Set amongst the vineyards of Leeu Estates, a breathtakingly beautiful wine estate featuring luxuriously appointed spacious rooms and suites in the Franschhoek region of South Africa, you’ll find The Spa at Leeu Estates. 

​This gorgeous wellness sanctuary is a little slice of heaven in the Cape Winelands, a must for frazzled people looking to restore their vitality or ease their strains and stresses. Whatever your need in the department of wellness and pampering, you’re certain to find it here.  The spa focuses on hand-picked treatments inspired by centuries-old Asian traditions.   

The only ila spa in the region, they offer a wide range of products from this ‘beyond organic’ luxury skincare and spa brand. Using wild-harvested organic ingredients from remote, untainted regions such as the Amazon rain forest and the Himalayas, the hand-blended ila product range, which is utilised in the treatments, harnesses natural healing energy.

The facilities at The Spa at Leeu Estates
There is a wealth of facilities here for guests to enjoy including:
- Three treatment rooms (including one couple’s suite for those wanting a romantic treat)
- A hair and nail salon
- A hydrotherapy area with his and hers changing and steam rooms
- A plunge pool overlooking a tranquil lily pond
- A 15-metre infinity swimming pool
- A gym (with the option of personal training available for R750 for one-to-one training or R500 for a group session)

​Spa treatments on offer include facials (for men and women), a variety of massages, reflexology, body wraps and scrubs, chakra treatments and a variety of beauty treatments including eyelash/eyebrow tints, waxing, manicures, pedicures, and hairdressing. There are also a variety of male grooming treatments for the dapper chap. Depending on which treatments you select, prices range from R150 and go up to R1000.

​Our experience at The Spa at Leeu Estates
I started my spa day with a back and neck message. At the start of the treatment, the therapist gave me a ritual foot cleansing treatment and I then hopped on to the bed for a 60-minute massage. The treatment rooms all boast fabulous views, making the experience even more magical.

​Afterwards, I felt incredibly relaxed and I made my way to the tranquil plunge pool, which had views of lily pads and the mountains in the distance, giving the impression that I’d stepped into one of Monet’s water lilies paintings.  

​After a while on my own, I decided to re-join my husband, who had been taking advantage of the glorious sunny day stretched out on a sun lounger next to the infinity pool overlooking the vines.  The setting really was idyllic and we felt truly spoilt as we basked in the rays.  Everything is thought through here, including the selection of complimentary sunblock in a basket near the pool (trust us, you’ll need it).  As we laid by the pool, the only sound we heard was the gentle lapping of water falling over the side of the pool and a breeze whispering through the vines.

The décor
​
The décor here is contemporary chic, with lots of stylish stone walls, chic white sofas which are perfect for lounging on and thick stuffed arm chairs screaming out for you to settle in with a magazine and enjoy an herbal tea or a chilled glass of water with lemon. 

Both indoors and out, you’ll also see a variety of bronze sculptures, such as a reclining woman and a meditating hare, which add an artistic flourish.

​The verdict
If you leave here feeling stressed or grumpy there’s no hope, as this is one of the best spa experiences we’ve had in a long time.  The only disappoint we had was when we had to leave begrudgingly, knowing full well it would be difficult to find somewhere this special again.
 
If you’re guest, a day here is the final icing on the cake. If you’re not a guest, treat yourself for an indulgent day – you won’t regret it.
​

Book with us
​Ready to book your escape to South Africa? Search for offers from our trusted affiliate partner Booking.com. You'll not only find a great deal, but any booking you make using the search bar below will help contribute to the running of this site.

Is there anywhere in South Africa that you recommend? Connect with us to share your travel tips or simply see where our latest travels take us.

Twitter: DestDelicious
Instagram: destinationdelicious
Facebook: destdelicious

Like this post? Here are some others you might like:
Hopewell Lodge Game Reserve
The Dining Room at Leeu Estates

When we first arrived at Hopewell it was pouring rain, a huge disappoint to us but a welcome respite for the locals who had been battling with drought all year. Despite the rain, we were determined to enjoy our holiday, and our spirits were instantly lifted by the warm welcome from the staff who cheerily greeted us with chilled towels and a cold drink upon our arrival.

The accommodation
 
Located in South Africa’s stunning Eastern Cape, Hopewell is a chic private game reserve set within a malaria-free coastal valley bushveld. For guests looking for a more personal experience in a secluded environment, Hopewell is the perfect retreat as it only hosts groups of up to 12 guests.
 
Accommodation options at Hopewell Lodge include two executive suites (located in the main lodge) and four luxury suites (separate from the main lodge), all of which are surrounded by lush vegetation, giving each guest the impression they are the only people on the reserve. 

