One of the most intriguing places in the whale-watching town of Hermanus, not far from Cape Town, is a fragrant little shop and bistro with a great view of Walker Bay.

Interested in staying in restored historic cottages with the latest in health and beauty treatments only a walk away? Cradock’s most famous tourism attraction now has a whole new health and wellness aspect.

This year I’m going to don those takkies (sneakers) and head for the hills, book my place at a meditation retreat somewhere pretty, and swap the vino for rooibos tea. Well, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Happy 2013.

Cocoon yoga recently opened in the Maboneng Precinct. It is a place where mindfulness meets medicine to help stressed-out city dwellers (and other busy people).

Africology is a South African brand with a range of skin- and body-care products that make the best of what nature has to offer.

Fancourt has just opened its new Sports and Leisure Centre, which offers a range of lifestyle and entertainment activities (and a great space for mum and dad to have some time out from the kids).

Yoga safaris are a good way to add enlightenment to your holiday package.

Annalene du Toit is the brains behind the very successful Kloovenburg range of olive oils and olive oil products, which includes some superb body products.

An upliftment project in the Eastern Cape offers disadvantaged women a way of escaping poverty through healing massages, facials and manicures – and getting experience in hospitality and tourism on the side.