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Earthy inspiration
Nature’s power of healing
Nature is a powerful healer in South Africa.
Did you know?
African Potato (Hypoxis Hermerocallidea) is said to be excellent in treating cancer, arthritis and diabetes as well as boosting the immune system.
Nature's healing powers have been used for centuries. Today, vast numbers of South Africans still visit their traditional healers for muti (medicine) derived from plants, roots and natural sources. Even in our upmarket spas, the use of African potato, marula and fynbos are used to create wellbeing.
For example, if you spend time at The Westcliff's Botanica Spa in Johannesburg you will be treated to mud envelopes, aloe vera treatments and hazelnut pedicures; visit the Rosendal Spa and Wellness Retreat in the Western Cape and you'll enjoy treatments using natural fynbos, a range of Cape botanicals and will even get to see the benefits of the use of Pinotage grapes in your treatments.
African nature healing practices are at the heart of many spas and wellness establishments. Many of these establishments also understand that getting out into nature offers great healing potential for body and mind, and in South Africa there is a lot of nature to go around.
At Kurisa Moya Retreat in the Limpopo province, you're encouraged to walk in the forests. At Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Retreat and Wellness Reserve you're encouraged to go hiking in the mountains to inspect the rock art. And at Witwater Safari Lodge and Spa in the Waterberg region you're encouraged to go bird-watching, go on game drives and take part in bush walks as part of the therapy.
Some esoteric outfits even offer up the opportunity of learning from the local wildlife. Psychologist Mandy Young offers workshops that utilise the innate wisdom of meerkats, lions, elephants and dolphins to bring about transformation, and another psychologist Jeffrey Rink uses rustic experiences in nature to help remove emotional blockages.
Natural African healing means there are even opportunities for travellers to train with sangomas (traditional healers) and learn all about South Africa's healing plants and herbs.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Botanica Spa at The Westcliff hotel: +27 (0) 11 481 6000 or visit www.westcliff.co.za
Peace of Eden Workshops: +27 (0) 82 445 4142 or visit www.peace-of-eden.co.za
Rosendal Spa & Wellness Retreat at Rosendal Winery: +27 (0) 23 625 1570 or visit www.rosendalwinery.com
Witwater Safari Lodge & Spa: +27 (0) 11 675 0000 or visit www.witwater.com
How to get here
Please visit the various spa websites for detailed directions and maps.
Get around
Self-drive is always a good option. Car hire is relatively inexpensive in South Africa.
What will it cost
Different therapies, retreats and workshops vary in cost. Visit the various websites for more detail.
Length of stay
Spa treatments last anything from a few hours to a full day, while wildlife retreats can last anything from a weekend to a full week.
What to pack
A hat and sunscreen are always vitally important in sunny South Africa.