Located in the forested hills of Hout Bay, Phakalane Spirit Spa can be summed up as an integrative holistic lifestyle sanctuary. It is more than a space for zen and relaxation as it blends time-honoured ancient healing practices with cutting-edge science-backed health practices.
As the rolling gate opens, while unassuming at first glance, it is hard to believe you are just 30 minutes from the fast-paced city life of the Mother City.
Founded by Claudia Rauber and now owned by designer and wellness entrepreneur Nikolas Cramer Klett, Phakalane is designed to create an immersive space dedicated to holistic well-being.
As you make your way through the main entrance, a sense of serenity washes over you, amplified by the surrounding sounds of nature... birds chirping mingled with leaves brushing gently.
What are the rooms like at Phakalane?
I stayed in a room within the main house, the Hummingbird - a warm and inviting space with a queen bed and an en-suite bathroom that featured both a bath and a shower.
A true highlight? The view from the bathroom windows offers a near 360-degree view of the expansive and thriving forests surrounding the main house.
As a social media manager and a journalist, I rarely switch off from the world, which can sometimes be concerning, even to me. I always keep my phone at hand, scrolling endlessly as the screens warp me.
But lying on the bed and looking at the ceiling, I thought to myself: 'This is a chance for me to fully switch off.'
While I may have consciously made this decision, the energy of retreat truly calls for you to yield, pause and take a deep breath. And this time I listened.
With several en-suite rooms both available in the main house and on the property, Phakalane Retreat has carefully curated spaces that merge luxury with comfort.
The Water Hut features a hammock, fireplace, and an open-air bathroom with pond views. The Moon Lovers Suite offers a romantic feel with a hot tub at its centre, plus a fireplace and a king-size bed.
The Yin Room boasts a deep soaking bath and peaceful garden views, while the Yang Room, Forest Hut and Mountain Hut offer cosy, relaxed charm.
For longer stays or families, the exclusive two-bedroom villa The Duckhouse comes with its own fireplace, dining area, lounge and a full chef’s kitchen. The master suite also includes a sauna.
What is the food like at Phakalane?
Meals offered at Phakalane Retreat are prepared based on nutritional value, considering the holistic impact that food has on our bodies.
Breakfast is self-serve, with a focus on fresh, nourishing ingredients, and the kitchen caters to vegetarian and plant-forward diets.
Following an immersive sound bath experience, dinner was served in the main house. Guests gathered around a communal dining setting to break bread, sharing a wholesome, hearty meal while swapping reflections on the sound journey.
We all felt like we could have melted into bed, thanks in equal parts to the food, our post-sound bath daze, and of course, the chilly weather during our visit.
What are the services like at Phakalane?
Our first activity, which forms part of the mini retreat offering at Phakalane, was a sound bath. Led by Parisha Chetty, a sound journey facilitator and Cézanne Le Clercq, a shamanic practitioner and healer, I let go of any sort of restraint to the experience that lay ahead of me and welcomed it with open arms and an open mind.
Lying down in the main temple room, I was submerged in a melody of calming sounds led by an accompanying voice of guidance, and I slowly slipped into a state of profound calm.
Phakalane isn’t just a place to stay. This forested sanctuary of rest and rejuvenation is a holistic experience.
Daily wellness offerings include sound baths, meditation sessions, breathwork and occasional movement classes, all held in the Temple Room: a round space that seems to pull one in out of curiosity.
With cushions and floor seating chairs laid out in a circle, and a fireplace, the room is a soundproof space from all the external noise.
There’s a medicinal garden, fire pit, outdoor sauna, and a chilly (but scenic) ice plunge pool for those slightly braver than me.
As the rain and hail poured down on our second day, I watched guests dash across the garden and lower themselves into the icy water, steam rising from their skin after a session in the sauna. I couldn't help but think, this looks like something out of Narnia, a mystical and picturesque sort of way.
As part of our final day, we embarked on a session of meditation, led by Kerry Elise Burns, an intuitive healing and meditation specialist.
Held in the domed Temple Room, this meditation session called for a grounding of mindfulness and to surrender one's bustling mind to a practice that encourages clarity and presence.
It left me unwound from the stresses I had arrived with (whether conscious of them or not) and disconnected from both the external world and, of course, my unfortunate trusty sidekick, my phone.
What to explore near Phakalane
Nature lovers are spoilt for choice.
The retreat borders a greenbelt of forest walks and hiking trails that connect to the larger Table Mountain National Park.
It’s also a short drive from Hout Bay Harbour, with local art galleries, the Bay Harbour Market and scenic routes like Chapman’s Peak Drive to explore.
For beach lovers, Hout Bay and Llandudno beaches are nearby.
Why you should book a stay at Phakalane
Phakalane is not your average wellness stay. It’s soulful, considered, and built with real intention.
Their uniquely designed retreat experiences feature a range of therapists and facilitators who host various sessions that promote healing in all aspects, physically, spiritually, and mentally.
Whether you're looking to deepen your practice, or simply in need of a digital detox like me, Phakalane is truly a sanctuary for meaningful rest.
@timeoutcapetown The much needed escape from the hustle and bustle that you have been searching for. Phakalane is located a mere 25 mins out of the central CBD and offers an budget conscious yet luxurious wellness retreat and stay. #TimeOutCapeTown #tiktoksouthafrica #staycation #capetowngetaways #wellnesstok #wellnessretreat #meditaiton #houtbay #tiktokcapetown ♬ Gioventu' di notte - Seq. 4 - Piero Piccioni
Know before you go
Address: Phakalane Retreat, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Price per night: From R1,440 per person (subject to season and room type)
Closest transport: 30-minute drive from Cape Town city centre; Uber or private shuttle recommended
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