What is a wellness retreat?
Wellness retreats are multi-day experiences focusing on delivering a total reset. While day spas focus on quick pick-me-ups and stress relief, wellness retreats target building healthier habits and fully relaxing in nature for long-term benefits.
Why South Africa?
From star-studded karoo skies to lush forests and warm-water beaches, South Africa is a wellness playground. Whether you want a silent meditation in the mountains, a regenerative winelands reset, or a safari and spa combo, there's a retreat for every season and budget.
Before we start: what are you looking for?
Wellness retreats can target a range of needs, like:
- Reconnecting with nature (mountains, beaches, fynbos reserves)
- Healthy eating & gentle detox
- Fitness or lifestyle reset
- Yoga, meditation & breathwork
- Community (meet new people) or solitude (go solo)
- "Just us" time for couples
Looking for local spots?
Find Spas Near MeReconnect with nature
Reset and escape the city's chaos. Pick your landscape and start breathing again.
If you're looking for: safari & wilderness
A crafted "wild wellness" program pairing game drives with yoga, breathwork, cold/heat therapy and bodywork at an award-winning safari spa.
Visit Londolozi (Winner: South Africa's Best Safari Spa 2024)If you're looking for: farm life & the Cape winelands
A dedicated medical-grade wellness retreat with nutrition-led menus, detox and integrated programs.
Visit SantéA five-star regenerative hotel with sensorium spa, forest pods and guided hikes on Table Mountain's slopes.
Visit Future FoundIconic wine-farm spa with hot spa, vitality pools and rituals in a botanical wonderland.
Visit BabylonstorenIf you're looking for: forests & beaches
Ocean-meets-river hideaway with a highly-rated spa, sunrise beach walks and couples packages.
Visit UmngaziRemote Indian-Ocean dunes, snorkeling and a nature-centric spa steps from the beach.
Visit Thonga BeachIf you're looking for: rocky desert, Cederberg & starry skies
Five-star wilderness lodge with a full spa (crystal steam room, riverside gazebo) amid ancient rock-art landscapes.
Visit Bushmans KloofCave-suite vibes, stargazing and outdoor couple's treatments in otherworldly sandstone.
Visit Kagga KammaIf you're looking for: Karoo & Namaqualand
Slow, spacious Karoo wellness: hikes, African-botanical spa therapies and regenerative menus.
Visit SamaraA tranquil mountain-top escape near the Namaqualand wildflowers; the definition of quiet reset.
Visit NariesLifestyle changes & healthy living
Looking for a guided "feel-better" plan with real structure? These put nourishment and daily rhythm at the core.
Integrated programs with nutritionists and detoxification protocols; plant-rich cuisine and spa.
Visit SantéClassic South African "health hydro" with hydrotherapy, nutrition and gentle daily schedules.
Visit BrookdaleGut-health-forward medical practice + retreat model led by a GP, with integrative protocols and workshops.
Visit OppidumHolistic wellness & reconnecting with yourself
Yoga, meditation, breathwork and silence: pick a centre that matches your vibe.
Labyrinth walks, forest trails, daily meditation/yoga and wood-fired sauna; solo or facilitated retreats.
Visit Bodhi KhayaAffordable, grounded meditation retreats in a serene mountain setting.
Visit EmoyeniPeaceful healing centre on 280ha of bushveld for mindfulness, yoga and nature time.
Visit Tara RokpaBuddhist-inspired retreats under high peaks; self-guided and guided options.
Visit DharmagiriCouples retreats
Time to unplug together? Try:
Romantic riverside bungalows, private spa treatments and honeymoon offers.
Visit UmngaziOff-grid couples retreats with star-bathing, mindfulness and chef-led, plant-based menus.
Visit Bliss & Stars (2023 World Spa Awards: SA's Best Wellness Retreat winner)Hidden gems
- Bliss & Stars (Cederberg): Astronomy-meets-mindfulness in a spectacular river valley; intimate groups and silence options. Visit Bliss & Stars
- Future Found Sanctuary (Constantia): Sensorium spa, forest pods and "regenerative" stays on Table Mountain's edge. Visit Future Found
- Kagga Kamma (Cederberg): Open-air couple's massages and star tours among ancient rock formations. Visit Kagga Kamma
What to expect, and how to get the most out of your stay
- Book by landscape & energy level first (beach, fynbos, mountains, desert); then choose programs (yoga, detox, fitness) and room type.
- If "structured reset" is your goal, look for program pages (nutrition/detox/itineraries) to see what's included daily.
- For safari + spa, check award pages to benchmark quality (e.g., Londolozi's recent win).
- Always confirm day-spa vs. in-house guests only access if you're not staying overnight (some spas are for resident guests only).
- Practical packing: soft shoes for walks, swimsuit for hydro circuits, a warm layer for night stargazing, and a book you've been meaning to finish.