You deserve a break

Does work and life ever stop being busy? Yes, indeed it does – when you book yourself for a wellness break in the Garden Route. Come switch off from the daily grind and enrich yourself with gorgeous views, healing nature and plenty of spa and relaxation opportunities to rejuvenate your spirit and mind.

Recharge with a wellness stay

For a thorough cut-off from city life, look no further than Die Beloofde Land guest farm in the beautiful Langkloof valley near Uniondale. Accommodation comes in the form of three charming and contemporary-styled stone cottages, each with its own unique character and finishings. It’s a working farm populated with both farm animals and a variety of wildlife. Visitors can look forward to nature-filled pastimes such as bass fishing, guided hiking trails, rock paintings, and cozy evenings next to the fireplace.

Featured Image: Nima Lodge

Another great option is Nima Lodge, a secluded boutique hotel just outside Wilderness. With its expansive views over forests, hills and valleys, and fully equipped self-catering chalets, you can truly live life at your own pace for once. The road leading up to the lodge is full of ups and downs, creating an exciting sense of bundu-bashing, but all vehicles can handle it. You can go on guided hiking trails, read and relax, or just spend some quality time with your loved ones next to the fire pit or in the wood-fired hot tubs.

Featured Image: The Sanguine Spa

Blissful pampering

A spa visit is a must for anyone seeking relaxation bliss. The Sanguine Spa & College in George is a place where you can unwind and forget about stress. Book yourself for any of their wide variety of treatments, or join in one of their pamper journeys. Elegantly embellished gift vouchers are also available to buy for someone special in dire need of a soothing escape.

It’s hard to deny the impactful health benefits that come with a proper and professional massage. The Sierra Massage Lounge in George specialises in various kinds of massages, ranging from sports and deep tissue massages to relaxing full body treatments. The peaceful environment and experienced staff are a powerful stress-busting combo that delivers results.

The elegant Freesia Spa at the Oubaai Golf Resort provides rejuvenation and tranquillity to the nth degree. Traditional African remedies and unique European treatments, combined with natural ingredients and well-trained staff, will put any visitor in a blissful zone which will linger long after returning to reality.

Featured Image: Garden Route National Park, Wilderness Section

On water and birds…

With so many lakes, dams, beaches and rivers right at our doorstep, water babies will have the time of their lives indulging in their preferred brand of aqua therapy. The beloved Island Lake, situated in the Wilderness National Park, is ideal for any water-related recreational activities, such as canoeing, fishing, boating, windsurfing and water-skiing. You can even snorkel in the Touw River – one of the rivers feeding the lake – to see some fresh and salt water fish frolicking in a communal habitat.

At the same time, why not do a bit of serene birdwatching? Not only is the Garden Route blessed with a wide-ranging variety of airborne creatures, but also with many locations and chances for folks to get better acquainted with them. While paddling the Touw River, marvel at its extraordinary bird life. Or spend some time in a bird hide in the Garden Route National Park, Wilderness section. Embark on a birding expedition in the Outeniqua Nature Reserve to tick off some of the Cape species on your list, visit the Kammanassie Nature Reserve to witness the majestic black eagle riding the wind currents, or just go for a walk in the forest – the opportunities are endless.