Forming the southernmost tip of the African continent, South Africa stretches from the south of the Namib desert to the long Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines. As such there is a great diversity in climate and landscape and the cooler coastal regions in particular attract many tourists for the beach life. Here most of the South African spa resorts can be found.
While the beach and coastal resorts of South Africa are enduringly popular, many visitors to the country enjoy the big game sights of an organized safari and much of the attractions of South Africa are based around game lodges and resorts. These too can provide an excellent location for a health spa. Known locally as health spas, health hydros, health farms, and health resorts, the emphasis is clearly on health, although many of the procedures are common to most high quality spa facilities.
The health emphasis of the spas in South Africa focus on aerobics, yoga, and weight loss. Alternative health therapies are popular too. Diet and nutrition programs and advice form a significant part of any lasting South Africa spa experience and the point of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing is to carry the inspiration and philosophies into everyday life. So, while a visit to a South Africa spa resort is certainly tailored for short term relaxation, the long-term benefits are evident.
For those looking simply to unwind and remove all the stresses and strains of daily life and activity through some excellent spa facilities and treatments then they are well catered for too in South Africa. Traditional spa procedures include stress therapy, Swedish massage, hydrotherapy, Jacuzzis, saunas, reflexology and aromatherapy. Non-surgical beauty treatments are popular too such as facials and body scrubs and beauty salons are often incorporated into the larger spa resorts. Spa goers can choose individual treatments or full day packages tailored for any specific requirements.
South Africa is divided into 9 provinces, of which Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo Province, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape have the highest concentration of spa resorts. Gauteng is the former province of Transvaal, containing the largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg. In addition to the cityscapes of Johannesburg and Pretoria, Gauteng also has excellent African rural landscapes and the Magaliesburg Mountains, which form a stunning backdrop to a memorable spa resort experience.
The KwaZulu Natal Province has a long Indian Ocean coastline, the city of Durban, and is perfect for combining a spa resort visit with some shopping, cultural sites and experiences, and game watching in particular. Limpopo Province is characterized by lush indigenous forests and stunning mountains and is a particular favorite for those who prefer their spas in a more laid back and natural environment.
It is perhaps the diversity of South Africa which makes it so appealing to a wide variety of visitors and that is reflected in the South Africa spa resorts available. Some make the most of the natural environment and have the ethnic touches, artwork and design which is typically African, often incorporating a spa resort and safari experience in the same location. Others form a part of contemporary stylish luxury hotel resorts, where the spa is just a small part of the activities available, with a range of additional sports and leisure facilities too.
What is clear is that south Africa has the climate, the facilities and the expertise to offer some of the best spa resorts in the world and any visitor who chooses to incorporate a spa visit to their South African adventure is sure to leave invigorated, refreshed, relaxed and with a renewed sense of health, wellbeing and vigor.
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