The 16 Best Luxury Spa Hotels in Africa: Relaxation & Wellness
Published on: September 18th, 2017
Last updated: November 13th, 2024
Africa is home to some of the world’s most luxurious spa hotels, offering wellness experiences in breathtaking surroundings. Seek out massages on the pristine beaches of Mauritius and the Seychelles, treatments that overlook the wildlife-rich landscapes of Kenya the best safari spa experiences in the Kruger, luxury wine spa retreats in Cape Town and yoga on decks of opulent hotels in South Africa.
Our experts, always happy to take on this kind of research, have tried and tested the best places for rejuvenation, locally inspired therapies and award-winning facilities to bring you a list of the best luxury spa hotels in Africa.
1. Royal Malewane, The Kruger, South Africa
Glamorous, opulent, intimate and secluded, this colonial era retreat in the 13,000 hectare Hoedspruit private reserve is a unique and delicious African experience. Suites are spacious and airy, adorned with mahogany furniture, Victorian rolltop baths, 4-poster beds, travelling chests, fireplaces and Persian rugs. Each has its own rim-flow pool, wooden decks and gazebos.
The Royal Suites enjoy a private lounge and dining room as well as a complimentary butler, chef and massages. Immerse yourself in the fantastic spa, relaxed in the knowledge that you need only glance out of the window or look up from your plate to see the sights of the bush and animals wandering by.
Spa Highlights: There are 3 treatment rooms, heated lap pool, steam room and private relaxation casitas. The spa uses South African products like Healing Earth alongside international brands like Dermalogica.
2. Earth Lodge, Sabi Sands, South Africa
This state-of-the-art eco lodge blends seamlessly into its environment, a masterpiece in contemporary design mimicking the folds of the landscape and merging into the savannah and bush. Its minimalist calm and serenity make a sublime base for a relaxing safari experience.
In addition to the truly excellent spa here, you’ll find a wine cellar, library and lovely swimming pool, with the opportunity to go on game drives, bush walks, community tours, or even take photography classes.
Spa Highlights: The spa specialises in holistic wellness that focuses on nature. The signature therapies include mineral-rich mud wraps and African hot stone massages, using natural ingredients.
4. Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa, The Winelands, South Africa
The large communal area at the centre of this luxe winelands property boasts a large pool, Jacuzzi and outdoor deck with spectacular views – as well as an in-house cinema and two superb restaurants. Sitting on a privileged vantage point within the Helshoogte mountain range, there are just 10 elegant private individual lodgings.
When you’re not indulging in the excellent spa facilities, you can try the region’s other famous form of therapy through some world-class wine tours at the likes of Stellenbosch and Franschhoeck.
Spa Highlights: There are 6 treatment rooms at the spa with stunning views over the most beautiful winelands. The therapies here have received several accolades for the luxurious approach to integrating local ingredients to treatments.
4. Tarkuni Private House, The Kalahari, South Africa
The Oppenheimer family’s private and prestigious game reserve in South Africa’s green Kalahari is one of the ultimate luxury safaris to be had in southern Africa, where you shouldn’t expect to see another vehicle on your game drives and where authentic African panache and soul are delivered in an impeccable manner.
Its distinctive spa are as characterful as your lodgings, decorated in a soothing style of natural materials and earth tones. The treatment menu is extensive, with a gym and yoga lessons available as well.
Spa Highlights: The Tswalu Spa consists of two couple’s treatment rooms, with relaxing outdoor decks. Along with the extensive list of therapies there are also bespoke scents, extracted from Indigenous plants.
5. Shanti Maurice, Mauritius
If the Nira Spa’s signature treatment, the Sega Ritual, is anything to go by you know they pull out all the stops to make you feel lighter in your mind and on your feet. The Ritual is performed on the beach with bonfires as a chef prepares organic cane sugar to exfoliate the skin followed by a coconut butter and frangipani-based massage.
If you wanted to opt for something a little simpler, than this Conde Nast Traveller Readers Award Winner can provide you with yoga, meditation, pilates classes and a whole host of Ayurvedic remedies and beauty treatments in the midst of a tropical island paradise.
Spa Highlights: There are 25 luxurious treatment rooms, making Nira Spa one of the largest in the Indian Ocean. The therapists here blend Ayurvedic, Balinese, and African healing traditions.
The Best of the Rest
6. Bushmans Kloof Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa
This wilderness retreat in the Cederberg mountains above Cape Town is a real escape to the outdoors and great for those looking for some nourishing active pursuits. Yoga and meditation are of course offered alongside daily hikes, fly fishing, mountain biking and much more, not to mention the fantastic gastronomy too. The spa is state-of-the-art and really rounds off the experience.
Spa Highlights: Signature therapies include stone (gathered from the river) massages and crystal therapies in the calming treatment rooms.
7) The Saxon, Johannesburg
A stylish Johannesburg bolthole, the Saxon Hotel & Villas is an institution and the place where Nelson Mandela penned his “Long Walk to Freedom”. Having fielded many awards over the years the Saxon’s Spa is frequented by guests and city residents in equal measure, to enjoy the signature sound therapy (an ancient Tibetan remedy) and elemental massage (to name but a few).
Spa Highlights: There are 8 treatment rooms and hydrotherapy facilities such as flotation pool and and famed Rasul Chamber.
