Wellness – the state of being well – is a goal that many strive for. And, says Elsa Krüger, it’s one within reach, thanks to the presence of spas in today’s world.
A visit to the spa gives you the opportunity to unplug from daily life, leave worries at the door and enjoy being pampered in peaceful tranquillity. A serene respite from ever-present stresses, it focuses on psychological, physical and spiritual well-being.
Around the world, awareness of the importance of all-round wellness is growing. Increased stress levels from hectic, fast-paced lifestyles, the rise of preventative health care and a focus on mental health have all contributed to a greater demand for wellness services, says Dr Nadine de Freitas, wellness strategist and executive director of Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa Magazine. As the founder of the South African Spa Association (SASA), she initiated the coveted annual LNE Spa Awards.
Spas play a significant role in the holistic wellness trend. As well as offering experiences that encompass physical, mental and emotional well-being, they provide a sanctuary for relaxation, rejuvenation and the healing that many people seek in today’s demanding world.
In South Africa, the wellness trend has gained momentum, aligning with global patterns but also reflecting specific local influences. “Our diverse natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage contribute to a distinctive wellness experience. Many spas incorporate traditional healing practices and local ingredients, which resonate with both locals and tourists seeking authentic experiences,” says Nadine.
Wellness tourism is driven by an increasing consumer demand for health-focused travel experiences. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including spa or yoga retreats, fitness vacations and holistic healing practices. Key trends include a rising emphasis on mental health, leading to more offerings centred on mindfulness, meditation and reducing stress. South Africa has the potential to become a key player in the global wellness landscape.
Spa Trends
Although South Africa is lagging somewhat in her opinion, Nadine notes that our spa and wellness landscape is evolving significantly, influenced by global trends that emphasise the integration of wellness into various sectors, which include retail, real estate, hotels, architecture, and landscaping.
This evolution dovetails with the wellness tourism trend, as it not only enhances our country’s appeal as a wellness destination, but also fosters a culture of health and well-being.
Current Trends in South Africa
Integration of wellness into hospitality Hotels and resorts are incorporating wellness amenities like spas, fitness centres and healthy dining options.
Sustainable architecture By harmonising with the natural environment and using eco-friendly materials, spas are being designed to minimise their ecological footprint.
Outdoor and nature-based experiences With its stunning landscapes, South Africa is capitalising on outdoor wellness experiences. Treatments are offered in natural settings, such as forested areas or by the ocean, to incorporate the therapeutic benefits of nature.
Wellness in retail Spas are offering organic skincare products, health supplements and wellness-focused lifestyle items.
Real estate developments Those that include wellness amenities like community spas, fitness centres and wellness programmes, are catering to a market that values health and well-being in the environment it lives in.
Growth of wellness tourism Wellness tourism in South Africa is experiencing growth as travellers seek one-of-a-kind holistic experiences.
Sanitas Per Aqua
The philosophy surrounding spas is deeply rooted in the concept of sanitas per aqua, or health through water, an element that has been a cornerstone of wellness practices for centuries. The concept emphasises the therapeutic benefits of water in various forms.
Contrast therapy Alternating between hot-water and cold-water treatments enhances circulation and boosts the immune system, invigorating the body and promoting recovery.
Cryotherapy The use of cold therapy for recovery and rejuvenation is gaining popularity and appeals particularly to athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Cryotherapy chambers and ice plunge baths help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness.
Floating pools Often filled with saltwater or water imported from the Dead Sea, these pools create a sensation of weightlessness, promoting deep relaxation and stress relief.
DNA and Cellular Renewal
Research highlights the potential of spas to promote healing at fundamental physiological levels. With their holistic approach, spa treatments contribute to the rejuvenation of the body’s cells, supporting overall well-being and potentially aiding DNA renewal.
“More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play, but the potential for spa treatments to support health at the level of DNA renewal is an exciting frontier in the wellness industry,” says Nadine.
Numerous spa therapies utilise natural elements like mineral-rich mud, thermal waters and plant-based oils, which contain anti-oxidants and nutrients vital for cellular repair. Anti-oxidants are known to combat oxidative stress, which damages DNA and accelerates ageing.
Thermal baths, massages and detoxifying wraps can stimulate blood circulation, enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells and promote the body’s detoxification processes.
All these benefits support cellular health. Advanced treatments such as cryotherapy and red-light therapy have been shown to boost the production of collagen, reduce inflammation and potentially aid DNA repair mechanisms by targeting cells directly.
