Cape Town, also known as the Mother City, is more than just stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, and great weather. It's a destination where you can find some of the best spa experiences in the world. South African spas offer beautiful natural surroundings and some of the best spa facilities, not to mention unparalleled value for money. If you're looking for the best massage in Cape Town, you've come to the right place!
Why Cape Town is a Spa-Hopping Destination
South Africa is not generally thought of as a spa destination internationally. Well, allow me to change your mind about that.
The Mother City is unlike any other destination in Africa: Separated from the rest of the continent by a ring of mountains, Cape Town stands as a glittering, metropolis juxtaposed with one of the world's most breathtaking natural landscapes. But good looks aren't the only thing Cape Town has going for it. You'll fall in love with this city's khaki-colored beaches, rolling vineyards, sizzling cuisine, thriving nightlife, and, of course, the spectacular Table Mountain.
Featured Spas and Treatments
One and Only Spa
The One and Only Spa is a luxurious option in Cape Town. Although the treatments are on the pricier end as Cape Town spas go, they are worthy of your Randelas. Before our aromatherapy massage, my friend and I each chose our preferred scented oil, which was wafted underneath the massage table at the start of the treatment. We also chose the kind of music we wanted during the treatment.
Day Spa Tour in Cape Town | MyMassage
Delaire Graff Spa
When it comes to luxury everything, it’s Delaire Graff all the way. From the magnificent hanging garden that welcomes you to the farm, to their extensive art collection, delicious food and stunning wine, it’s all just one incredible experience. Of course their spa would be amazing too. I recently visited for a full body massage and I can highly recommend a visit.
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Technically, the Delaire Graff Spa may not qualify as it is in Stellenbosch. The spa is next to their Asian themed restaurant Indochine and the first thing you will notice is a very special smell, their signature scent which is used in all the rooms. Delaire Graff had chosen a very special treatment for me: the Black Pearl Body Illumination therapy which included a scrub and a full body massage with 24-carat gold body butter. After my skin was scrubbed soft and after a quick shower, it was time for my massage. They have a small lunch menu available which is served poolside if you want. A beautiful pool, a jacuzzi, and a stunning view over the mountains and the vineyard are all part of the experience.
The Cellars Hohenort
The Cellars Hohenort is one of my favorite hotels in Cape Town thanks to their incredible gardens and their world-renowned restaurant The Greenhouse. While the latter comes with a rather steep price tag (very worth it!) you can enjoy the gardens for free. While you are there you should stop at their Fresh Wellness Spa. I was with spa manager Chervon who had booked me in for their Signature Fresh Facial with an added face massage. Even without the extra massage, the facial starts with a back and neck massage, officially combining the best of both worlds. Next to the usual peeling and a bit of squeezing I got an amazing face massage with a Gua Sha next. This rose quartz roller is used in Chinese medicine for antiaging and increased blood circulation.
Radisson Blu at the Waterfront
The Radisson Blu at the Waterfront in Cape Town is probably the hotel with the best location in town and has incredible views over Granger Bay. The smell of the ocean, cheeky seagulls, yachts, and dolphins are on the agenda here. Change into a fluffy robe and slippers and enjoy their lounge area first where you can take a dip, have some cucumber water, and catch up on the latest gossip magazines. I had a 60-minute classic Swedish massage which was absolutely heavenly - I marked my stress level on my consultation form as medium and my therapist Conny promised to take it down to zero which she did. She checked in about the right pressure often and did a great job focussing on the areas that needed attention. Afterward, she showed me to the salt room. The salt room offers 45-minutes sessions and salt therapy helps with a seriously impressive list of ailments and allergies. It is a dry room meaning you can keep your cozy robe and are even allowed to bring your phone.
Cape Grace
The Cape Grace must be one of my favorite hotels in Cape Town. It is world-renowned and stars & starlets, politicians, and those who appreciate its old-world charm come here to stay. I guess for such a big hotel the spa is small but personally, I love that. The salon has some comfortable loungers, a sauna and a steam room, and wonderful views over Table Mountain. The treatment rooms are small and cozy with the most comfortable massage beds. For the Kalahari Rolling Sands oil massage, you can pick your smell from their Kalahari range - natural African products and smells for the win! My massage was followed by a QMS Activator facial. They also call it the bridal facial as your skin will be plump and glowing afterward. In addition to gentle cleansing and a slightly terrifying but effective full face mask, I also got an oxygen treatment.