Each luxury suite has its own magnificent infinity pool and an expansive sundeck large enough for entertaining - although it’s unlikely you’ll want to share the jaw-dropping views with anyone other than your loved one as you gaze in awe at the impressive natural environment before you.
​
Whatever accommodation you choose, you’re guaranteed a superb view of the reserve, just don’t be surprised if the local wildlife pay a visit.  We had no sooner unpacked our bags to settle in to the Buffalo Suite, when an inquisitive kudu (a type of antelope with large Micky Mouse style ears) wandered up to the shrubs near our sundeck for a cheeky afternoon nibble.  Given our limited exposure to wild animals in London (apart from rowdy revellers on the night train), we were thrilled to witness the kudu going about his daily business without a care in the world and we watched silently until he disappeared back into the bush once he’d had his fill of leaves. 

The Buffalo Suite
 
Our suite was a study in rustic-chic casual elegance with polished concrete flooring and tasteful dark walnut furnishings.  The white-washed wooden ceiling beams created a striking focal point, competing only with the brick fire place, which takes centre stage in the room along with a free-standing bath that’s begging for you to sink into it with a glass of South African pinotage in one hand and a book in the other.
 
Finishing touches to the décor provided a subtle reminder of the location; in keeping with our suite’s namesake, our suite had a buffalo motif including ceramic buffalo heads, a buffalo sculpture and buffalo pillows. 

The chic decor in the Buffalo Suite

Private infinity pools don't get much better than this

​The suites have been designed with couples in mind as the shower is fully open in the centre of the bathroom, so it’s best suited for exhibitionists! For those wishing to embrace their naturist spirit, they can also shower in the buff in the outdoor shower where they can scrub to their heart’s content while watching the sun rise of over the hills.

Each night, the cleaner provides a turn-down service, which includes a lovely chocolate on your pillow. Given our visit fell over the Valentine’s Day weekend, she scattered fresh rose petals in the bath and formed a heart shape with the petals on our bed, which made the day even more special.

​The cuisine
 
Hopewell Lodge operates on an all-inclusive basis with all meals, house wines, local beers and spirits, soft drinks, tea and coffee included in the rates. Meals are served three times a day with meal times scheduled around the game drives.  As all meals are communal and served in the main lodge, it is advisable that you make friends with the other guests upon arrival so you can all collaboratively agree on timings for your drives and meals.
 
For breakfast guests can graze on fresh fruits, yogurts, cold meats and cheeses. There is also the option of a full English breakfast for those who wish to have a cooked breakfast.   As there is no menu to choose from for lunch and dinner, fussy guests or those with allergies should inform staff in advance of their arrival, to ensure that they’re catered for.  With two three-course meals a day, all prepared by the chef using local produce, you won’t go hungry!  To accompany each meal, guests can select a bottle of fine South African wine from the cellar or choose a beverage of their choice from the fully-stocked bar.

​The safari experience – daily game drives allowing guests to encounter a wealth of animals in their natural habitat
 
Each day guests are given the opportunity to go on two game drives – typically early morning (from 6am) and late afternoon (around 4:30), although guests can pick which time is most convenient for them. Given that my husband and I aren’t exactly morning people, we were thrilled that our first morning drive was at 8:30am, allowing us to get a bit of much needed shut eye.
 
For each drive, guests (a maximum of eight at one time) pile into a Land Cruiser to embark on a two-hour drive through the reserve in hopes of catching a glimpse of the amazing animals living there. With a cool breeze on my face as the Land Cruiser bumped along over the muddy path, the stresses and strains of city life were a million miles away.  As your eyes continually scan for animals, shrubbery and logs start to take on animal-shaped guises as you will yourself to see something, anything, however, we needn’t have worried about not seeing any animals. 

Over the course of three drives, we saw an abundance of wildlife including: cheetah (Hopewell runs a cheetah sanctuary and they even have a hand-reared cheetah named ‘Tabo’ who you can pet under supervision of the ranger on duty), rhinos, giraffes, impala, hippos, zebra, water bucks, bush pigs, spring hares (small animals similar to a mini kangaroo), hartebeest (the fastest antelope in South Africa), kudu, elante (South Africa’s largest antelope), spotted eagle owls and a variety of other exotic birds. 

​We also encountered what appeared to be the world’s largest, scariest looking spider in our room, which turned out to be a huntsman spider - a long-limbed, lizard eating spider that is second in size only to the tarantula - a stark reminder that we weren’t in Kansas anymore, as the saying goes!

During the highly educational safari the ranger shared a wealth of interesting facts, arming us with lots of ammunition that we can use at our next pub quiz, such as the gestation period of different animals (15 months for a giraffe, for the curious minded).

