In African culture, the start of spring represents a new year and a new cycle coinciding with the Spring Equinox on September 23.

It is considered a time of renewal because even nature itself undergoes a renewal as trees and flora bloom and animals give birth. Many cultures practise spring cleaning during this period, which is thoroughly cleaning the house after winter in preparation for summer.

With spring here, it is an ideal time to reconfigure yourself. The season provides the perfect opportunity to cleanse your body, mind and soul as part of preparation for an African new year.

If you’re looking for places to relax and reset, here are some options for a full wellness experience.

Restorative Retreat package at The Cellars-Hohenort

Relax at a lush well manicured garden at Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa. Picture: Website

The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa launched a rejuvenating Restorative Retreat package just in time for spring. It is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the 9-acre estate within the heart of Cape Town’s Constantia Valley.

According to the hotel, its celebrated gardens lend themselves perfectly to the Japanese wellness concept of forest bathing.

Set against the backdrop of the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and surrounded by greenery under a canopy of 300-year-old camphor trees, the gardens provide therapeutic relaxation.

Guests can escape and explore the gardens at their own pace while focusing on sensory engagement to truly connect with nature.

The package offers pampering in the luxury of the 5-star hotel, a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Accommodation in a room with a garden view sets the scene for a wellness break, complete with a yoga mat, resistance bands and guided relaxation exercises.

The offer includes a relaxing 30-minute neck, back and shoulder massage at the Fresh Wellness Spa, with access to two heated swimming pools, mountain bikes (subject to availability), the tennis court and the magnificent gardens.

The Cellars-Hohenort Restorative Retreat package is available from R4 900 a person sharing per night, including a 2-course dinner, breakfast and the 30-minute spa treatment.

A relaxing countryside retreat at Mount Grace Spa, Magaliesberg

The spa at Mount Grace Hotel and Spa with views of the Magalies region. Picture: Website

For those looking for a relaxing countryside retreat that invites you to escape from city life, then Mount Grace Hotel and Spa is for you.

The hotel is perfectly located amid the majestic Magaliesberg Mountains on a sprawling country estate only an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

The hotel offers a charming blend of classic style, elegant comfort, spectacular views and rich natural heritage. Rooms are discreetly positioned in beautiful lush gardens and the surrounding bushveld.

The exclusive suites feature separate living areas with private plunge pools.

The award-winning Mount Grace Spa is on a hilltop with sweeping Magaliesberg views. It provides a serene environment in which to relax and rejuvenate through a selection of exclusive beauty and wellness treatments while experienced therapists offer a range of spa treatments - including body scrubs, massages, manicures, pedicures as well as a range of men’s grooming treatments.

This indulgent day-spa is open to hotel guests and the general public, seven days a week. Other facilities at the Magaliesburg spa include plunge pools, steam rooms and therapy baths.

Consider the Self-Love package at the spa, which includes a light lunch to the value of R200 with a glass of sparkling wine, a 90-minute anti-stress or detox body cocoon with exfoliation, a 60-minute hot stone full body massage and a 30-minute SIX Energising Skin Treatment for R2 250 per person.

A stay at Mount Grace starts from R2 790 a night for 2.

The Gwahumbe Spa Experience in Mid Illovo

A luxurious bush spa at Gwahumbe Reserve. Picture: Instagram

The exquisite Gwahumbe Reserve wins the heart of every visitor. This tranquil escape holds its own as a special destination for nature lovers.

The fact that it is a short distance from the major centres in KZN underscores its appeal and makes it a bush sanctuary for anyone looking to quickly and easily get away from city life for a bit.

From around the reserve, the striking cliff faces standing sentinel over Gwahumbe are offset by the plateau grassland and lush riverine forests.

Gwahumbe lies at the confluence of the Umsunduze and Umgwahumbe Rivers, from which it gets its name. As a wellness destination the reserve offers accommodation and a spa.

Whether you’re looking for overnight spa packages in KZN, a day spa package, couples spa package or a kids’ spa party, Gwahumbe Spa offers the ultimate intimate, relaxing and indulgent bush spa experience.

It has a steam room, hydro-bath and massage rooms. They use healing Earth products, which are crafted only with natural African minerals and ingredients making it the ideal place to get ready for an African new year.

Consider the luxury pamper package, which includes a one night luxury stay, romantic dinner, delicious breakfast, a game drive, healing facial for her, an African footprint ritual for him and a one-hour duo massage starting at R7 000 per couple in a low season or R7 300 in high season.

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