Indulge in a little vine therapy…
The Winelands are a balm for the soul and the senses. More than the food and wine, it’s the scenery and fresh country air that lift the spirits. Combine these with a spa treatment beside the vineyards or in a glorious garden, and it’s simply idyllic.
The best spas in Stellenbosch offer every kind of therapy – including products using grapes – to pamper and polish and renew you from head to toe. Add those breathtaking surroundings and a glass or two of vino, and you may just have stumbled upon the secret best way to enjoy this region.
Find other blissful sanctuaries near you:
- The 10 Best Spas in Cape Town
- The Best Spas in Franschhoek + Paarl
Delaire Graff Spa
Perched at the top of Stellenbosch’s Helshoogte Pass, Delaire GraffWine Estate is the apex of indulgence. Also known for its fragrant gardens and magnificent art collection, this is carried through to the spa (fresh from a recent refurb) – where its tranquil canals, koi ponds, wooden walkways and spaces are now adorned with works by leading SA artists. The spa is discreetly positioned to ensure privacy as well as sweeping vistas from an expansive terrace. Numbers are limited to six day guests, who book a half- or full-day spa journey.
Lay of the land There are five treatment suites (three with private courtyards – the couple’s suite has an outside double shower under a majestic oak tree). There is also a Swedish sauna and steam room, a private relaxation room, and a terrace with a 22-metre infinity pool and built-in jacuzzi (and views of distant Table Mountain).
There’s more In addition to top skincare brands Augustinus Bader, Dr Barbara Sturm, Knesko and Ila, the spa has its own homegrown Jardin de Delaire botanical range (which you can pick and blend yourself during the Signature Couples Experience). Selected spa rituals include an informal Japanese dining experience from Hōseki, served bento box-style and accompanied by a bottle of Delaire Graff wine.
Recommended treatment The ila CBD Body Balancing Ritual incorporates a blissful body scrub, sound healing, a rebalancing kundalini back massage, a radiance-restoring facial with a light chemical peel, and heated Himalayan salt poultices to assist with deep relaxation.
Cost R2 600 for 90 minutes
Spa menu
Opening times Daily, 9am – 6pm
Contact 021 885 8160, info.spa@delaire.co.za
Where to find it Helshoogte Road (R310), Stellenbosch
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Lanzerac Spa
Nestled between sweeping vineyards and the towering Jonkershoek mountains, the spa at this historic estate offers some of the best views in the business – all from the comfort of the light and airy relaxation area and terrace. The attention to detail, from the exquisite design to the service and array of offerings, will leave you feeling cosseted and utterly content. The spa uses Theravine, Lillian Terry, Elemis and Black Pearl beauty products.
Lay of the land There are eight treatment rooms (including three for couples and one with universal access), two mist rooms and two rasul chambers. Spa patrons also have full use of the indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and relaxation lounge. Lanzerac is known for its food, and the spa’s chic Vitality Corner serves gourmet but wholesome breakfasts, wraps, light meals, smoothies and juices.
There’s more The state-of-the-art NeoQi Mediq Cocoon is used for hydrotherapy-based Theravine treatments, which include aroma sauna, vibromassage and aromatic baths. The African-inspired TheraNaka rituals use wooden implements and botanicals.
Recommended treatment The Theravine Pinotage Massage (apt given the estate’s winemaking heritage as the first to bottle pinotage) is a destressing, muscle-relaxing therapy that uses a blend of grapeseed oil and botanicals.
Cost R1 295 for 60 minutes, R1 595 for 90 minutes
Spa menu
Opening times Daily, 9am – 6pm
Contact 021 887 1132, spa@lanzerac.co.za
Where to find it 1 Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch
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The Hydro at Stellenbosch
On a picturesque, 40-hectare mountainside farm in Stellenbosch’s Ida’s Valley, this is a “proper” spa in the classic European tradition, where guests check in for a number of days to be expertly guided to holistic health and wellness. From ozone therapy and inbody analysis to shiatsu and cellulite-busting endermologie, there is a dizzying range of options and programmes. For a little taste of Hydro life, you can also book a day visit.
Lay of the land Apart from myriad treatment rooms and hydrotherapy areas, there is an indoor heated pool, outdoor eco-pool and a mindfulness-boosting labyrinth. It also has its own onsite permaculture vegetable garden to ensure prime nutrition, and plenty of walking paths.
There’s more Check in for anything from a three-day destress to a 10-day detox, with a choice of full-board accommodation (from budget rooms to luxury suites). Take advantage of the special discount rates in winter.
Recommended treatment The Day Programme includes your choice of a detox body wrap or Swedish massage, a signature Theravine radiance facial, and hydrotherapy (jacuzzi, hot/cold Kneipp therapy and steam or sauna), with lunch, teas, juices and detox soup included. Other treatments can be added if you have time.