​The verdict
 
Hopewell Lodge is the perfect place for those looking to get away from it all, providing guests with both unrivalled relaxation and an exhilarating safari experience that you’ll remember for years to come.
 
The details
 
Prices from £680 per night for an Executive Suite based on two sharing (prices vary depending on time of year you book).

​The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth. As there are no direct flights from the UK to Port Elizabeth, UK travellers need to fly to Johannesburg and take a connecting flight to Port Elizabeth.  For a stress-free arrival at the reserve, guests have the option of arranging a private airport transfer (journey time is approximately 40 minutes).

Hopewell Lodge
Colchester
Eastern Cape
South Africa
PO Box 374
Alexandria
6185
​
www.hopewell-lodge.com

Book with us
​Ready to book your escape to South Africa? Search for offers from our trusted affiliate partner Booking.com. You'll not only find a great deal, but any booking you make using the search bar below will help contribute to the running of this site.

Is there anywhere in South Africa that you recommend? Connect with us to share your travel tips or simply see where our latest travels take us.

Twitter: DestDelicious
Instagram: destinationdelicious
Facebook: destdelicious

Like this post? Here are some others you might like:
The Spa at Leeu Estates
The Dining Room at Leeu Estates

Africa has been making its mark in recent travel polls; Lonely Planet naming Botswana as the number one country to visit in 2016 and National Geographic has placed Uganda in their top 10 places to see the world’s wildlife. Home to a melting pot of exotic recipes from across the globe, there’s also another reason to take a bite of Africa this year and these traditional dishes picked by overland specialist Acacia Africa are bound to inspire the foodie in you. 
 
South Africa’s pleasing exchange rate makes the country ideal for Brits who have a budget sized travel itch. Grab a slice of culture on a Township tour and sample Bobotie - the South African answer to Shepherds pie. The twist? Add curry to the minced meat and instead of the usual mashed potato, treat yourself to a frothy custard topping.  Like everything in South Africa, the traditional dishes cross borders and continents. 
 
The Namibian dollar is pegged to the South African Rand making the country another great value destination. With 11 different ethnic tribes and culinary influences from various countries, Namibia is another foodie fusion.

A regular pit stop on the overland trail why not place your order at Joe’s Beer House in Windhoek and sample the best of Namibian and German cuisine.

If you’re game for something exotic you’ll find ostrich, crocodile, springbok, and kudu on the menu and to really get into the spirit of African dining, you should sit around the open fire in the outside boma. 
 
Botswana is clearly one of the frontrunners for this year’s travellers, its 50th anniversary of independence scheduled for 30 September. If you’re travelling across more than one country in Africa, you may find that many of national dishes are based on meat and maize, and Botswana's ‘Seswaa’ is no different. The dish consists of a meat stew boiled with onion or pepper. The meat is then pounded heavily and served over thick polenta or pap with a leafy green called Morogo - known as African spinach. Go overland as you’ll have the chance to shop at local markets and maybe even learn how to cook this delicious meal en route. 
 
Zimbabwe’s new $150 million dollar Victoria Falls International Airport officially opened in December 2015 and the possibility of new direct flights is expected to be a “game changer” for Southern Africa as a region. While you’re visiting, you have to treat yourself to a heap of crisp-fried kapenta - one of the country’s culinary masterpieces. Regularly sold at street stalls, the dish is comprised of two species of small freshwater fish stewed with tomatoes, onions and groundnut powder. The tasty offering is often served with maize porridge (sadza) and an equal helping of greens.  Using cutlery here would be a culinary faux pas, so scoop up the sazda with your hand and dip it into the fish. 
 
After suffering years of unrest, Mozambique is now a rising star on the budget travel circuit. From Vilankulos to Xai-Xai, the turquoise waters are literally teeming with marine life; giant manta rays, turtles, reef sharks, dolphins and the rare dugong on the list. A world in one dish, its heady blend of African, Portuguese, oriental and Arab recipes will definitely tempt your taste buds Sample fresh fish, prawns, calamari, crab, lobster, and crayfish from a street stall on the coast, add in some rice or fries (known as batata fritas) and dine on the sands while watching the sun go down over the ocean. 
 
Article courtesy of Acacia Africa 

www.acacia-africa.com
 ​

Book with us
​Ready to book your escape to Africa? Search for offers from our trusted affiliate partner Booking.com. You'll not only find a great deal, but any booking you make using the search bar below will help contribute to the running of this site.

Is there anywhere in Africa that you recommend? Connect with us to share your travel tips or to simply see where our latest travels take us.

Twitter: DestDelicious
Instagram: destinationdelicious
Facebook: destdelicious

Like this post? Here are some others you might like:
Hopewell Lodge Game Reserve
The Dining Room at Leeu Estates