There is a wide variety of South African health spas to
choose from based on your mood or health; The following definitions provide
guidelines, but in reality many establishments may fall into more than one
category due to the services they offer.
The spas offer a holistic and healthy approach to
wellness, with well-trained staff and the latest in technology and treatments.
Spas are no longer the exclusive domain of the rich, they are accessible to
anyone who wants to de-stress or simply enjoy a good pampering.
Spa day
The main characteristic of this type is that it does not
offer accommodation and visitors can go for an hour or a day at their leisure.
Clients can choose individual treatments or services such as a massage, facial,
manicure/pedicure, or they can combine spa services, take a half-day or
full-day package. Some day spas also offer fitness facilities and individual
training programs.
Stay Spa
This category applies to any Spa that offers
accommodation. Usually, regular day packages are also offered for those who
wish to get away for just one day, as well as multi-night or overnight
packages, at Health Farms or Spas, Resorts, Hotels, and Retreats.
Health Spa or Health Farm
The name differs slightly here depending on where you are
in the world. Health Spa is commonly used in South Africa and the United
States, while Health Farm is used in the United Kingdom. The focus in this
category is beauty, health, and fitness in a relaxed environment. Guests can
choose between healthy cuisine or whatever they want.
Destination spa
This Spa is all about health and wellness. Guests will
find healthy cuisine and professional treatments. Talks and wellness education
are also offered, as well as fitness programs designed to support and enhance
wellness and good health. Location plays a large role in the popularity of a
spa and visitors have many options when they come to South Africa.
Coastal spas that stretch from Cape Town to KwaZulu-Natal
offer breathtaking views, refreshing sea breezes, and rejuvenating treatments.
If you can't escape the city, go for it! All major cities have a variety of
spas offering a variety of treatments for the tired body.
Resort or Hotel Spa
A Resort Spa can have a particular focus, be it golf
activities or games or a Safari Lodge Health Spa. Both hotels and resorts generally
have a wide variety of facilities and a Spa leisure center with treatment
rooms, sauna and steam room, Jacuzzi and swimming pool, where guests can relax
in their robes or sportswear, but not in the main buildings of the hotel.
The treatments offered to cover the basics such as massages,
facials, beauty, and body, although specialized treatments may not be available.
Families generally enjoy these locations due to the variety of facilities on
offer, although the Spa center may have age restrictions or at least some of
the treatments. Guests who want to focus on health and wellness may find it
difficult to do so here because the emphasis is on relaxation and fun and the
full-service menus in the restaurants.
Siyabona Africa recommends the Librisa Spa at the Mount
Nelson Hotel in Cape Town.
Holistic or alternative healing spa
For the body and soul, this type of Spa is focused on
promoting well-being and balance through modern health therapies and
traditional beauty treatments.
Health Hydro or wellness center
This place is for clients who want to change their
lifestyle and educate themselves on how to prevent disease and be proactive in
managing their health and well-being.
Pamper spa
Designed to pamper and pamper clients who want to
de-stress without worrying about their diet. The emphasis is on relaxation, fun, and a bit of decadence combined with a variety of Spa services where clients
can enjoy a wonderful Aromatherapy Massage or go for a luxurious manicure.
Medi Spa
This is where wellness treatments or procedures are
carried out under the direction of a physician. Other medical services are also
offered including nutritionists, chiropractors, sports injury medicine, and
physical therapy.
Rehabilitation center
Also known as clinics, they carry out detoxification and
rehabilitation procedures or treatments for people suffering from various types
of addictions, also depression, and eating disorders. Clinics are usually
hospitals with fully equipped facilities and high care, doctors, nurses high
