skin, facial, body, and hydrotherapy treatments are available as well including body scrubs and wraps, slimming treatments, and more.

Stayed at this property?

The Table Bay Hotel

Address: Quay 6, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

11. Kievits Kroon Country Estate, Pretoria (from USD 101)

If you’re looking for a romantic destination to connect with your significant other, look no further than the award-winning Kievits Kroon Country Estate. This detox retreat in South Africa is surrounded by lush gardens and blooming roses. A wonderful space to detoxify, the hotel’s spa features one of the best thermae treatments and facilities in the province. Besides the world-class spa, this hotel also offers luxurious accommodations and gourmet culinary options.

Stayed at this property?

Kievits Kroon Country Estate

Address: Plot 41, Reier Road, Kameeldrift

12. Diaz Hotel and Resort, Mossel Bay (from USD 67)

Plan a fun-filled getaway to Diaz Hotel and Resort, located on the pristine Diaz Beach at Mossel Bay. It’s the ideal place for active travelers who want a wellness retreat by the beach. The beachfront hotel is home to a wide array of recreational activities, from private surfing lessons to exciting helicopter rides. There is a spa that offers massages, body treatments, hair treatments, and other beauty services. Fitness buffs can work out with a personal trainer at the fully-equipped gym, then soothe their tired muscles in the sauna. It also features an infinity pool that overlooks the sweeping ocean, which is the perfect spot for marveling at the sunset.

Stayed at this property?

Diaz Hotel and Resort

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Beach Boulevard, Diaz Strand

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Golf course (within 3 km) Garden

Rest and relax in South Africa

South Africa is known for its dramatic landscapes and thrilling safaris. After a few days of exploring, you might want to consider taking a day or two to just relax and enjoy an invigorating experience. Check out the top wellness retreats in South Africa, and enjoy a well-deserved break.

Frequently asked questions about wellness retreats in South Africa


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Celia Nachura, a freelance writer from the Philippines, consistently seeks fresh encounters, diverse cuisines, thrilling adventures, and compelling narratives in her travels.

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