Cost R2 600 (day programme)
Spa menu
Opening times Day Programme: Daily, 8am – 5pm
Contact 021 809 3800, reservations@thehydro.co.za
Where to find it Off Rustenberg Road, Idas Valley, Stellenbosch
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Erinvale Spa
The spa at this upmarket hotel and golf estate in Somerset West is housed in a whitewashed building among the oak trees, set away from the Cape Dutch-style hotel. The decor is tranquil, as are the services offered – inspired by Africa and Mother Nature. Come for the facials – using the Babor range, they include a 10-minute foot, hand or scalp massage and brow shaping – and stay for the rest.
Lay of the land There are four spacious treatment rooms (including two for couples), an indoor heated pool and steam room, as well as a poolside patio outdoors with loungers and gorgeous garden views.
There’s more The spa now offers all-the-rage IV drip therapy for detoxing, anti-ageing weight loss, immune-boosting and more.
Recommended treatment The ReYouVenate package combines a unique soy-candle massage, an Ultravine anti-ageing gold collagen facial and a hair and scalp treatment, with a glass of bubbly and spa lunch to the value of R150.
Cost R3 250 for 3 hours
Spa menu
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 8am – 6pm
Sunday, 8am – 5pm
Contact 021 847 1682, spa@erinvale.co.za
Where to find it Erinvale Estate, 1 Erinvale Avenue, Somerset West
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Vergenoegd Löw Luxury Spa
Known for its history (dating from 1696) and heritage buildings (two of which have been beautifully restored and converted into wonderful Bertus Basson-helmed restaurants), the spa is also in repurposed old farm buildings – the former dairy and slave quarters alongside the Manor House. Rough, whitewashed walls, a thatched roof, wooden floors and rafters make for an atmospheric and soothing space. The spa takes an all-natural, locally sourced approach in the products used.
Lay of the land This boutique spa has three spacious treatment rooms (large enough for couples’ treatments) with fireplaces, plus a room for milk baths, and a lounge. There is also a yoga room and a gym, exclusively reserved for hotel guests.
Recommended treatment The Tranquillity Milk Bath Experience combines a salt scrub and moisturising back massage, finishing with a luxurious milk bath, a glass of bubbly (non-alcoholic also available) and a snack platter.
Cost R1 250 for 75 minutes
Spa menu
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Sunday, 9am – 2pm
Contact 064 722 2728, spa@vergenoegd.co.za
Where to find it 1 Vergenoegd Road, off Baden Powell Drive (R310), Somerset West
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Majeka House Spa
In a quiet corner on the outskirts of Stellenbosch – in the aptly named Paradyskloof (“Paradise Gorge”) – is impressive Majeka House, a luxury small hotel with a boutique spa. The showpiece of the spa is the indoor heated pool (complete with chandeliers and retractable skyroof) and adjoining jacuzzi overlooking a sun terrace and beautiful garden. Skincare brands used include QMS, Nautilus and Bellabacci. Your relaxation journey begins in the changing rooms, where lush white robes await…
Lay of the land There are just three treatment rooms (one for couples), a therapy room, sauna and steam room, plus the pool area. Spa guests are free to make use of the wonderful hydrotherapy facilities for two hours before or after their treatments.
There’s more Spa guests are welcome to tailor their own combination of treatments, including beauty/grooming options, and there’s an in-house hair salon. Guests can also book spa packages, some of which include lunch at the avant-garde Majeka Kitchen.
Recommended treatment The Bellabaci CBD-infused full-body massage harnesses the power of the cupping technique and hemp oil to reduce inflammation and pain, and helps with anxiety and sleeping issues.
Cost R890 for 60 minutes, R1 100 for 90 minutes
Spa menu
Opening times Daily, 8am – 5pm
Contact 021 880 1549, spa@majekahouse.co.za
Where to find it 26 Houtkapper Street, Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch
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The Hazendal Spa
Adding to its myriad attractions, this wine estate has a new boutique hotel and luxury spa. It’s a gorgeously tranquil, light-filled golden- and blue-hued space, with botanical-inspired interiors and views over the dam, farm and Winelands. The treatment menu covers an array of options, including for children (age 6 – 13 years), and they use QMS, Esse and Bellabacci products.
Lay of the land There are nine treatment rooms plus two private outdoor pergolas in the garden beside the dam, as well as a hammam, nail studio and relaxation lounge with couch-beds, snacks and healthy drinks.
There’s more The couples’ packages include a wine tasting or picnic; the signature treatments include a glass of MCC and access to the hotel’s chic pool courtyard. The children’s “SPArty” option combines three mini-treatments with playtime at the Wonderdal edutainment centre.
Recommended treatment The hot lava shell massage uses fynbos oils and deep pressure to relieve muscle tension, boost circulation and encourage utter relaxation. (The Healing Touch signature treatment adds a salt scrub, clay body wrap and steam compresses infused with estate wine to this massage.)
Cost R2 500 for 90 minutes
Healing Touch: R2 780 (2.5 hours)
Spa menu
Opening times Daily, 8am – 7pm; winter until 6pm
Contact 087 057 6893, spa-reception@hazendal.co.za
Where to find it 60 Bottelary Road, Brackenfell South, Stellenbosch
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Which are your favourites? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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