8. Molori, Madikwe, South Africa
Molori, in Madikwe, is one of the most decadent and exquisite safari lodges in Africa, so it’s no wonder its Spa carries a similar reputation. Guests can enjoy a host of varied and expert wellness treatments with signature therapies in reflexology and aromatherapy that take place in the lodge spa, bush massage area, spa deck or even in the comfort of the private suites.
Spa Highlights: Be sure to try the hydrotherapy baths that overlook the wildlife-rich bushland of Madikwe.
9. Sasaab Lodge, Samburu
Amid the really wild, stunning landscapes and tribal culture of Kenya’s Samburu National Park, the Sasaab Lodge is an oasis of natural sophistication and Moroccan-styled luxury. The SpaSaab was purpose-built asd a state-of-the-art therapeutic haven overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro river with Liz Earle beauty treatments to enjoy between your morning and afternoon game drives.
Spa Highlights: One of the best spas’ for a total immersion in nature with open air treatment rooms and naturally sourced massage oils.
10. Oyster Box, Durban, South Africa
Oyster Box is an exemplary model of modern seaside panache and pampering. A popular Durban city hotel on your way up the Western Cape en route to the reserves of the north-east, the property boasts an excellent spa and is the place to stop for some r&r, not forgetting a dip in the infinity pool that seemingly spills into the Indian Ocean.
Spa Highlights: There are 6 treatment rooms and the spa itself is award-winning, specialising in hammam and Zulu-inspired therapies.
11. Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Cape Town, South Africa
This natural sanctuary is ensconced in the midst of a World Heritage Site, tumbling gently into the rocky shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Its light, airy rooms and exceptional service go above and beyond expectation, so relaxing in the excellent spa, heated swimming pools or idyllic beaches is the easiest thing in the world. Just a short dash from Cape Town, you can even wander off for some retail therapy if the mood strikes you.
Spa Highlights: There are 7 treatment rooms with 2 secluded mountainside spa gazebos with views of the ocean. There’s a delicious health bar buffet with healthy snacks, juices and fresh fruit.
12. Thanda Safari Lodge, The Elephant Coast, South Africa
Enjoy therapy pools, aromatherapy massages, reflexology and detoxing beauty treatments all within the wilds of this 14,000-acre private Big Five game reserve in north eastern South Africa. This lodge features a level of luxury, service and Bushveld character that is rarely – if ever – equalled, frequently earning it the coveted title of “Africa’s Leading Luxury Lodge”.
Spa Highlights: Famed for their TheraNaka treatments that mimick the rhythm of African dance. There’s even a kids spa menu here (massages, manicures and pedicures) for children aged between 6–12 years old.
13. Raffles Praslin, Praslin Island, The Seychelles
Sometimes a hotel spa is key to the full experience of a hotel; this no more true than at the divine Raffles Praslin on the Seychelles’ Praslin Island. Suspended in the hillside bove Takama Bay, the spa’s sumptuous treatment rooms look out over the tropical bush and crystal blue Indian Ocean. A true island paradise.
Spa Highlights: The 13 treatment rooms here all overlook the India Ocean and feature treatments that incorporate natural ingredients such as coconut and sea salts.
14. Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa
One of the finest places to stay in Johannesburg, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa is a sanctuary in the city for many reasons. Its pleasant gardens and wonderful staff are up there, but also its deluxe spa, a destination for travellers and city residents alike.
Spa Highlights: Balinese and Tibetan inspired therapies take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are 5 treatment rooms and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool with luxurious four-poster day beds.
15. Singita Concession, The Kruger, South Africa
The Singita Kruger Concession and lodges Lebombo and Sweni offer the finest safari experiences in style and comfort. The Bush Spa is possibly one of the most scenic in the World, giving you sweeping views over the wild bush of the Kruger as you enjoy a signature massage (with body wrap and exfoliation) or nourishing beauty mask.
Spa Highlights: Spa treatments can take place in the treatment rooms, on the private deck or in the comfort of your room, using luxurious and effective Dermalogica products.
16. One&Only Cape Town, South Africa
A first class hotel through and through, come here for some world-class pampering during your stay in Cape Town. With an outdoor pool, jacuzzis and sublime spa all situated around its island lagoon, you can indulge in the utmost style and luxury in this multi-award winning, endlessly trendy V&A waterfront resort.
Spa Highlights: There are 12 treatment rooms, including private suites for couples in this city spa, which perfectly combines African and Asian wellness therapies and practices.
Sustainable and eco-friendly practices in African luxury spa hotels
Many of Africa’s best spa hotels operate sustainable and eco-friendly practices, and it’s a trend we see increasing. Architecture and infrastructure are often the building blocks of sustainability with ecofriendly materials and careful construction that minimises impact on the environment.
The implementation of power supplied by renewable energy sources, solar power and rainwater harvesting systems, all reduce their carbon footprint and preserve natural resources. Many spas embrace the use of natural and organic products, often derived from Indigenous plants with therapeutic properties, supporting local communities and promoting biodiversity. Waste reduction programs, eco-friendly packaging and partnerships with wildlife conservation projects all contributing to the positive impact of Africa’s best spa hotels.
Ready to plan your adventure?
Whatever you want from your adventure in Africa, our experts are ready to help you plan your luxury spa hotel trip.
