Around the World in 80 Spas | Part 3: South Africa

Part 3: 5 Hot Spas of South Africa

In Part 3 of our special Around the World in 80 Spas series, we travel to South Africa, home to some of the finest luxury spas in the world. From hammams and rasul chambers to vitality pools and sound therapy, the spas of South Africa are as diverse as the culture.

Miss Parts 1 and 2? Take a spa trip through North America and Europe:

Around the World in 80 Spas | Part 1: North America
Around the World in 80 Spas | Part 2: Europe

Photo courtesy of Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

The Oyster Box Hotel – Durban, South Africa

Blossoming foliage, exotic wildlife, restorative treatments, an authentic hammam…what’s not to love? Located along the eastern Umhlanga coastline of South Africa, not far from the city of Durban, the luxury beachfront Oyster Box Hotel’s holistic spa blends ancient traditions with contemporary techniques, all in a beautiful and isolated environment. We also love the direct access to the beach, 24-seat cinema, family-friendly itineraries and two restaurants, one of which is famous for its curry buffet!

Photos courtesy of The Oyster Box Hotel

The Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas and Spa – Johannesburg, South Africa

Meticulously landscaped gardens surround The Saxon Spa and Studio, which resides in its own 880-square-meter building. For those looking for something different, try the hydro-capsule, chromatherapy and sound therapy treatments, and experience the African Byzantine-style, mosaic-tiled chamber, where exotic rasul ceremonies take place (warm muds and therapeutic steam, anyone?). Interesting fact: Prior to its reopening in June 2000, Saxon was the personal residence of insurance magnate Douw Steyn and hosted Nelson Mandela during the preparation of his autobiography.

Photos courtesy of The Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas & Spa

Taj Cape Town – Cape Town, South Africa

Located in the heart of Cape Town’s historic district, in the former South African Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers, the five-star Taj Cape Town features sleek interiors and high-tech touches, and three distinct restaurants to delight the most discerning of culinary connoisseurs (kosher and organic options are available!). The 650-square-meter Jiva Grande Spa has an extensive menu of holistic treatments inspired by Indian healing knowledge, and includes separate men’s and women’s hammams, vitality pools, a full-service fitness center and indoor pool.

Photos courtesy of Taj Cape Town

Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa – Cape Town, South Africa

With a prime location between the Table Mountain National Park and a marine sanctuary in the Atlantic Ocean, Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa allows guests to indulge in nature with sweeping views of the Atlantic, magnificent mountain ranges and coastal nature reserves, all while being located just minutes from Cape Town. The spa features extensive pampering possibilities from hot and cold plunges to a rasul chamber to outdoor treatment gazebos. Want to visit the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront? Take the hotel’s complimentary car or helicopter service.

Photos courtesy of Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

One&Only Cape Town – Cape Town, South Africa

Spa island? Yes, please. Located in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with captivating views of Table Mountain, One&Only Cape Town’s spa sits on its own lushly landscaped private island in the center of the Victoria & Albert Waterway. Holistic experiences are tailored to “unwind, balance and uplift,” the three cornerstones of the spa’s philosophy. We also love the scenic relaxation room, sauna and steam facilities, singles and couples treatment villas, showers with three different water settings, two vitality pools and full-service salon.

Photos courtesy of One&Only Cape Town