In addition, stress-reducing practices like meditation, yoga and aromatherapy play a significant role in reducing levels of cortisol, a hormone that, when elevated, can negatively impact DNA and cellular function. By addressing both the mind and body, spa treatments help reduce the physical toll of stress, allowing the body’s natural healing processes to work more effectively.
Brand new in the Franschhoek Valley, Terre Paisible Medical Rejuvenation & Spa is a luxury wellness destination that promises the ultimate nurturing retreat and sensory reset for guests.
Managing director Shirley van Wyk says, “Our treatment programmes are expertly curated to offer complete revitalisation at a cellular level, extending beyond aesthetic enhancement to include metabolic and hormonal enhancement as well as compensating for imbalanced genetic characteristics. Through the combination of advanced medical aesthetics with personalised wellness regimens and the uplifting experience of being in a beautiful, calming location, guests will feel restored to their best self.”
The spa’s rejuvenating and healing treatments offer a full picture of hormonal to gut biome health, using tests like the DUTCHTM test that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites, and looking at genetic predisposition through DNAlysisTM tests. Customised treatment plans are devised, using the analysis to ensure that each guest’s wellness journey is unique.
The growing awareness of medical benefits aligns with an increasing focus on wellness and preventative health in South Africa. More spas are integrating evidence-based treatments, catering to a clientele that is increasingly informed about how such treatments are beneficial to overall health.
Stress reduction Massages and hydrotherapy significantly reduce stress, which can have positive effects on cellular health. Chronic stress is linked to DNA damage. Mental well-being can impact physical health.
Improved circulation Treatments that promote blood flow, such as hydrotherapy and massages, enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells.
Detoxification Reducing the body’s toxic load through perspiration and lymphatic drainage can alleviate cellular stress and contribute to healthier function of the cells.
Enhanced immune function The immune system, which plays a critical role in maintaining DNA health, can be boosted by spa treatments.
Mind-body connection The relaxation and mindfulness that result from a spa treatment can lead to positive changes in gene expression relating to inflammation and stress response.
Spa Categories
There are different types of spa that you could try, depending on your priorities.
Day spa Without overnight accommodation, this kind of spa offers a sanctuary of tranquillity and pampering with personalised treatments tailored to individual needs.
Try Silver Forest Spa on the slopes of the Helderberg in the Cape Winelands.
Hotel (or destination) spa Hotel spas are luxurious and usually offer bespoke spa treatments with specialised rituals and therapies. They are not exclusively for hotel guests.
Try Palm House Boutique Hotel & Spa in Wynberg; Turbine Hotel & Spa, Knysna or Delaire Graff Estate Spa, Stellenbosch.
Safari spa Luxury game lodge spas offer wellness tourism on steroids. They ensure an exceptional escape and a deep, serene connection with nature. Most safari spas offer bespoke treatments, harnessing the healing benefits of botanicals.
Try Lion Sands Ivory Lodge Spa in Sabi Sands; Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal or Tswalu Kalahari Reserve.
Unique spa These spas have a specific approach and are, for example, eco-friendly or organic.
Try Vygenhoek Organic Spa in Dullstroom, a trailblazing dedicated organic spa, or Verde Vita Spa at Hotel Verde, Cape Town. The hotel, where luxury combines with environmental responsibility, has earned numerous sustainability awards (including Africa’s Greenest Hotel).
Aesthetic institute Qualified medical aesthetic practitioners and/or dermatologists call the shots and are supported by a team of skilled aestheticians. These facilities offer high-end, non-surgical anti-ageing treatments with state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Try SCINMed, Cape Town; Avara Wellness Spa, Cape Town or The Laser Beautique, which has franchises countrywide and specialises in permanent hair removal.
Retreat spa These spas focus on overall well-being and tend to integrate mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellness practices, like yoga and meditation. A typical day may include a morning meditation or yoga session, a nutritious meal plan, a massage or a treatment like Reiki, sound healing therapies, mindfulness practices or intermittent fasting.
Try Kamala Karoo Sanctuary at Barrydale, run by Terry de Vries.
Exotic spa They encompass a wide range that includes Thai massage, Turkish hammams, Rasoul healing clay treatments, Tibetan singing bowls, chakra balancing, cupping therapy, forest bathing, and vinotherapy, which involves the use of grape extracts, wine and grape seeds, all rich in anti-oxidants.
Try Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa, home to the world’s first African Rainforest Experience, a two-hour sensory water and steam treatment inspired by African rains.