As nature shows us, winter is the perfect time to retreat into stillness and take a moment to prioritise our well-being. All of us find renewal in different ways. Some find solace in nature or a bit of pampering while others seek guidance on how to quiet the mind. However you find your zen, here’s our list of places and activities that will help you to rest, restore and rejuvenate this winter.
Oxford Healthcare Retreat
Oxford Healthcare Retreat offers guests meaningful and effective strategies to enhance overall well-being through addressing the intertwined relationship between psychological and physical health.
Their Revitalising Day Experience package is a day of nourishing food, beautiful surroundings, soaking in the Floatation Pool, relaxing in the sauna and music sensorium as well as meditation and relaxing body therapies. If you are in need of a brief break away, their Nourishing Overnight Experience may be perfect. Guests are invited to check in from 4pm the night before and after dinner, have an evening session as well as private use of the floatation tank and the music sensorium in preparation for the replenishing and nourishing day to come.
If you have a few days in which to find rejuvenation and to invest in yourself, their long-stay packages offer a tranquil and caring environment. These include Stress-Detox and Wellness Retreats as well as Rest and Recuperation Packages. Oxford Healthcare Retreat also offers Couples Weekend Retreats.
Whilst at this boutique wellness guesthouse, guests can find support from their team of psychologists, physiotherapists, medical doctors, reflexologists, massage therapists, yoga and mindfulness practitioners.
Where: 16 Porter Ave, Melrose North, Johannesburg
Contact: 079 038 0079 | [email protected]
Website: oxfordhealthcareretreat.co.za
Facebook: oxfordhealthcareretreat
Instagram: oxfordhealthcareretreat
Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Centre
Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Centre is one of more than 1200 Kadampa centres worldwide, giving everyone the opportunity to use Buddha’s teachings to practically transform their daily lives and walk the path to enlightenment. Whilst the centre shares ancient teachings and meditations, their approach ensures that it is relevant to our modern, busy world.
Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Centre believes that by training in meditation and other Buddhist practices, anyone can improve the quality of their life by developing inner peace, compassion and wisdom. Therefore, the centre offers weekly drop-in meditation classes, which consist of talks and guided meditations suitable for everyone. They also offer monthly meditation classes for children ages 5-12 years.
They offer events throughout the year, with the next one being Stop Worrying, Start Living on 26 May. Over the next few months, their events include Happiness, Success & the Law of Karma on 30 June, The Fundamentals of Buddhism on 13 July and Parenting & Patience on 31 August.
In order to find more information about their meditation classes, courses and events, visit their website.
Where: Upper Level, The Colony Shopping Centre, 345 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall Park, Johannesburg
Contact: 011 4472746 | 079 799 8624 | [email protected]
Website: meditation.org.za
Facebook: VKBCJoburg
Health Hydro Day Spa
Health Hydro Day Spa approaches wellness in a holistic way, favouring natural products over harsh chemical treatments. The owner, Taryn is a treatment specialist with more than 20 years of experience. She looks to nature for inspiration and promotes treatments that evoke relaxation and rejuvenation.
This winter, they are running three promotions. The Health Hydro Day Spa’s Half-Day Spa Package includes unlimited spa treatments from 9am to 12pm, whilst the Full-Day Spa Package gives you the opportunity for an entire day of pampering. In both cases, these treatments can be chosen from Health Hydro Day Spa’s Express and Luxury Spa Menus and includes beverages and lunch.
If you’re looking for a quick pamper, they also have promotions running on all their Luxury Treatments, which includes manicures, pedicures, various massages, facials and reflexology.
Health Hydro Day Spa also offers pop-up spas for functions, corporate events and celebrations.
To find out more about their spa treatments, winter promotions and pop-up spa, visit their website.
Where: 8 View Point Rd, Boksburg
Contact: [email protected] | [email protected]
Website: lifestylespa.co.za
Melody Hill Retreat
Melody Hill is a 2-hectare estate set in a secluded and peaceful pecan-nut orchard, on the banks of the Magalies River. Their grounds and facilities include a studio, swimming pool, labyrinth, river, orchard, vegetable garden and beautiful buildings. Since it is situated next to the valley’s river, the property is also home to a teaming ecosystem of indigenous plant life, porcupines, vervet monkeys and hornbills.
Melody Hill has two main venues – a large villa and a smaller 2-bedroom cottage, Huna River House. Whether you are looking to enjoy a group getaway or you are looking for a venue to host a retreat, workshop or course, Melody Hill offers a tranquil setting, nestled in nature. Stays can be self-catered or include catering from Melody Hill’s professional cooking team. All organic produce is sourced from local farmers.
Yoga classes with the hostess Tejbir Kaur can be arranged, as well as Kahuna massages.
Throughout June and July, Melody Hill Retreat is hosting a number of yoga retreats. To enquire about details and availability, make contact with Melody Hill.
Where: 16 R98 Road, Magaliesburg
Contact: 083 501 8406 | 082 806 7822 | [email protected]
Website: melodyhillretreat.co.za
Facebook: melody-hill-yoga-retreat
Instagram: melodyhillretreat
Abloom Bush Lodge and Spa Retreat
Abloom is a 5-star equivalent boutique spa hotel founded and run by owners, Carmen and Lowie. It is an intimate bush sanctuary comprising of four stand-alone thatched chalets, where guests are indulge mind, body and soul through luxurious private lodging, gourmet meals and lavish spa treatments incorporated into every stay.
A memorable aspect of any stay at Abloom are the exquisite meals. Cooking has always been Lowie’s passion. Guests are served a unique menu, which frequently changes depending on what available produce is the freshest as well as Lowie’s inspiration.
Abloom specialises in all-inclusive packages, where lodging and unlimited spa (the amount of hours allocated to a specific package) are included in the price. These packages offer either a self-catering or catered option.
If you have no time to stay over, but are in need of pampering, Abloom also has a day spa. They offer private spa pampering away from other guests and prefer to do all spa treatments outside on a private deck in the bush. They offer couple and individual spa packages as well as face, body and hands and feet treatments.
Where: Klipfontein K118, Cullinan, South Africa
Contact: 079 354 6142 | [email protected]
Website: abloom.co.za
Facebook: AbloomBushLodgeSpaRetreat
Instagram: geenevasenlowie
Abigail Samuelson