Enmasse
For me, the best Cape Town massage is available at Enmasse. I came across them when I was looking for a last-minute appointment at a spa near me and was happy to discover that they were located just up the road from where I lived and worked in Gardens. Their unique concept sees massages as a way of life and not as an occasional luxury. Therefore they offer membership programs, are open 7 days a week until late, and you can usually get an appointment on pretty short notice. On their menu, you will find Shiatsu, Thai, Reflexology, and Pregnancy Massages. The interior is what I imagine heaven looks like: a big room with high dark blue ceilings and little white clouds mattresses with partitions.
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Beauty Spot
It seems like I am constantly searching for a place to get a good wax wherever I go. And once I have found a favorite place they always close. Beauty Spot is not fancy by any means but they are apparently the oldest spa in Sea Point (thus me hoping they will last). I was looking for a spa near me when I was staying there. It’s location on Main Road is really nothing to write home about when it comes to the interior but their treatments are well-priced and the therapists are lovely.
Vergenoegd Löw
If you don’t mind traveling just a little further head to the Winelands where you will find some absolutely beautiful spas in Stellenbosch and the surrounding vineyards. Vergenoegd Löw is a beautiful wine farm in Stellenbosch that has recently come into new ownership. One highlight, wines excluded, is their Indian Runner Ducks that can often be spotted running towards the dam. The rooms are housed in the restored farm slave quarters and are beautiful. They have a lounge/ waiting area as well as a couple of treatment rooms including two couple rooms. Massages are incredibly well-priced and you can choose between a Swedish, Hot Stone, or Aromatherapy massage. They also offer a pregnancy massage.
Librisa Spa at Mount Nelson
A range of luxury treatments await in our newly renovated Librisa Spa, set in three beautifully restored Victorian heritage homes. Choose from a range of soothing treatments, body wraps, and facials in one of eight serene treatment rooms, including two couple’s rooms. Then, unwind in the tranquil conservatory with herbal teas and healthy snacks or enjoy the plunge pool, steam bath, and Finnish sauna. For families, a complimentary children’s club is also available, ensuring relaxation for everyone.
Designed for deep relaxation, muscle recovery and increased lymphatic flow, this treatment at our luxury spa in Cape Town uses hand-crafted poultices using our own blend of herbs. In this indulgent experience at our Cape Town spa hotel, we start with a full body exfoliation and hydrating body wrap followed by a Milk and Honey bath. Your journey is completed with a relaxing Aromatherapy Full Body Massage - all within the serene surrounds of our beautiful spa in Cape Town.
Activities to Enhance Your Spa Experience
Slow down and embrace nature on a self-guided walking tour of iconic trees in the tranquil gardens, which reveal many fascinating threads of Cape Town’s history. Guests are welcome to use our scenic tennis court at their leisure during your stay. Or brush up on your game with resident tennis coach Barkie McKrea, who offers lively interactive classes for all levels of tennis, designed to hone your serve, volleys and all aspects of your tennis playing. Barkie teaches all ability levels, solo or in groups. From R900 per hour.
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Allow us to whisk you away on a memorable surf lesson in Muizenberg; our partners Roxy Surf School provides surfboards, wetsuits and surf lessons to those heading into the warmer waters of False Bay.
Did you know that a few months before his untimely passing, John Lennon stayed at Mount Nelson under the pseudonym ‘Mr Greenwood’ and enjoyed doing yoga and meditation in the gardens? Our grounds are the perfect place to tap into your spiritual side. Stay strong, fit and flexible with yoga, offered in the tranquil gardens every other morning. Prices start at R1500 per couple for an hour's private lesson.
Join us for boot camp sessions with one of our professional fitness coaches. With sessions focusing on HIIT, cardio boxing and conditioning, it’s the ultimate way to increase your fitness. Complimentary classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Private classes from R760 per hour session; for 1-on-1 personal coaching sessions, our team will plans and bespoke sessions focused on your needs.
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