The 12 best spas in Cape Town

Billed as Cape Town’s leading urban resort, what the One&Only Cape Town may lack in sea views it makes up for in its spacious spa facilities. The spa is located on an island amid the waterways and swimming pools that define this corner of the Waterfront, making it feel like a proper sanctuary from the bustle of the city. Stepping inside you’ll find a dozen treatment rooms – making it one of the larger luxury spas in the city – where you can indulge in a range of bespoke wellness journeys offered by skilled ESPA therapists. But don’t just come for the massage: the spa boasts extensive hydrotherapy facilities, from ice fountains and ‘experience’ showers to thermal suites that’ll have you steamed, sauna’d and soaked into a state of bliss. Of the ‘Only Here’ signature treatments you’ll love the Table Mountain Tonic, which uses indigenous herbs and a full-body poultice massage to ease away tension.

As if you needed another reason to visit the ‘Nellie’? The Librisa Spa at the Mount Nelson Hotel is a glorious inner-city sanctuary, set alongside the hotel’s main pool area and yet wonderfully serene indoors. The spa is contained in a handful of converted Victorian buildings, lending the eight spacious treatment rooms – including two for couples – and guest spaces an airily historic charm. Allow some time beforehand to enjoy the steam bath and Finnish sauna, or take a dip in the dedicated plunge pool. The spa menu is extensive, utilising both local and international products, but the signature Mount Nelson Rose treatment is not to be missed, turning to herb poultices and Rose Petal and Geranium massage oil for full-body relaxation. End your treatment with a quiet moment in the dedicated relaxation lounge.

First, let’s talk about that view. It’s not usually a selling point of a sauna or spa swimming pool, but at The Heavenly Spa by Westin you can soak up the city views as you sweat away your stress or swim out some laps. Thanks to its location on the 19^th-floor of the Westin Hotel, set right alongside Cape Town’s International Convention Centre, incredible views come standard, whether you’re in the sauna, swimming in the pool, or sipping herbal tea in the relaxation space. Of course, you’ll also find luxury treatment rooms and an impressive spa menu here, but – honestly? – start with the sauna.

Though most of the best spas in Cape Town are connected to luxury hotels, the Africology Spa Constantia is a welcome outlier, ensuring day visitors don’t feel overlooked in favour of overnight guests.  The Africology brand – which makes luxury amenities you’ll find in chic hotels and lodges across Africa – is built on the healing power of nature and the key role of scent in natural healing, and that ethos shines through in the menu of massages, facials and body treatments.

With its location on the slopes of Table Mountain National Park, just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is a true destination for a day of indulgence. It’s unique in its subterranean setup, lending a cocooning atmosphere to the space. An upper-level reception area features a handful of treatment rooms, while downstairs you’ll find a traditional Rasul Chamber and numerous plunge pools. Alongside body wellness treatments, the facials are a standout here, using bespoke Tata Harper and Elemis products. For a unique wellness experience, opt for the al fresco spa gazebo on the mountain slopes.

A brand-new addition to The Winchester hotel, on the Sea Point promenade, the Sanctuary Spa at The Winchester is set in the heritage Arcadia building, adjoining the hotel, with high ceilings and original features imbuing the experience with a sense of grandeur and occasion. Bespoke wallpapers and highly trained therapists only add to the experience, with a menu of signature body and facial treatments. End your wellness escape with lunch in the hotel’s sun-splashed central courtyard.   

In the leafy suburb of Claremont, The Vineyard Hotel is a charming historic property as popular with locals as the English tourists (mostly) who flock here in the summer. The terrace restaurant and wide lawns, with glorious Table Mountain views, make it a must on a fine day. But tucked away in the hotel’s more modern extension you’ll also find the Angsana Spa, which offers a fusion of Asian-inspired therapies, largely focused on natural ingredients, delivered by a team of skilled Angsana Spa therapists trained at Banyan Tree Spa Academies. Alongside a range of individual treatments, spa packages offer well-priced wellness journeys to make a day of it.

Cape Town boasts the only South African outpost of the Taj brand, and at the J Wellness Circle spa you’ll find an experience that draws heavily on the Ayurvedic philosophies of India. That begins with the subtle décor in this intimate wellness destination, where four treatment suites are complemented by a spacious double-suite complete with a private hammam. A heated indoor pool, sauna and Jacuzzi ensure this is a space where you’ll want to hide out for a few hours. The standout treatment is the Trupti, which combines an Indian head massage with a full-body massage using de-stressing essential oils.

The seafront locale of the Radisson Blu Hotel waterfront makes this a prime spot for lazy brunches and sundowner sips, but the Amani Spa has equally established this popular hotel as a prime wellness destination too. It’s a large spa facility, with 11 treatment rooms and an extensive menu of treatments. But the highlight is what’s available on either side of your treatment, whether it’s time in the heated vitality pool, or steaming in the Grand Rasul. Sessions in the unique Salt Room are said to offer a therapeutic approach to allergy, skin ailments and respiratory conditions.

Steenberg Farm in the Constantia Valley is best known for its wonderful food and wine experiences, but before you indulge look to the farm’s intimate spa for an array of wellness experiences too. The Steenberg Spa is one of the smaller luxury spas in the city but is worth a visit for the focused collection of individual treatments and signature wellness packages. You can also look to upgrade your massage treatment with hot stones or Bellabaci cupping, or opt to enjoy your treatment al fresco in the farm’s scented garden. 

The Cellars-Hohenort is something of a grande dame in the leafy suburb of Constantia, and while the gardens and restaurant are a drawcard for many, the Fresh Wellness Spa is a local secret. Though it doesn’t offer the hydrotherapy facilities of larger hotel spas, it’s a space filled with understated glamour, much like the hotel, and a menu of bespoke wellness treatments. Look for the massages using TheraVine products, harnessing the healing power of grape vine extract.  

For a more contemporary spa option in the Constantia Valley, The Alphen Spa offers a pair of treatment rooms. It’s set alongside The Alphen Boutique Hotel, a chic offering spread across heritage buildings and contemporary extensions. There’s a curated collection of massage and facial treatments but also look out for The Alphen Journey, which allows you to curate your time according to your individual needs. After your treatments, stay for lunch on the hotel terrace overlooking the lush Constantia green belt.