Wellness is becoming more and more popular in South Africa. Many South Africans are going all out to enhance and maintain their well-being like never before. They are doing everything from detoxes to weight-loss programmes, yoga classes and hiking itineraries. As a result, there has been an increase in bookings for wellness retreats throughout the country. With that said, let’s look at the top 5 most booked wellness retreats in South Africa. In addition, I’ll give some of the most beloved facilities for each.
1. Yoga Retreats
And the most booked wellness experience in South Africa goes to…drumroll, please…Yoga! But you already knew what. More and more South Africans are picking up yoga mats and booking yoga retreats. Why? Well, mainly because it allows them to balance their mind, body and spirit.
Another reason why yoga is so highly sought after in the country is that it consists of various styles. These range from easy to intense, thus supporting people with all levels of experience.
If a 7-day beginner yoga retreat in Garden Route sounds good to you then Vala House is your go-to destination. Vala is a unique wellness centre located on the outskirts of Knysna. Essentially, the centre is perfect for a peaceful retreat featuring yoga and a variety of creative and healing activities. Their 7-day yoga retreats easily allow you to learn the art of yoga. Moreover, the retreat incorporates cooking lessons, poetry, music, art and dance. What a wellness treat!
Do you stay in Cape Town or are you planning to visit the Mother City? Here are 3 yoga & wine events to attend Near Cape Town. Prepare to have a blast!
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2. Hiking Retreats
There are so many hiking trails available in South Africa. Therefore, it is only right to consider hiking as one of the nation’s national sports! A quick search on AllTrails reveals that there are more than 300 hiking trails in Gauteng. And that is just 1 of the 9 provinces in the country. So, it comes as no surprise that hiking is the second most booked wellness retreat in South Africa. I mean, who doesn’t like a nice hike across beautiful landscapes?
For a great hike, visit Sigurwana Lodge – a 55 km private reserve. Located in the Limpopo province on top of the Soutpansberg mountains, Sigurwana has exceptional biodiversity and unmatched beauty. The lodge is near Mount Lajuma, the highest mountain in the Soutpansberg, which offers breathtaking vistas and incredible rock formations. Moreover, the lodge offers various hiking retreats which often include yoga and meditation.
Ready to start your hiking journey? Here are the coolest hiking trails in South Africa.
3. Spa Retreats
Spas are among the top 3 most loved and most booked wellness facilities in South Africa. For many people in the country, a spa day is the perfect escape from busy work and social life. Not only are spas relaxing but they also uplift and appeal to all your senses. Some of the benefits of going to a spa include healthier skin, reduced pain, as well as reduced stress.
If want to have a spectacular spa session in South Africa then book the spa at Thanda Safari. This private game reserve is located in Zululand. It is renowned for its subtle luxury and embrace of the Zulu culture. The Thanda spa, which has a balcony and a pool, is tucked away in a bed of granite and stone. Receive treatments inside treatment rooms, in the comfort of your room, or outside on the deck with amazing views. Do not be alarmed if you spot one or more of the big 5!
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4. Weightloss Retreats
A study by Wits University in 2022 highlights that half of South Africa’s adult population is either overweight or obese. This is highly alarming because obesity increases the probability of many diseases. Fortunately, weight loss retreats are the country’s 4th most booked wellness experience.
Antbear Lodge is a small yet incredible wellness hotel located in the town of Estcourt in Kwa-Zulu Natal. In addition to weight loss programs, the lodge also offers a wide range of other wellness experiences. Besides hot air ballooning, there is also mountain biking and hiking. Antbear sits on Drakensberg Mountain and is a great place to lose weight. Additionally, it’s a great place to relax.
5. Meditation Retreats
Meditation is one of the fastest-growing wellness activities in South Africa. In fact, there are many meditation techniques available for you to practice in our rainbow nation. Some of the common ones are zen, vipassana, and Christian meditation. You also have many meditation retreats available at your disposal, one of which is Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat: a wellness facility that gives you access to a swimming pond, lovely settings and delicious meals.
Located near Stanford and Hermanus in the Western Cape, Bodhi Khaya is easily accessible for residents of Cape Town. You can choose from Bodhi Khaya’s long list of retreats available or you just take some time off by yourself. No prominent iconography is associated with any specific religion in this neutral setting.
